Jim Ford, a seminal figure in the rock poster art scene, was born in Sacramento, California. After high school in 1962, he went to Aspen, Colorado, where he initially lived as a ski bum. In 1964, Ford became the first City Draftsman for Aspen, Colorado, a role that would soon overshadow his burgeoning passion for art.
Returning to Sacramento in 1967, Ford founded Simultaneous Avalanche, a psychedelic light show company. This venture led to his creation of iconic rock posters, starting with the Grateful Dead at Kings Beach, Lake Tahoe. His portfolio quickly expanded to include posters for legendary acts such as Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Big Brother and the Holding Company with Janis Joplin, Cream, the Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix. Ford’s posters, noted for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, captured the essence of the psychedelic era and remain highly collectible today.
Lured back to the Rocky Mountains and Aspen, Ford joined Norm Clasen Advertising as a freelance graphic artist. Ford’s influence extended beyond posters; his whimsical, composite depiction of Aspen town and the ski hill, known as the Aspen Town art, became the national advertising campaign for the Aspen Skiing Corporation and was the Aspen logo for over a decade. He created town art for other ski resorts like Vail, Sun Valley, and Park City, along with numerous logos for various companies.
