ABOUT
Studio Zahn is the endeavor of Oregon-based illustrator and photographer Ted Zahn.
My artwork documents my ongoing fascination with the American Main Street. Mom ’n pop storefronts, faded neon signs, iconic neighborhood bars, indie theaters, and old-school eateries. For the past 2 decades I've captured thousands of these traveling across the country with my camera. Then during the pandemic, I found time to rekindle my love of digital illustration. I began to draw some of my favorite storefronts in the style of an architectural elevation, turned them into art prints ... and it took off from there.
After years of working as a creative director in the advertising and design industry, it's been a bit of a serendipitous turn to now be working full-time as an artist. I’m currently working out of my home studio, doing the drawing, and also the printing, packaging, shipping, marketing, ecommerce, finances, and babysitting 2 dog assistants. But I could not be more grateful.
I suppose I’m just getting older and nostalgic, but too many of these historic American places are fading anonymously from our streets. When we lose them, some of the unique character of our communities goes with them. I see each of these drawings as my own little act of preservation, restoring and honoring these iconic places. I think that same sentiment clearly resonates with those of you who've been kind enough to be a patron of my work. I'm approaching 300 drawings in 15 cities ... and I still feel like I'm just getting started.
From the beginning, I've donated a portion of the profits of this work to various historic preservation and small business relief funds, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, National Independent Venue Association, and the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation.
I hope this art can continue to raise the awareness and appreciation of these places—and rekindle the memories you've made at them. Long live Main Street!
