Springtime Studio Illustration Blog

Bloomberg View: China's Mideast Policy

2012-02-07T11:29:00.012-05:00

For today's Bloomberg View: James Dorsey on the need for change in China's foreign policy, particularly in the Mideast. "The question is no longer whether officials in Beijing will abandon the principle of non-interference in other countries’ affairs to protect their expanding interests around the globe. The question is when."
Read the full Op-Ed here. (Click on the image above to enlarge.)
Thanks to Phil Lubliner for the awesome assignment and great direction.

A tight deadline combined with a concept that required a larger scene meant I really had to just speed through every step of this piece. Even though I would have loved more time to work on it, sometimes the really intense projects are the ones that have those nice surprises - those little details that develop their own personality somehow. I'm particularly happy with the small band of rebels in the lower left.

And while I'm on the subject of web spots: another quick one for newyorker.com, about Twitter's announcement that "it would censor tweets on a country-by-country basis." Read the analysis here.

Newyorker.com: Who Really Won Florida?

2012-01-31T12:58:00.004-05:00

For a post by John Cassidy on newyorker.com and the new Political Scene site. "For the past two years, a battle has been raging for control of the Republican Party. On one side: the Tea Party insurgents.... On the other side: the Washington-based Party hierarchy.... Now we know where the real power lies, and—no surprise, really—it isn’t on the side of the flag-waving teabaggers."

Bloomberg: Santorum’s Rise Is Evangelical Progress

2012-01-09T13:25:00.004-05:00

For Bloomberg View: Noah Feldman examines the state of religious tolerance in the Republican primary. Read the article here. Big thanks to Phil Lubliner for the great assignment and art direction!

NYTimes: Medicare and Private Health Insurance

2012-01-07T13:20:00.004-05:00

An illustration for the Letters section of The New York Times about "premium support," which would "give beneficiaries a set amount of money to shop among private plans for their own insurance," the latest Republican scheme to privatize Medicare.
Read the letters here and the original Op-Ed here. Thanks to Devin for the great art direction!

ADC Young Guns 9

2011-11-28T18:22:00.015-05:00

The Art Directors Club awarded me the prestigious Young Guns title and named me as part of YG9. I'm really honored to be included in such a talented group of people and accept the iconic ADC cube trophy. Here are a few photos from the awards party!

Accepting the award, with Young Guns 8 winner and talented MC Rich Tu

Engraving my name into the YG9 cube

Your dedicated Springtime Studio team

NYTimes: Starting a Business: The Romance vs. the Reality

2011-11-28T17:18:00.005-05:00

In the New York Times Sunday Business section: find out why starting your own business might not be "the cure for all workplace ills." Read the full article here.
A huge thank you to Minh Uong for the great assignment!

Bloomberg: Blame Supercommittee’s Failure on the Income Gap

2011-11-28T16:54:00.005-05:00

For Bloomberg.com: Peter Orszag explains how increases in income inequality helped create today's hyper-polarized political landscape. "To a stunning degree, Americans are increasingly moving into neighborhoods with other people who have similar incomes and share their political views." Read the full article here.
Many thanks to Phil Lubliner for the excellent art direction!

NYTimes: Health Insurance and The Broccoli Test

2011-11-21T16:45:00.006-05:00

An illustration for the Op-Ed page of the Times: will the Supreme Court judge the mandate to buy health insurance constitutional or not? Read the article to find out why they should indeed find the law constitutional.
Huge thanks to Matt Dorfman for the assignment!

The New Yorker: C Wonder

2011-11-21T16:43:00.004-05:00

A small banner in the November 21st issue of The New Yorker, for Patty Marx's review of the new Soho mega-store C Wonder.

The Ritz-Carlton Magazine: Beauty at Every Age

2011-11-21T16:33:00.005-05:00

An illustration and three spots in the current issue of The Ritz-Carlton Magazine. These were for an article about the particular beauty and health treatments most appropriate for various ages. Big thanks to James Truman for the great assignment!

NYTimes: Our High-Tech Health-Care Future

2011-11-10T17:31:00.003-05:00

An illustration in the Op-Ed section of today's New York Times: Frank Moss on why "The United States should commit to a 'moon shot' for a consumer health revolution." Thanks to Matt Dorfman for the great assignment and art direction!

NYTimes: We Are Family: A Tale of Racial Identity

2011-10-21T15:38:00.004-04:00

In the Op-Ed section of today's New York Times: letters about mixed-race families and what it means to be part of one.
Art direction by Alexandra Zsigmond.

The New Yorker: Dear Mountian Room Parents

2011-10-19T14:55:00.006-04:00

For a Shouts and Murmurs by Maria Semple in the October 24th issue of The New Yorker. Read the very funny "Dear Mountian Room Parents," here.
Art direction by Nick Vokey.

Doctors Without Borders

2011-10-19T14:32:00.010-04:00

A poster created for an auction in Italy to benefit Doctors Without Borders. Thank you to the very talented Emiliano Ponzi for organizing the event and inviting me to be a part it! I'm looking forward to seeing the catalogue, Artists Without Borders; a sneak peek at my page is above.

Some photos of the auction:

NYTimes: The Right Age for Starting Kindergarten

2011-10-19T14:24:00.005-04:00

For the Letters section of the October 2 New York Times: readers weigh in on the Op-Ed "Delay Kindergarten at Your Child's Peril."
Art direction by Devin Washburn.

NYTimes: Doctors Who Give Good Care, and Are Caring

2011-10-19T14:10:00.001-04:00

For the Letters section of the September 26 New York Times: letters about bedside manner and improving the doctor-patient relationship.
Art direction by Devin Washburn.

NYTimes Book Review: Noon

2011-09-19T15:51:00.000-04:00

An illustration for The New York Times Book Review, for a review of Aatish Taseer's new novel Noon. Thanks to Nicholas for the great assignment!

NYTimes: Back to School

2011-08-31T12:37:00.002-04:00

An illustration for the Letters section in today's New York Times, about back to school and education reform. "Teachers don't choose a career in the classroom for money, power or fame. What they want more than anything else is to make a difference in the lives of their students."
Thanks to Alexandra for the great assignment!

The New Yorker: Charles Atlas's "Joints Array"

2011-08-31T12:32:00.001-04:00

In the August 29th issue of The New Yorker: Joan Acocella writes about "Joints Array," an installation of Charles Atlas's videos of Merce Cunningham's joints, at the New Museum.

Bloomberg.com: Give Marx a Chance

2011-08-28T21:56:00.004-04:00

For bloomberg.com: renowned economist George Magnus explains why we might "Give Marx a Chance to Save the World Economy." Big thanks to Phil Lubliner for the awesome assignment!

NYTimes: Tearing Down Berlin’s Mental Wall

2011-08-13T12:19:00.006-04:00

An illustration for an Op-Ed in today's New York Times, marking the 50th anniversary of the start of construction on the Berlin Wall. Thanks to Alicia for the great assignment and art direction!

WTVR Magazine's "Art School Issue"

2011-08-12T14:29:00.007-04:00

A drawing for "The Art School Issue" of WTVR Magazine, published by Urban Outfitters. Thanks to Matt and Duncan for the great assignment!

Bloomberg.com: Rick Perry’s Candidacy

2011-08-10T14:36:00.004-04:00

For Bloomberg.com: "Rick Perry's Candidacy Crowds the Pews on Romney's Right." Many thanks to Phil Lubliner for the terrific assignment! Bonus unused color version below.

The Ritz-Carlton Magazine: Local Flavor

2011-08-09T15:42:00.005-04:00

An illustration and three spots for The Ritz-Carlton Magazine, for an article about locavore beauty treatments. Many thanks to James Truman for the great assignment!

NYTimes: Different Ways of Becoming Happy Families

2011-07-23T15:50:00.002-04:00

In the Op-Ed section of today's New York Times: readers respond to Frank Bruni's column "2 Dads, 2 Daughters, 1 Big Day." Bruni reports: "The first same-sex weddings will take place in New York, and Mintz and Feinblatt are saying their vows at Gracie Mansion, where Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a longtime friend, will officiate."
Thanks to Alexandra for the great assignment!

Two Web Illustrations

2011-07-18T15:59:00.006-04:00

Two quick illustrations for newyorker.com.
Above: "The Pope's Tweets," by Paul Rudnick. Below: "Fore!" by Larry David.

Congratulations New York!

2011-06-25T14:40:00.004-04:00

NYTimes: Taking a Stand on Libya

2011-06-22T10:46:00.005-04:00

In the Letters section of today's New York Times. Read the letter here. Thanks to Alexandra for the great assignment and art direction!!

NYT Book Review: The Mystery of a Sister’s Death

2011-06-14T16:18:00.000-04:00

Two illustrations for the Summer Reading special issue of the New York Times Book Review! The book, Sister, by Rosamund Lupton, is an acclaimed mystery that "puts the bonds connecting two distant and seemingly dissimilar siblings under the microscope."
Thanks so much to Nicholas Blechman for the great assignment!

The New Yorker: Guillaume Tell

2011-06-13T17:03:00.005-04:00

In the Summer Preview of the June 13 & 20th issue of The New Yorker: Caramoor's historic performance of Rossini's "William Tell," one of the paramount operas of the 19th century.

NYTimes: Elite Colleges and Economic Diversity

2011-06-01T23:30:00.004-04:00

In the Letters section of today's New York Times. Read them here, and the original article, about how top colleges overlook low-income students, here. Thanks to Alexandra for the great assignment!

Dear Japan: Saturday, June 4th

2011-06-01T17:16:00.004-04:00

I'll have a small painting for sale this Saturday in the show "Dear Japan," curated by the wonderful and talented Aya Kakeda. All the proceeds from this benefit event will go to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, which will split the money between four nonprofit organizations in Japan. The show features over 170 artists and should be a great time for a great cause.

June 4th, 2011, Saturday 4-8 PM (One night only)
Art Connect New York Gallery
491 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10012

NYTimes: The Wrong Reasons for Same-Sex Marriage

2011-05-16T14:06:00.006-04:00

An illustration for the Op-Ed page of today's New York Times. Read the article here. This was a fast assignment, three hours from commission to final; many thanks to Alexandra for the great art direction.

Maybe now is a good time to define Springtime Studio's stance on gay marriage: we're for it!

Three New Spots for Herman Miller Lifework

2011-05-16T13:55:00.002-04:00

NYTimes: A System for Courts to Redress Wrongs

2011-04-24T09:49:00.003-04:00

An illustration for the Letters section of the Op-Ed page. Read them here, if you have a digital subscription! Thanks to Alexandra for the great assignment.

NYTimes: A National Debate Over the Budget

2011-04-09T14:29:00.008-04:00

An illustration for the Letters section of today's New York Times. Read the letters here. Art direction by Alexandra Zsigmond; thanks Alexandra!

The New Yorker: Chocolates!

2011-04-09T14:25:00.007-04:00

For The New Yorker: a neuroscientist and chocolatier team up at the Rubin Museum for an exploration of how pleasure works in the brain.

The New Yorker: Young Jean Lee

2011-04-09T14:15:00.003-04:00

A portrait for the April 11 issue of the New Yorker.

Herman Miller Lifework

2011-03-23T15:36:00.004-04:00

Two drawings for Herman Miller Lifework, on taking time for yourself (top) and celebrating daily.

NYTimes: Abuse of the Disabled in Group Homes

2011-03-21T13:17:00.004-04:00

For the Letters section of Sunday's New York Times. Read the letters here and the original article here. Thanks to Alexandra Zsigmond for the assignment!

Newyorker.com: Shouts and Murmurs

2011-03-14T20:51:00.002-04:00

An illustration for a Shouts and Murmurs piece on newyorker.com.

The New Yorker: Ballets Russes

2011-02-21T18:53:00.013-05:00

In the Goings On About Town section of this week's New Yorker: Joan Acocella on the newly-discovered footage of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes.

NY Times: When Parents Are Pushed to the Limit

2011-02-21T18:11:00.003-05:00

An illustration for the Letters section in Saturday's New York Times. Read the letters here and the original article here. Thanks Aviva!

Recent Web Spots

2011-02-21T16:46:00.003-05:00

Three recent web spots; one for newyorker.com (top); two for Herman Miller Lifework. The last one is for a post I wrote about my desk chair.

The Ritz Carlton Magazine: Spa Treatments

2011-02-21T16:35:00.005-05:00

One large illustration and three spots for The Ritz Carlton Magazine. Above: a six-hand massage; below, left to right: Irish peat body wrap; diamond magnetic body scrub; hammock massage. Art direction by James Truman. Thanks James!

Drawings!

2011-02-15T17:10:00.001-05:00

Some sketchbook drawings from last week!

NYTimes: What Being Biracial Means Today

2011-02-06T00:45:00.011-05:00

An illustration for The New York Times Letters section in today's paper. Read the letters here and the original article here; both are really fascinating and worth a read! Thanks to Alexandra Zsigmond for the great assignment and art direction.

The New York Times: Why Yemen Won’t Fall

2011-02-05T13:35:00.007-05:00

In the Op-Ed section of today's New York Times: an analysis of why Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, may not be next in line after Tunisia and Egypt for regime change. Read the article here.

Many thanks to Gary Fogelson for the great assignment!

The New Yorker: Xavier Le Roy

2011-02-05T13:25:00.003-05:00

In The New Yorker this week: an illustration of Xavier Le Roy's dance performance "Self Unfinished" at MoMA. More info about the performance here!

Herman Miller: Stop Wasting Energy and Unplug

2011-01-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

More drawings for Herman Miller Lifework; read the post by Julie Zeff here.

Herman Miller: New Year's Intentions That Stick

2011-01-07T11:08:00.001-05:00

For Herman Miller Lifework; read the post here!

Bananas On "The Colbert Report"

2011-01-07T11:00:00.004-05:00

Comedy genius Stephen Colbert did a segment on The New Yorker's article about the fungus that is destroying bananas, and my illustration made a few appearances!

Watch the full segment here.

The New Yorker: We Have No Bananas

2011-01-03T20:43:00.008-05:00

In the current issue of The New Yorker, read all about the blight that is destroying banana plants in Asia and Australia and could spread to Latin America.
Thanks to Chris Curry for the great art direction!

NYTimes Letters: Making Choices for End-of-Life Care

2010-12-29T16:01:00.003-05:00

In the Letters section of today's New York Times. Read the letters here, and the original article here. Art direction by Aviva Michaelov. Thanks Aviva!

Happy Holidays & Hello 2011!

2010-12-24T13:06:00.009-05:00

Happy holidays everybody! These drawings were made for Herman Miller, read about some year end rituals and lists here.

See you in the new year!

Christmas in Springtime

2010-12-23T13:36:00.000-05:00

We made this very special song for you, with Christmas cheer and advance apologies for the off-notes. Enjoy!

Holiday Gift Guide for Herman Miller

2010-12-03T20:13:00.002-05:00

I was invited to make a list of great design gifts for Herman Miller Lifework. Read my recommendations here.

The New Yorker: Nutty

2010-11-22T20:00:00.005-05:00

In the immortal words of George Costanza: "So, we meet at last. I
admire your skills, Mr. Peanut."
This is in the current issue of The New Yorker, Nov.29.

The New York Times Op-Ed

2010-10-08T13:32:00.005-04:00

I'm a bit late blogging this! In The New York Times Op-Ed 40th Anniversary paper: "Advice for freshmen from the people who actually grade their papers and lead their class discussions." Read the article here. This was a fantastic assignment! Art Direction: Aviva Michaelov. Thanks, Aviva!

The New Yorker: Poetry Society of America

2010-09-28T21:14:00.007-04:00

In the October 4 issue of The New Yorker: the Poetry Society of America celebrates its centennial. Can you name all the poets above? Click to enlarge. Bonus sketch below:

Recent Web Spots

2010-09-28T20:54:00.006-04:00

A few trick plays for newyorker.com...

...and some highlighters for Herman Miller Lifework.

NY Times: A Time for Reflection on Two Wars

2010-09-01T17:00:00.005-04:00

A Letters piece in today's Op-Ed section. Read them here.
Art direction by Ed Nacional. Thanks Ed!

The New Yorker: The Science of Flight

2010-09-01T16:48:00.009-04:00

For a fiction piece by Yiyun Li in the August 30 issue of The New Yorker.

Higgins Gallery Show with Kitty Cat Press

2010-08-22T16:21:00.006-04:00

Here are two installation shots of our show with Kitty Cat Press at the Higgins Gallery in Portland, OR. Thanks to Tyler and the Kitty Car crew. The show is up until the first week of September.

The New Yorker: Critic's Notes

2010-08-17T15:49:00.020-04:00

Young Lady

2010-08-16T23:27:00.001-04:00

Part of a larger drawing for an upcoming illustration.

Pencils for Herman Miller

2010-08-03T20:50:00.009-04:00

Read the roundup here; boingboing mention here!

The NY Times: The Roberts Court, Five Years Later

2010-08-01T11:04:00.001-04:00

Read the letters here. Art direction by Ed Nacional. Thanks Ed!

Screenprints with Kitty Cat Press

2010-07-23T12:11:00.003-04:00

Group Show in Cooperstown, NY

2010-07-23T10:14:00.004-04:00

Morgan and I will both have work in "Contrariety," a group show at the Smithy Gallery in Cooperstown, NY. It is curated by the inimitable Joshua Ray Stephens, who has assembled a very eclectic and impressive group of artists for the event; the show will be on view simultaneously with a solo exhibition of Joshua's work. The opening is July 29th, from 5-7PM, and the show runs through August 26th.

Postcard drawing and lettering by Joshua Ray Stephens.

In Progress

2010-07-21T20:43:00.009-04:00

The New Yorker: "The Battle of Stalingrad"

2010-07-19T21:01:00.002-04:00

A puppet performance by Rezo Gabriadze at the Lincoln Center Festival.

The New Yorker: Secret Life of Tap

2010-07-10T12:17:00.004-04:00

"The World of Tap Dance" at CUNY Graduate Center.

Happy July 4th!

2010-07-04T15:59:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone! Happy 4th of July!! Have a great night and celebrate being an American, yay!

Saturday Afternoon Cat

2010-07-03T12:58:00.002-04:00

Boobie Summer

2010-06-29T23:19:00.006-04:00

Specialists have been predicting a Butt Summer since early spring, but new enthusiastic reports are pouring in from all over the country confirming that it is, indeed, a Boobie Summer -- the first since Summer 2006.

Marionette Street Vendor

2010-06-29T22:52:00.003-04:00

Here is a little guy that I drew for an emergency last-minute assignment. He ended up not getting used in the final. Too bad, he sells delicious ices.

99% Gallery, Tonight!

2010-06-25T13:41:00.005-04:00

I will have a piece up at 99% Gallery for an exhibition titled "Brooklyn Stand Up," a show of work by young Brooklyn artists. The opening reception starts at 7PM tonight. 99% Gallery is located at 99 North 10th in Williamsburg.

Recent Web Spots

2010-06-22T19:49:00.008-04:00

"The BP Cookbook" for The New Yorker website:

And some notebooks for the Herman Miller Lifework blog:

Sunday Funnies, Father's Day Edition

2010-06-20T13:28:00.007-04:00

Vintage Sunday-afternoon Dad, circa 1989. Flying kites with my dad will always be one of my favorite childhood memories, despite the fact that our kites often met gruesome fates -- typically tree branches or epic "spaghetti" tangles. Once, one ended up on the roof of a nearby apartment building (I think it was an X-Men kite). Of course, while those tragic endings made it that much more fun, there were also the times when the kite went up so high that we ran out of string and it would look like a tiny dot in the sky.
Happy Father's Day!

Herman Miller: Fountain Pens

2010-06-08T18:02:00.007-04:00

Here are some spots for the Herman Miller blog, Lifework. The post has a few suggestions as to what fountain pens would make great presents. If anyone wants to buy me one of these, spring for the Visconti Homo Sapiens ($595, pictured top), which is forged from the volcanic lava of Mt. Etna in Sicily and has a palladium nib.

The New Yorker's New Man

2010-06-07T19:12:00.026-04:00

I accepted a position as art director at The New Yorker earlier this month. Starting this week, I am taking the reins from the great Maximilian Bode, who after four and a half years is moving on to new endeavors. I have always thought that The New Yorker was an indispensable asset to civilized culture; more than just a magazine, it's one of those rare publications with a calling and a responsibility. Needless to say, I am incredibly honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of it.
I am still available to do freelance illustration assignments; I will unfortunately have to take projects with a faster turnaround on a case by case basis.

Smokers

2010-06-06T22:02:00.002-04:00

NYT Op-Ed: The Federal Response to the Oil Spill

2010-06-03T08:30:00.001-04:00

In today's New York Times, readers respond to the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and weigh in on who should be held accountable.
Thanks to Kim Bost for the great art direction!

Springtime Says: Hello Summer!

2010-06-02T23:37:00.000-04:00

Louise Bourgeois, 1911-2010

2010-06-01T23:24:00.008-04:00

I was very sad to hear about the death of Louise Bourgeois yesterday. Strangely, Morgan and I made the pilgrimage upstate to Dia Beacon largely in part to see her work that very day. She is one of our favorite artists. It's somehow moving to think that at the time of her passing, we were perhaps being awed and humbled by her monumental Crouching Spider in one of the most beautiful museums in New York. Read her obituary in The New York Times here.

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-30T13:25:00.005-04:00

Pictured is a ubiquitous still life that will be at every single cookout in Brooklyn today. It will go on to make countless subsequent appearances over the course of the summer. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Sketchbook Freckles

2010-05-29T14:01:00.002-04:00

Ursa Minor

2010-05-29T13:44:00.005-04:00

I found this little bear that Morgan made when I was picking up the studio today.

Herman Miller Illustrations and Interview

2010-05-27T10:23:00.011-04:00

I did a brief interview with Cerentha Harris at Lifework, the Herman Miller blog. She asked me some fun questions about working from a home office. Read the interview here! You can find out all my trade secrets -- my beloved Dazor lamp, my systems of organization, my coveting of the Eames Storage Unit, and more. Some drawings of my workspace below:

Thanks to Cerentha for the interview!

The New Yorker: Survival of the Dead

2010-05-24T21:30:00.015-04:00

For The New Yorker: George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead. The film tells the story of two families and a group of National Guard soldiers on Plum Island who struggle to fight off a zombie epidemic.
Unfortunately, this illustration was killed and never went to press. Now it's undead, existing only on my blog. That's the circle of life I guess.

Paw Prints

2010-05-22T11:10:00.000-04:00

Library

2010-05-18T14:35:00.002-04:00

New York City: Man About Town

2010-05-18T14:28:00.014-04:00

NYT Op-Ed: Liberals, Conservatives and Abortion

2010-05-17T00:35:00.004-04:00

In today's New York Times. Read the letters here and the original essay here.
Art direction by Gary Fogelson. Thanks, Gary!

NYT Book Review: I Do. I Do. I Do. I Do.

2010-05-16T09:40:00.007-04:00

This piece is for a review of The Lonely Polygamist, the story of a man with four wives, twenty-eight children and three houses in 1970s Utah. "Golden Richards, the “lonely polygamist” of Brady Udall’s second novel and third published work of fiction, is not only lonesome but also many other things that, ideally, a patriarch and apostle of the Lord would not be: indecisive, feckless, withdrawn and hesitant." Read the whole review here.
Art direction by Nicholas Blechman. Thanks Nicholas!

The White Whale

2010-05-15T17:53:00.004-04:00

Dog Walker

2010-05-15T17:02:00.000-04:00

Mustache? Or Little Man?

2010-05-15T16:45:00.004-04:00

The New Yorker: 80*81

2010-05-14T23:01:00.010-04:00

This illustration, about a collaborative performance piece titled "80*81," ended up not going to press. The performance "explores the way the events of the tumultuous years 1980 and 1981 reverberate in history," taking as its centerpiece the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II.