Meaning is the driving force behind Joyce Hesselberth’s illustrations. “Every item, every line, every texture is important,” says Hesselberth. Her conceptual illustrations are coolly figurative, at times witty or whimsical, but always succinct. Great illustration distills the main message of a text. It has the ability to take a complex or abstract concept and make it readily understandable. “The illustrator’s job is to complement the text, to make it come to life.” Hesselberth melds simple yet clever figures and shapes with original and archival photography to render a message. Her visual language is often sparse, intuitive and tactile. “An illustration must engage the senses and stimulate the imagination.” Hesselberth’s illustrations provide concise statements for corporate and editorial assignments and add wonder and fun to children’s literature.

Joyce’s work has appeared in long running columns for the Washington Post Magazine and Yoga Journal. Her corporate clients include AARP, American Express, Janus, and United Airlines. Joyce’s illustrations have been featured in articles by Print and Step-By-Step Graphics and have been recognized by American Illustration, Print, Society of Publication Design, and The NY Art Directors’ Club. She has taught workshops at the Maryland Institute, College of Art and has lectured for various AIGA chapters.