Portland based designer and illustrator Blaine Fontana imbues his work with the divine symbolism of religious myths, worldly folklore and current social dynamics, and considers his work a kind of shamanic exploration of meaning that recognizes the totemic quality and power of the image.

With extensive experience in the design world, including working for Felt Bicycles and acting art director for Zero+ Publishing, Fontana’s work displays a virtuosic understanding of sign & simulacra in contemporary visual culture.

Following Blaine on twitter, it’s easy to sense what a visual person he is, frequently attaching photographic and video media to his commentary. We love getting a first hand sense of his love for art and design, and his enthusiasm for sharing the work of other talented artists he admires.