Rick Jacobson and Laura Fernandez first met at the Alberta College of Art in Calgary, where both were enrolled in the Visual Communications program. Drawn to each other’s work and immersed in the college’s vibrant atmosphere of exhibitions and cultural events, they quickly developed a friendship that grew into both a life partnership and one of the most distinctive collaborations in the field of illustration.
After relocating to Toronto, they began their professional careers in editorial and publishing illustration before expanding into commercial work. Represented in both Toronto and New York, they built an impressive client list, working with top international agencies and earning numerous awards, including Toronto and New York Art Directors’ honors, Communication Arts Awards, and the Canadian Library Association’s prestigious Amelia Frances Howard Gibbon Gold Medal for Illustration.
What set their partnership apart was the way it evolved: initially a matter of necessity to meet tight deadlines on demanding projects, their collaboration developed into a unique “third voice.” While each maintained an individual style, together they created a blended aesthetic that became instantly recognizable and highly sought after.
Over the years, their portfolio has grown to include international clients such as Coca-Cola, IBM, Pepsi, Air Canada, Estée Lauder, BP Petroleum, GM, Disney, and the World Wildlife Fund. They have also illustrated 19 published children’s books and countless covers for children’s, young adult, and adult titles.
Today, Rick and Laura continue to work both individually and in tandem, exploring a wide range of mediums from traditional painting to digital illustration and design. Their work remains prolific, award-winning, and deeply admired, adding beauty and imagination to audiences worldwide.