At a very early age, Jay knew that a career in art would be in his future. Nothing was immune from his box of Crayolas. From the creative scribbles in his Dr. Seuss books to an attempt to recreate that fabulous jungle in Curious George Takes a Job on his own bedroom walls, everything became his personal sketchbook.   Years later, after studying fine art at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), Jay began his career illustrating for IDG Books Worldwide based in Chicago. Over the next five years he illustrated numerous books including Dogs for Dummies, Cats for Dummies and Birds for Dummies. These books can be found in a variety of languages and are available to audiences across the planet. Overall, this experience not only reaffirmed Jay's choice of career but also confirmed his talent as a desirable artist.   Along the way, decorative art has always been a part of Jay's focus. The simple artistry of the Arts & Crafts movement, the style and spirit of Art Deco, and the natural forms of Art Nouveau all inspire the imagery that Jay creates in his own original prints. A desire to deliver the very best in technique and craftsmanship is forefront with each and every edition he creates.   Today, Jay works in his 1915 Craftsman Bungalow home and studio with his wife and two very enthusiastic 6 and 8 year-old boys in Northern California.