Mark Summers

Mark Summers works out of his studio in Waterdown, Ontario, Canada. He is known for his detail-rich, black-and-white portraits of literary and historical figures. His drawings, which regularly appear in the New York Times Book Review section, are distinguished by a dense network of horizontal lines etched with exquisite precision. While attending the Ontario College of Art in 1976, Summers was introduced to the scratchboard technique by the respected Canadian political cartoonist, Duncan Macpherson. This technique, reminiscent of turn-of-the-century engraved illustrations, has been used by Summers in numerous stamp designs created for the Postal Service’s Distinguished Americans series, among them Claude Pepper (2000), Wilma Rudolph (2004), Harriet Beecher Stowe (2007), and James Michener (2008). 

Summers’ present endeavors include book covers, as well as editorial, institutional, and advertising artwork. Some of his best-known work was done for Barnes & Noble bookstores where his drawings appeared on shopping bags, banners, and vans. Publishing clients include TIME magazine, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated, and The Atlantic. Summers has also created logos for Eddie Bauer and comedian Tim Allen.

Summers has been honored by the Society of Illustrators with two gold medals and one silver medal. In 2000, he received the Society’s coveted Hamilton King award.