C A R E E R . S U M M A R Y
For twenty years, I've been an artist, designer, illustrator and instructor.
As a designer, my strengths include imaginative use of images, typography, branding and information design. I enjoy working with clients and designers to transform their ideas into effective visual communication. I strive for the moment when my client says, "Yes! That’s what I imagined."

Since 1993 I've taught visual design, digital production, critical thinking and portfolio development, through hands-on, project-based classes which meet real-world objectives. Since 1999, I've created or consulted on print design and portfolio development curriculums at San Francisco State University, Center for Electronic Art, The Graduate School (Washington, D.C.), Touro College (New York) and others.

I founded Artist Resource in 1997. This non-profit online art organization served almost a million artists, designers, writers, students, educators and patrons each year until 2006.

As an art director and teacher, my goal is to find a starting point for inspiration, foster teamwork, provide constructive feedback, encourage critical thinking, and motivate designers to try it one more time, with feeling.

I love watching the light go on.

I've split my life among three cities, Chicago, New York and San Francisco. I loved living in San Francisco the best, but enjoy working in New York the most. I grew up in Chicago in the 60s. My memories of Chicago are mixed. When I was young, it was a tough, bigoted city ruled by Daly's iron fist. In spite of that culture, I have fond memories of riding my bike around the University, studying one summer at the Art Institute, protesting the war with a fervent cast of thousands, and attending a tiny, storefront 'alternative' school for the children of liberal parents associated with the University. I also have angry memories of being arrested,being beat up by neighborhood bullies, attending the Chicago Seven trials and seeing Bobby Seale gagged and chained, and (in my teens) searching in vain for a club where young whites and blacks could dance. Chicago has changed, of course, but remains much less cosmopolitan than New York or San Francisco.

After high school in New York, I studied art at Goddard College in Vermont (long, lonely winters); the Art Students League in New York (a wonderfully eclectic bunch of pros and amateurs); SUNY at Oneonta (printmaking in another bitter winter, but inspirational, thanks to Ed Mullen); and the University of Urbino, Italy (golden light, caffe mornings).

I received a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts from the State University of New York at New Paltz, where I graduated magna cum laude. This degree has served me not at all in my art career, but I had a wonderful time learning about working in different media, and my art history and critique classes have had a lasting impact on my understanding of art-making and its function in society.

When I moved to San Francisco in 1986, I joined numerous art organizations. Associating with other artists is always inspirational and a wonderful confidence-builder. These memberships kept me active and have been a source of many friendships and professional opportunities, leading to exhibits and sales of my work in galleries and public spaces throughout the Bay Area.

I had worked in the graphic design field, designing advertising layouts, managing print production, and creating traditional and computer illustration as well as fine art. After I moved to San Francisco, I worked at dozens of Bay Area publications and agencies, like The Bay Guardian, the Jewish Bulletin, and Film/Tape World. I began teaching digital design classes in 1994. As a designer, I worked full-time, part-time and freelance, but making art, teaching and supporting other artists are my passions. Eventually, I began to devote more time to teaching, making art, and developing the Artist Resource Web site and online community, which was committed to connecting, educating and promoting artists who, like myself, are still struggling.

In September, 2002 I moved back to New York where I teach digital design, image-editing, prepress techniques, and portfolio development workshops at Touro College in Manhattan, and I train private and corporate clients. Next to making art and designing print projects, teaching is my favorite job in the world. I also teach fun an productive collage workshops to private groups, as a source of inspiration and creative problem-solving.

Starting in the fall, 2008, I will be pursing a Master's in Illustration at FIT.

Thank you for reading. May you walk always with beauty before you.

Regards, Li Gardiner
January, 2008

P.S. For the detailed story of my struggle to become a fine artist,
please read Fear of Falling, An Artist's Life.
For my approach to making art, read my Artist's Statement
and view the rest of my portfolio.