We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arabelle Liepold a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Arabelle , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Moving to New York from Seattle and stepping into the role of Executive Director at the Society of Illustrators was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my career. It felt as transformative as my earlier move from Germany to the U.S. ten years prior—both marked significant moments of change and growth in my life.

Before coming to New York, I had built my career in the arts in Seattle. However, taking on the leadership of an iconic institution like the Society of Illustrators was both thrilling and daunting—particularly as the first non-American director, a non-New Yorker, and someone who isn’t an illustrator by trade, leading the oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of illustration in the U.S.

The backstory of this risk starts with a deep-rooted passion for visual arts and storytelling. When I came across this opportunity, I saw it as a unique chance to bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to an esteemed organization. Despite my excitement, I was acutely aware of the challenges: moving to a new city, adapting to a different cultural landscape, and earning the trust of a whole new community.

When I arrived in New York, I was immediately struck by the city’s vibrant energy and the rich history of the Society of Illustrators. My first few months were a whirlwind of learning and adaptation. I dedicated myself to understanding the institution’s legacy, connecting with its members, and immersing myself in the local art scene. Fortunately, I have an incredible team of passionate, creative, and supportive people, which made all the difference as I navigated this exciting new chapter!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I began my career in arts and culture in nonprofit fundraising. Later, I went on to lead a pop-up art space for the Goethe-Institut in Seattle, where I was able to directly support artists and amplify the work of creatives across various media. Since spring 2023, I’ve been serving as Executive Director of the Society of Illustrators, a 123-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for all ages and backgrounds to explore the art of illustration—whether you’re an artist seeking opportunities, a student looking for inspiration, or an art lover eager to discover more.

Our Museum of Illustration is located in a historic 1875 townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and is open year-round, featuring 16 annual exhibits and over 100 events that bring multicultural voices to a diverse audience of 25,000 visitors. In addition to programs open to the public, we provide illustrators at every career stage with valuable opportunities to grow and showcase their work, including portfolio reviews, networking events, and national and international competitions.

I’m incredibly proud of the variety of programs we offer throughout the year, all managed by a small team of just under 12 staff members! These programs include inclusive, free initiatives like drawing academies for underserved youth, high school workshops, and story time for kids.

Each year, we host Manhattan’s largest comics and cartoon festival, MoCCA Fest, which features over 400 exhibitors and attracts 7,000 attendees—a major undertaking for an organization of our size!

We’ve also introduced exciting new programs. This past year, we reopened our historic Rockwell Bar and launched monthly Museum Mixers, offering free admission, extended hours, live music, and exhibit tours to engage an even broader audience. Additionally, we held our first-ever Holiday Craft Fair, featuring over 40 exhibitors, which was such a success that it will now return annually. And in the spring, we made a significant international leap by bringing our Original Art Show to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy, marking our first overseas exhibition.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem through active engagement and appreciation of their work.

One simple yet impactful way is by attending shows and exhibitions. When you buy tickets to our events, you are not only experiencing the incredible talent and creativity of illustrators but also directly contributing to their livelihoods. Your presence and participation validate their hard work and dedication, making them feel valued and respected.

Purchasing art is another significant form of support. Whether it’s original pieces, prints, books, or zines, it provides artists with financial stability and encourages them to continue creating. And owning a piece of an artist’s journey is incredibly rewarding!

Credit and promotion are also crucial. When sharing art on social media or other platforms, always credit the artist. This recognition helps build their reputation and expand their reach. Additionally, actively promoting art made by humans reinforces the importance of individual creativity and the unique perspectives that each artist brings to the world.

At the Society of Illustrators, we are committed to showcasing human-created art. While technology has its place, we believe that art made by humans carries an irreplaceable depth of emotion, thought, and experience. AI can replicate patterns and styles, but it cannot replicate the soul and story behind each human-created piece. Our exhibitions and events celebrate the authentic work of human artists, and we hope that society will always recognize and appreciate the value of human creativity!

Let’s all commit to celebrating and supporting the incredible talents that enrich our lives and culture instead of taking them for granted.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of my work is bringing people together through art. Our events and exhibits inspire meaningful discussions and foster community, which is especially important in times of geopolitical challenges. Illustration is a powerful, democratic tool that addresses societal issues, celebrates diversity, and promotes understanding. In a world with growing divides, I’m committed to ensuring the Society of Illustrators remains a hub for creativity, dialogue, and community-building.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://societyillustrators.org/
• Instagram: @soi128
• Facebook: @societyillustrators
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arabelle-liepold
• Twitter: @SOI128
• Youtube: @SocietyIllustrators
• Other: https://www.moccafest.org/

Image Credits

Portrait = John Jay Cabuay
All other images = David Plakke