The illustration community is saddened to learn that a dear friend left us after a long battle with cancer. Harry Campbell was a unique human and unparalleled talent to all who knew him.  

Harry had the courage to share his ongoing fight with his illness in his thoughtful writing, taking us along. We felt his struggle, and he made us all feel that things were okay. He was our warrior.

Several years ago, I wrote an article about Harry and his work. The article discusses his early work for Nickelodeon and how he eventually found his voice. It concludes with these words:

From Harry Campbell: “I learned from these images that I could be very connected to my art; more than I knew, I found a place to express true emotion and conviction.” 

It’s not easy to communicate heartfelt emotion in a vector drawing.  The mere sentence highlights how difficult such a proposal can be. With Campbell, it’s not so much how it’s done now, it’s why.

Some artists hone in on their styles in college and enter the illustration market fully evolved, but most don’t.  Many young illustrators could take solace in the fact that success is not something that happens right away, that working hard and paying the bills is honorable and is its own form of success.  Once earning a living is somewhat settled, an artist can then reach, search, and try for the next challenge.  The road to success is often a long one, full of detours and pitfalls, false starts and lessons learned.  In the end, this journey is our story, one we recount with pride.  Artists arrive where they are supposed to be eventually, and finding the sweet spot in their careers is a fortunate thing.  For Harry, it came after miles and miles on the road. We are glad he arrived.

Harry is loved by many, and our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Melissa, and his boys, the loves of his life.

Live brave, and enjoy the ride for Harry.

Harry Campbell, March 11, 1963 — August 24, 2024

– written by Tim O’Brien