The Artist

Maurice Tanner is an illustrator and graphic designer with over 20 years experience in the fields of advertisement, concept development and design. He graduated from California State University - Los Angeles in 1997 with a B.A, in Visual Communication and currently resides between Los Angeles, California and Columbus, Ohio. His main area of focus is Illustration, Limited-Edition Posters & Graphic Design, but he also enjoys working on fashion, advertisement, and editorial jobs.

A strong believer in Quality of Life, Maurice's studio is located wherever in the world he, his tools and some available paper happen to be.

You can find Maurice on most popular social media sites under the username "Mogullionaire".

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  Maurice Tanner Illustrator/Graphic Designer

"Having pursued music, acting, and entrepreneurship over the course of my life; illustration was the last thing I'd thought I'd be doing; however, once I started to create beautiful illustration works, it became my life."

~Maurice Tanner

The Story

As a kid I used to watch my cousin illustrate his own comic books. He was very good and even taught himself how to paint; however, not having the best creative support system, his art and raw talent faded away with the demands of "growing up". Nonetheless, seeing what he could do, made me want to better my drawing skills and sparked a life long interest in art. That love grew bigger when my family moved to Pasadena, California and I was able to attend many of the city's Educational Art Programs & Museums.

During my sophomore year of high school, my father gave me his 35mm Pentax. Film opened a new world for me and allowed me to gain confidence in seeing things, differently. I began to understand the way my brain processed things and - I liked it!

After I finished college, I wanted to start my own magazine and jumped into the publishing business. I quickly learned through trail and error, never to jump into anything. However, in that brief time I met a lot of small business owners, entrepreneurs and creatives that hired me to design their websites, print ads, and logos. Working on such diverse projects was indispensable and got me underway as a freelancer.

In the end, I learned it really didn't matter what my experience was, as long as I believed in myself and delivered quality work. Still a life long student of communication art, I try and take a few minutes out of each day to appreciate nature and the human mind, the place where all art begins. I then try and use that inspiration when working with clients all over the World.

What My Friends Think I do...

They say Like attracts like, and I'm fortunate to have surrounded myself with "friends" who happen to be other like minded, creative people. They get what I do, respect creative boundaries, and encourage me to do my best. They recognize this is my "job", and I have to make money. When it comes to personal projects, we respect the value (both artistically and monetarily) of the others time and talent.

What My Mom Thinks I do...

Her very own personal software tutor, computer repair person, data recovery service, printer technician, internet technician, and Church bonanza flyer maker.

What Society Thinks I do...

This all depends on who in society we're talking about. While I like to believe that most professionals understand the difference between a graphic designer and someone who is not; I still catch professionals acting like graphic designers all the time. I'll usually spot them at Office Copy Shops trying to create or even re-create "eye-catching" graphics without the understanding of how communication art works.

That's not to say someone who is not a designer cant create fabulous artwork. When it comes down to it anyone can learn to use a software program. Creativity and imagination on the other hand arguably can't be taught. So, until someone develops an app, program or plug-in that can ask the right questions, pay attention to detail, create something from nothing, or warn you when you are about to come off as an amateur - I care not what Society, thinks.

What Clients Think I Do...