Ben Simonsen's career has been wide and varied since the beginning which seems to suit him just fine. The more variety the better. He started out just like many talented artists drawing as soon as he could wield a pencil, crayon, or marker. He studied illustration in high school when it was more commonly known as Commercial Art. And was drawn to the field when the airbrush reigned as king.

After several years of producing gallery type work for himself and taking home awards in local and national art competitions he decided to attend the Salt Lake Community College to find out how to make a living from his passion. There he was introduced to the work of such leading artists as Gary Kelly, Gregory Manchess, and Brad Holland. Inspired with the dream of being an illustrator and with a degree in Illustration (minoring in Animation) under his belt, he put together a small portfolio and began knocking on doors.

Successes came fast and it hasn't stopped. His clients include: HP, Wendy's, Prudential Life, Black & Decker, Writers Digest, City Weekly, Direct TV, Tahitian Noni, Pioneer Theatre Company, Truth About Tobacco, Maverik Country Stores, Deer Valley Ski Resort, & Utah Arts Festival to name a few.

He has recently taught Comic Book Art at the University of Utah and has been awarded acceptance into the Society of Illustrators LA show. After freelancing for a few years he was offered a position to work with a production powerhouse studio called 8fish and is currently the Art Director there producing and directing animated and illustrated projects. He is still taking commissions on a limited basis and is always looking for another fun project.