Larry Merrill - Visual Information Specialist

Larry Merrill
Born Sept. 19, 1962 in Alexandria, VA

Education: Communication Arts at VCU, Drafting at Thomas Nelson

Favorite School Subjects: Art and Biology

Favorite Teacher: Mr. Taylor (Biology) He made learning fun.

Favorite TV Show: Batman Adventures

Favorite Sport: Football

What do you do? I illustrate things that really don't exist. The researchers have an idea of a process, technique, or new invention, but they don't know what it will look like. It's important to visualize something. Pictures explain far more than words. My drawings and animations are used to explain how the idea will work.

What advice would you give someone interested in entering your field or profession? Draw every day. Computers are great instruments, but never let your instrument become more important than your skills. If you want to be an artist, you must know the basics. Drawing is the foundation of the visual arts.

How do you "kick start" your creativity? Usually, I try to clear my mind. I take a long walk through the woods or a long drive while listening to music. Sometimes it seems my ideas flow more freely just as I'm ready for bed!

What advice would you give for maintaining a fresh and creative perspective on things? 1. Try to see something as if you've never seen it before. 2. Look at things from different angles -- literally! Get down on the ground or climb a ladder and check it out. 3. Be original. If you've seen something represented in the same way over and over, figure out a new way to show it or explain it.