The collection consists of approximately 500 professional illustrations by Parsons School of Design alumnus Bob Hiemstra, from the beginning of the 1980s into the early 1990s, when he produced fashion and spot illustrations for a wide range of magazines, newspapers, cosmetic companies and department stores.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Harry Marinsky (1909-2008) illustrated for many publications, including House and Garden, House Beautiful and Woman's Day. The New School Archives collection consists of seventy illustrations in watercolor and marker depicting residential and commercial interiors and exteriors.

Lorraine Fox (1922-1976) began her career in commercial illustration in the 1940s, becoming one of the most celebrated female illustrators of the mid-20th century. The collection, spanning the final decade of Fox's life, includes proofs, transparencies and tear sheets of album covers, book illustrations, greeting cards, and advertisements. Fox taught at Parsons School of Design from 1965 until shortly before her death in 1976.