About Jan Benham

Hello and welcome to my studio!

For me, creating art is the very definition of fun. The joy began with a box of crayons and a can of Playdoh. It continued as I studied Illustration and Design at Miami University, and grows greater everyday.

During my college years, I realized how vital creative camaraderie is for artistic growth. To interact with friends in the creative community, I paint with Central Ohio Plein Air artists on Saturday mornings, participate in Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators meetings and conferences, and take many online Make Art That Sells classes from Lilla Rogers.

My first professional job was doing courtroom illustrations for WDTN-TV in Dayton, Ohio. In between the murder and mayhem of the court, I helped create animated pieces for local children’s programs. I continued to hone my art and design skills at advertising agencies and design studios in Ohio before freelancing full-time.

I enjoy collaborating with clients to create art that engages their customers. It’s been my pleasure to work with wonderfully creative people. Here are a few of the companies they represent: 

• Highlights for Children

• McGraw-Hill Publishing

• Abbott Laboratories

• Nationwide Insurance

• Ohio Health

• OCLC

• USI Affinity

• The Ohio State University Alumni Association

• Battelle Memorial Institute

• The Columbus Symphony Orchestra

• Ohio Presbyterian Homes

• Columbus Monthly Magazine

• United Way.

Jan Benham Studio is located in Columbus, Ohio, in a hosta-filled garden shared with birds, butterflies, rabbits, raccoons and a few highly-opinionated squirrels.