Anthony Accardo was born in New York City, and spent his youth in Southern Italy where he studied art and design. He holds an AAS in Art & Advertising Design, a B.Tech. in Communication Design, and an MFA in Illustration. His drawings and paintings have been exhibited in several art galleries and group shows both locally and internationally.

A member of the Society of Illustrators since 1981 Accardo has won numerous national and regional awards. He has worked on several major advertising campaigns and has illustrated more than 90 books worldwide. And is perhaps best known for his illustrations for the Nancy Drew Notebooks series.

Accardo is currently an adjunct Professor at New York City College of Technology where he teaches Design Research, Advanced Illustration, and Senior Project.