08/10/2026
Robert “Zimm” Zimmerman began his career as a commercial illustrator, working from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s for publications including The New York Times, Newsweek, Time, The Atlantic Monthly, and U.S. News & World Report, as well as clients such as Target, American Airlines, Hertz, McDonald’s, and AT&T. As the digital landscape evolved, Zimm transitioned into interactive and web development, creating online games for organizations including National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. He later founded Bug Logic, where he combined his background in illustration with his expertise in technology and web development.
Zimm used his love for illustrators and technology to build the online community called Drawger, which connected illustrators online with process discussions, stories, and details of their work; a precursor to online communities in Facebook, instagram, and Substack. Zimm was a visionary.
Zimm was also a longtime friend and supporter of the Society of Illustrators, helping bring its competitions into the digital age with the development of its online submission system and supporting the Society and its staff for many years thereafter. In 2010, he and Scott Bakal received the Society’s Dean Cornwell Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their extraordinary support and dedication to the organization.
Kate Feirtag, the Society’s former Deputy Director, worked closely with Zimm throughout her nearly two decades at the Society, from 2007 to 2025. Read her special tribute to Zimm here: https://societyillustrators.org/remembering-robert-zimmerman/
Photo credit Scott Bakal
