I’ve put together this site mainly for the purpose of explaining the project and reassuring any potential contributors that this is just a personal “heirloom” project from me to my sons. No more than that. The collection is just something that I (and I alone) wanted to curate and bring to life for the two people who are the most precious to me. So I’m glad you decided to visit and have a look.

What are the “OK-Archives?” It’s a collection that I’ve been building since January of 2010. A collection of drawings done for my two sons, Owen and Keith (OK). The people who have done the drawings are artists who I either admire, have worked with, know as friends, etc. etc.

As an Art Director for over thirty years, I’ve had the good fortune to have worked with some of the best Illustrators and designers out there. My love of Illustration was the main reason that I became an Art Director in the first place. And the inspiration that I’ve felt by looking at the amazing work that illustrators, designers, photographers and typographers do, has kept me going and afforded me a great career. So, by putting together a collection of drawings done specifically for my boys, I hope to give them something special that might inspire them as well. And it’s been a lot of fun for me over the years.

Do I pay? Yes. I don’t specify what I pay, though. I let the artist tell me what they want and I figure out a way to come up with the money. Some artists don’t ask for anything but I prefer to make it worth their time in some way. Contributing to a charity of their choice is one option and the other is just a straightforward payment. Doesn’t matter to me. I just want everyone who participates to feel good about having done so.

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, I ask that you don’t pass the link on to anyone else without me knowing about it. This is a very personal endeavor and I don’t want to compromise its sincerity by putting the contributors’ generosity on display.

With that said, I thank you so much for your interest and discretion. And I hope you enjoy looking at some of the great pieces that have been done thus far.

Rob Story