Artist and fellow Illustrator, James Christensen passed away Sunday at the age of 74 after a decade long struggle with bladder cancer. He leaves behind a Wife and five children, many of whom carry on his artistic legacy in their own right.

James was not only an inspiration to many illustrators, but a mentor as well. Having taught for decades at BYU in Utah, many of today’s Illustrators were set on their current paths thanks his tutelage and support.

He will be greatly missed.

I feel very strongly that you do art because you can’t be happy doing anything else; you can’t not do art. It’s the desire, the fire in the belly, the way your brain is wired.” 

– James Christensen