Bio

From an early age, Nathan T. Ota always found himself drawing pictures over doing his homework by copying various cartoons, comic books, photographs and old punk rock flyers. Nathan's first influences started from looking at his older brother’s Frank Frazetta calendars and Vampirella comics. His mother, also an artist, and Father encouraged and supported his love for art at an early age. In the mid 80's, he discovered graffiti art as a medium to express himself on various public spaces in Los Angeles. This influence still permeates his personal work today.

Ota works as a freelance illustrator and teaches at Otis College of Art and Design, CA and Santa Monica College, CA. He has illustrated several of Henry Rollins' spoken word CD covers including; The Boxed Life, Big Ugly Mouth, Sweatbox, Live at McCabe’s and Human Butt. A partial list of clients include; The Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Virgin Interactive, Capitol Records, and 2.13.61 Publication.

Ota was born, and resides in Los Angeles, he earned his Bachelors degree in Illustration at The Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA. in 1993.

Experience
Illustration 1993–Present
Newspapers: Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, San Diego Union Tribune, Sacramento News & Review, LA Weekly, City Beat.
Magazines: Business Week, US News & World Report, Writers Guild of America West, Mix, Jazziz, Electronic Musician, Guitar Player, Music & Computers, Swing, Request, Keyboard, Movieline, Computer Life, Computer Gaming World, Stocks and Commodities, Financial Executive.

Exhibitions 1992-Present
DVA Gallery
“Evolutions and Explosions” Group Show 2006
Pete & Susan Barrett Art Gallery
“Dialogue, The Fine Art of Conversation 2004
La Luz De Jesus Gallery
“Uncommercial Art by Commercial Artist” Annual Group Show 1998-Present
“Everything but the Kitchen Sync Show” Annual Group Show 2003- Present
“Group Show” Four Person Show, February 1997
“Good Times Bad Times & Caffeine” Two-Person Show, May 1994
“Day Of The Dead” Annual Group Show 1992-95
Korean Cultural Center
“Art & Issues” Group Show 1999
CafÈ Gallery
“Dances With A Line” Group Show, June 1994


Entertainment & Publication 1987-Present
Clients: Capital Records, Virgin Interactive Entertainment, House Of Blues Music Co., Imago Recording Co., 2-13-61 Publications, Quarterstick Records, Murphy Designs, Giant Merchandising.

Teaching
Santa Monica College 1999-Present
Figure Drawing, Design and Painting for Illustration

Otis College of Art and Design 1999-Present
Drawing & Painting and Communication Studio

Education 1990-1993
Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction Honors in Illustration
Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA

Achievements
“No Red Ribbons” Artwork selected for inclusion to, ”Heal” benefit Art Auction. 1997,98,02.
Society of Illustrators NY: Artwork selected for the 38th & 45th annual Illustration exhibition and publication. 1996,2003
Communication Arts: Artwork selected for the 43rd, 44th and 45th annual Illustration publication. 2002, 03, 04 and 06
American Illustration: Artwork selected for the 22nd and 23rd annual Illustration publication. 2003& 04
Society of Illustrators LA: Show Chairman 2002
Society of Illustrators LA: Artwork selected for Gold Medal in the 41st annual Illustration publication.