Her Story
About Mary
Mary Jane Begin has built a distinguished career as a freelance illustrator and educator. Since 1985, she has worked as a freelance illustrator on projects spanning advertising, children's books, educational materials, and publishing. In 1992, she joined the Rhode Island School of Design as an adjunct professor and internship advisor, where she teaches four classes annually and guides students in juniors and seniors toward internships and professional opportunities in animation, gaming, and publishing. She earned her BFA from RISD in 1985, graduating with honors after ranking in the top percentile of her class. Her practice informs her teaching, and she emphasizes skill building, best practices, and connecting students to industries that utilize illustration. Beyond her roles at RISD, Begin has chaired the illustration department and taught in a master's program at Hollins University for nearly a decade before stepping back to focus on her studio work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mary
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think curiosity is absolutely critical. Constant curiosity about something that you might want to learn about or know about, and not being afraid to try it, even if you don't do well at first. And then the second piece is determination to forge ahead even if the doors that you find are not the ones you expected. I call it chutzpah. Being able to prove you can be creative, work from the start. You have to pivot, pivot, pivot.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My high school art teacher convinced me to go to Rhode Island School of Design and go into art instead of science. She said you like science, but you love art, and if you do what you love, that can last. She said you'll figure out how to make a living. I pivoted away from veterinarian studies to art school, and that advice changed my direction and gave me a sense of purpose.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Understand your worth and value. Be wise about putting yourself out there in terms of marketing. Make sure your resume is solid and consistent. Know current practices with AI reading resumes. Take it till you make it. Don't be afraid to follow up, reach out, and negotiate. Young women should not be afraid to utilize the fantastic voice that they have. Dig into what you care about and what you want to say, then share it confidently.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is the influence of AI in both the teaching of students trying to learn art, as well as in the supplementation of jobs. It's a brand new challenge. When do you introduce AI? In what capacity? If you supplement artificial intelligence for your organic intelligence, you're going to have a problem because you aren't learning to be a creative thinker or innovator. Innovation comes from mistakes.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity matters a lot. When you say you're going to provide something, you do it. You live up to the expectations of your clients and for yourself. Lead with your moral core. If it feels funky or makes you squirm, you probably shouldn't do it. Genuinely embrace something with a sense of excitement and joy even when it's not your favorite thing. Find the good juice in a situation. It's all in perspective, how you look at it. Reframe anything to find the best parts.
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