Stan watts began illustrating in 1973 while apprenticing under Don Ivan Punchatz in Arlington, Texas, while still being a student at the University of Oklahoma. He began his freelance career in 1976 and was represented by Paul Cormany, (Los Angeles), American Artists, (New York), Jim Lily, (San Francisco), Ceci Bartels, (St Louis), and Joel Harlib (Chicago).

He successfully developed a style that bridged photography and illustration, resulting in many iconic images that spanned over two decades from the 80’s through the 90’s. His work received international recognition, including two Grammy Nominations, numerous Key Art Awards, and many entries in illustration annuals, both national and internationally.