For more than two decades, I've had the honor of walking the halls of giants in the entertainment industry. My journey as an artist and creative director has been a privilege, allowing me to contribute to vast, beloved universes. But every artist knows there is a world within, a personal map of places and characters that wait patiently in sketchbooks and daydreams.
For me, those worlds have always been Utherworlds and Secret Places.
A recent career transition has given me the rare gift of perspective, and with it, a unique opportunity. It’s a chance to dedicate myself entirely to bringing my own creations to life in a way I've always dreamed of.
Today, I’m thrilled to officially announce the launch of Philip Straub Creative, an independent venture with a singular mission: to expand my original worlds into new and dynamic mediums. We’re beginning this journey with my two most cherished projects.
The first is Utherworlds, the dark fantasy saga I have been building for years. It’s a world forged in shadow and epic light, and I am finally bringing it to life in the way I’ve always envisioned: as a cinematic experience.
The second project is Secret Places and Meet the Imaginaries. This is a place of gentle magic and childlike wonder, a world that has already found a wonderful audience through prints and licensing. Drawing on my experience illustrating nearly 30 books for the legendary Mercer Mayer, I am now completing the Secret Places storybook and bringing its whimsical characters to life through animation.
This blog will be the home for this entire journey. You’ll get a front-row seat as I build these two very different universes—one epic, one enchanting—using a blend of traditional artistry and groundbreaking new tools.
This is the start of a new chapter for these worlds. I’m excited to build it and honored to share it with you.
