RSVP: The Director of Illustration and Design

Richard Lebenson was the owner/publisher of RSVP:The Directory of Illustration & Design, one of the leading national artist’s directories in the U.S. for over 30 years, often described as “Big enough to have an International reputation, and small enough to carry with you.”

Before the internet, RSVP provided a critical service to artists. It helped them get their work in front of the premier publishers of commercial art in the U.S. and around the world.

It was also the first of its kind in many respects. RSVP was the first illustrated creative directory created specifically for Illustration & Design (others catered primarily to photographers); first to use a smythe-sewn, square back binding; first to have illustrated covers (by many of the top artists in the country); first to offer card-stock reprints, first to offer an answering service (RSVP Callback), the first to have annual Illustration Competitions, including 5 Student Competitions (an exhibition was held at Warner Communications) and 10 Theme Competitions, such as “Dreams”, “Cityscapes” and “Self Portraits” (the exhibitions of original art were held annually at the Society of Illustrators); first to have “The Launching Pad” section, specifically for new talent, selected young illustrators entering the field (a discounted price including the ad, free answering service and card-stock reprints); first to have a Featured Illustrator each year; first to have a PosterCollection…a series of 10 RSVP posters, all illustrated and designed by renowned artists; and the first to print illustrated Business Cards using our cover art.

You can see the archived website and associated galleries by visiting the RSVP website.