Author Archives: The Pick

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About The Pick

Established in 1992, The Alternative Pick commenced with a clear mission, providing creative buyers with a vehicle to source the best brightest and most exciting illustrators, photographers, graphic designers and animators in the business. The Alternative Pick sourcebook (1992-2005) became the outlet for cutting-edge commercial talent, offering a unique platform for artists to showcase their work. The Alternative Pick Deck (2009-2012) offered a fun and engaging format for locating leading commercial artists. In addition, The Altpick Awards (2003-2011) introduced yet another way to provide a platform for talents to shine. To meet the demands of an ever-changing industry, Altpick.com was launched in 1996 and presently provides a vehicle for talent to utilize the web to connect more effectively with buyers. As we mark our 34th anniversary in 2026, Altpick.com remains a premier source for creative professionals and we plan to continue to push the envelope providing the best vehicle for buyers to connect with creative talent.

Zave Smith Builds A Bon Fire

A few years ago Joe Lombardo was hosting a party. He an invited dozens of photographers to show off their portfolios to a large group of invited art buyers.  His partner in crime Vince Nelson asked me if I would bring … Continue reading

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Tadd Myers Adds ‘The Grammys’ To The American Craftsman Series

Photographer, Tadd Myers was inspired by his father, Landis Wilson Myers, to document and tell the story of the American Craftsman.  His father worked as a wood worker, home builder, metal worker, guitar player, printing pressman, baseball player and self-made … Continue reading

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On Silk Stockings, Cigars and Turning 20

by Clare Ultimo My favorite 20 year old is celebrating an amazing history of creativity and commitment this year. And while I do know a lot of 20-year-olds, I’m talking about The Alternative Pick, the place to find edgy photographers, … Continue reading

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Brian Cummings’ Fairy Fatales : : Unhappily Ever After

Imagine that the sweet, beautiful, angelic protagonist of your favorite childhood fairy tale were actually a dangerous seductress, capable of heinous, deceitful acts and unforgivable cruelty towards fictional talking animals in pants and crowns. Need some help? Leave it to … Continue reading

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Jeff Hester : : Of Wine, Spirits, Food and Music

Multi-talented designer, Jeff Hester, specializes in packaging for the wine, spirits, luxury food, and music industries.  In addition, he is also an illustrator and works magic with typography.  Altpick Connects had the pleasure of talking with Jeff about one of his … Continue reading

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Artist Hugh Syme : : 36-Year Collaboration : : What A Rush

Our artist Hugh Syme recently completed a fantastic collaboration with Canadian rock band, Rush. Hugh is responsible for the cover art on their newest (and nineteenth!) album, Clockwork Angels (2012), as well as the images inside the album’s accompanying novel, and the cover … Continue reading

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Zave Smith’s “Kelica”

Voices In My Head                                                                         … Continue reading

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Kevin Steele :: Sheds Some Light

Early on photography was Kevin Steele’s tool for documenting the world of rock and ice climbing.   He was passionate about sharing those adventures and shedding light on the experiences that words alone could not do justice. For Kevin it’s … Continue reading

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Dahl Taylor :: Samuel Adams Redesigned Packaging

We would like to highlight a fantastic collaboration between Boston Beer and Dahl Taylor (represented by Mendola Artists).  Boston Beer has produced a limited edition Samuel Adams IPA Hop-logy variety pack containing an assortment of beers adorned with labels illustrated … Continue reading

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Zave Smith : : Of Life, Love and the Stuff In Between

Midwest born and trained, exuberant photographer Zave Smith has told some short and tall tales behind the lens. This is but a short snapshot of his many passionate stories. Once upon a time … The summer heat has melted the … Continue reading

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