That was how Brian Collins described New Visual Artist Timothy Goodman in 2009
Fifteen years later, does that description still measure up? Take one glimpse at his work, and the answer is apparent—a resounding yes!
Goodman grew up in a single-mom household of modest means in Ohio. He went from a rough childhood to painting houses for a living in his late teens and early twenties. With the encouragement of his boss, Dave Suster, he enrolled in community college art classes and, in 2004, transferred to the School of Visual Arts in New York, where he focused on projects with deep personal resonance.
His senior thesis, “Kids Need Dads,” considered the tenets of parenthood and masculinity in flashcards and posters that detailed the “tools for manhood” (literal and symbolic). Goodman printed two sets of laminated cards and sent one to Suster, who was moved to tears.
From PRINT Magazine, 2009, NVA Edition. Flash Cards—Designer: Timothy Goodman. Cover of Translucent —Designers: Timothy Goodman, John Fulbrook. Illustrator: Mark Stuzman. Illustration for The New York Times—Designer: Timothy Goodman. Art Director: Leanne Shapton.
As a young designer at SVA and through his first few jobs at Simon & Schuster, COLLINS, and Apple—all in a short four years—finding his voice mattered to him. In 2009, as a PRINT New Visual Artist, Goodman said,
I always strive to be part of projects that are memorable and unexpected, that allow me to squeeze a bit of myself out of it.
Timothy Goodman, 2009
From PRINT Magazine, 2009 NVA Edition. CNN Grill. Agency: COLLINS. Designers; Timothy Goodman, Kevin Brainard, John Moon. Creative Director: John Fulbrook. Executive Creative Director: Brian Collins.
What held true for Goodman in 2009 continues to drive him today. He is constantly trying to find meaning in his work, connect to people emotionally through his work and words, and start dialogues about difficult topics such as mental health, manhood, and love.
Timothy Goodman’s graphic memoir I Always Think It’s Forever was published by Simon & Schuster in January 2023.
He’s been recognized for his work over the years as well. A selected list includes AIGA 365 Design, AIGA 50/50 Book Covers, Art Directors Club Young Guns, American Illustration, Communication Arts, GDUSA People to Watch, Type Directors Club, and—yes—as a PRINT New Visual Artist.
Awards don’t define us at all, but I’m always curious to see how people feel about my work, and where I stand up against my peers. Being selected a PRINT New Visual Artist gave me a lot of confidence and encouragement and helped me see that I was on a good path creatively and professionally.
Timothy Goodman, 2024
How does your work resonate in the creative community?
The 2024 PRINT New Visual Artists competition awaits your entry, and a wide world of design leaders, instructors, colleagues, and peers can’t wait to see what you can do.