I met Bill while I was in school to become a graphic designer/ illustrator. I always hoped to work for one of the big ad agencies upon graduation. Bill took my aside and told me that I had potential because I had a good business mind. I now own my own design studio/ marketing agency because of the guidance and valued education I got from him. He also showed me how to get my name out there and get noticed. If it wasn't for Bill, I would still be working retail or still working in a copy shop doing production-which are both honorable jobs---but not my dream. Bill helped me earn my dream. I have also been very active in the St. Louis Artist's Guild in Clayton which Bill Vann was not only President of for sometime but remained on the board for many many years. He has also introduced me to some other wonderful people that my life is greater for having known. I am a better person because of Bill Vann. I pray for your soul and may you rest in peace dear friend and eminent mentor in my field of work. -Sami Newman

I first met Bill in a bookstore in 1976 when I was graduating from high school. He was in line buying about 30 books and laughing at the checkout line. I asked him what he was going to do with all of those books and he said that he was an illustrator working on some paintings. We shook hands and we've been friends ever since. What I always loved about Bill was his appreciation for all kinds of art and illustration. Always excited about the latest thing that he had seen in a show or museum. He had the energy of 5 men and always had time to speak to anyone or mentor students about art and illustration. I once had a one man show and he came and bought everyone of my pieces. I didn't even realize that he had done it until one day when I stopped by his studio and seen the pieces hanging on his wall. He was always very encouraging to my work and best of all he was a great friend to me. He was always giving his time and talent to others and I will deeply miss his jovial and energetic personality. He was abundantly talented and full of joy and life. God bless you Bill and your family and thank you for all that you did for me always. I am forever grateful for knowing you. You were truly a great friend and I miss you already.

Bill was one of the owners of Helios Studios that hired me right out of college. He was an amazing presence, and awesome to work for. We recently reconnected after many years when I moved back to St. Louis, and he remembered me and, as has been said so many times by everyone, treated me with respect and kindness. It's true that he has left an enormous hole, so I guess that means he did a great job living his life. Thank you for everything, Bill.

What a treasure Bill was to the St. Louis creative community. He was the glue that held everyone together. A fireball of creative energy. Passionate about illustration and the business of illustration. Bill was a tireless advocate for artist's rights. He was also an instructor, mentor, adviser and facilitator bringing together people whenever he found the opportunity. Bill was a guy who always followed through even though he had lots of irons in the fire at all times and I respected that about him.
I also respected his deep knowledge of illustration and enjoyed his warm, generous personality. Slowing down was just not in his nature. Bill wasn't a gentle breeze around us he was more like the trade winds in Hawaii always there, always a force of nature, creating a unique, healthy atmosphere for others to thrive within. Bill never stopped learning or working on improving his skills and I respected him for that too. Bill will be missed for so many reasons but I doubt he's resting in peace...no Bill's probably already having a ball in heaven meeting everyone and painting the starry hosts.

Having started in the business as a designer/art director around 1980, I don't have a memory of professional life without the presence of Bill Vann as a go-to person for a myriad of solutions that called for illustration. He truly was everywhere, doing everything, or so it seemed, and always reliable and with the best attitude (or maybe I should say without an attitude). He was a consummate professional and all-around good guy. Bill Vann truly was a legendary figure in our community. He rose to the top in all he did. I'm so very sorry to learn of his passing.

I met Bill in the 80's when I attended a couple of the old Dynamic Graphics Illustration workshops. I'd like to say we "clicked", but I soon learned Bill clicked with everybody, and that was some of his greatness (along with his extraordinary talent and passion). I doubt anyone ever felt small in Bill's presence because he was always so eager to help, to impart knowledge, and to encourage. Several years ago I was delighted to find there was an illustrators section at the Guild and that Bill was involved in its origin. Everyone at the Guild is great, but I think we would all agree that Bill has shaped the personality of the Guild as a generous place of fellowship, guidance, encouragement and creative affirmation. May God shower his family with grace and mercy in this most difficult hour. We will miss you deeply and dearly our good friend.

It's been an honor and a privilege to know and work with Bill most of my career. His absence will be felt in so many ways. Rest in Peace, Bill, and thanks for all the memories.

Jean Probert

It was a very sad day Monday...my long time friend, mentor, colleague, and an all around great guy Bill Vann passed away. His skill, work ethic, and never ending passion for art was an inspiration for all of us who aspired to have something even close to his amazing career. His studio itself was like a shrine to great illustration. As lucky as I was to have known him as an artist, I was luckier still to have been his friend. I will miss you so much Bill...you were the best.

Craig Skaggs