And awards? Oh, yeah, she’s received a few…like a whole stack of medals from the Society of Illustrators, the Hamilton King Award, the Les Usherwood Lifetime Achievement Award from the Advertising and Design Club of Canada, and an Honorary Doctorate from her alma mater, the Ontario College of Art and Design University…and that’s just to name a few. Anita was named one of the fifty most influential women in Canada by the National Post newspaper and in 2009 she was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada “for her contributions as an illustrator whose insightful works have graced publications around the world.”

And now, Anita Kunz has been—or will be early in 2017—inducted into the Society of Illustrators prestigious Hall of Fame. No one is more deserving.

As warm, funny, and friendly as she is fearless and out-spoken, Anita Kunz is, quite simply, one of the best of us, an inspiration to our community. She started her career in a male-dominated profession and, through her tenacity, imagination, and skills, opened every closed door and convinced every skeptical client or art director that she could handle anything they threw her way. Anita’s positive attitude ultimately broke down barriers and created opportunities that have benefited many young women that have followed her path.

Over the years I’ve had the good fortune to spend a little time with Anita (she was a Spectrum juror and graciously attended Spectrum Fantastic Art Live to talk with students) and I’m the better for it—as is everyone that has met her.

But don’t take my word for it: this video interview will give you just the slightest indication of what Anita is like in person.

So it’s with a great deal of pleasure I say: Congratulations, Anita Kunz, Hall of Fame Honoree!