Adar Darnov is a graphic designer, illustrator, and fine artist whose work bridges Jewish identity, storytelling, and design. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York, Adar has built a creative career that moves fluidly between freelance illustration and his role as senior graphic designer for the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. Drawing inspiration from his rabbinic home—his father a rabbi, his mother a cantor—Adar speaks about how creativity and Judaism have always been intertwined in his life, and how teaching, community, and design all play into his artistic mission.
In this conversation, we explore Adar’s artistic journey—from his early days at SVA studying under master illustrators, to his freelance ketubah commissions, to creating large-scale Jewish-themed installations for Federation. He shares how artists can balance personal voice with client needs, the ethics of AI in design, and the importance of helping one another within the growing Jewish creative community. For Adar, Jewish art is not only about self-expression, but service: using creativity to uplift others and tell stories that strengthen community.
About Adar:
I am a creative professional with six years of experience working full-time in graphic design roles. In addition, I have been doing freelance art and design and selling my artwork for over fifteen years.
My passion for creativity is matched by my desire to do meaningful work, which is why I am thrilled to work for the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey and our family of agencies. As the senior graphic designer, I execute branding and design and help shape our design strategy across a wide range of print and digital graphics. It is exhilarating to support the Jewish community with my work, which reflects my Jewish values.
I also have diverse experience from prior roles as a graphic designer at Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Key Food Stores Co-Op, School Photo Marketing, and several marketing and art-related internships and apprenticeships.
Throughout my creative education and career, I have had the privilege of showing my art in exhibitions, delivering art talks, winning awards, and being published.
As I continue to grow my full-time work as a graphic designer, I am always seeking opportunities to freelance or teach in my evenings or on weekends. Please feel free to reach out if you are interested in working together!
https://adardesigner.com/Realism-Art/
https://www.facebook.com/DarnovArt
https://www.instagram.com/_darnovart/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/AdarDarnov/
Artists Adar thinks you should know:Jack Kirby
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