Konica Minolta Calendar: May
“May” part of a calendar series for Konica Minolta. Kenny Eicher, AD.
Thoughts from Augusta
Just came back from from one of my dreams assignments for Golf Digest. Every year they hire one illustrator to visit Augusta National during The Masters to create a series of illustrations for next year’s Masters issue. A few thoughts as I digest the experience and start creating:
1) I forgot how much l like people in the South. It might be my press credentials but had many great moments with crew and patrons at Augusta.
2) Gary Player is one of the best humans in the world. He’s an all time great, sees me in the clubhouse and makes a point to chat me up in front others to make sure I feel welcome.
3) Learned a lot about writing from John Feinstein who is an all time great and Max Adler who is a young writer who could one day become a great.
4) Talked to a Major winning pro about life. I learned pro golfers and illustrators have a lot in common when it comes to fears and struggles.
5) Saw Jack Nicklaus’ interview in person and it’s obvious why people love him. Jack was answering a question about losing. He feels when the other guy (or woman) wins, you step back and let them have their day. Deal with whatever disappointment you have in private and let them enjoy their day because it means the world to them.
6) The crew from Golf Digest and Augusta made me feel at home. It has been one of the best weeks of my life.
Exhibit: The Art of James Yang
It was a pleasant surprise when I received a call from Ralph Giguere who curates for the Richard Hess Illustration Gallery at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The show is from March 12 through May 4 and titled, “The Art of James Yang” . The show is 30 pieces and mainly recent work. There really isn’t a theme but you will get a feel for the world we have experienced for the last few years. I will be coming to the University of the Arts for a talk on the 10th of April so please come and say hello or visit the show on another day. Much thanks to Ralph for all the help and support.
Bus! Stop! available today
Today is an exciting day. Bus! Stop! is now available in various bookstores and online and was named by the New York Times as a standout picture book for the Spring. The story is about a young boy who misses his bus and everything BUT his bus comes to his stop. This is my first book with Viking Children’s and I love my new team of editor Tracy Gates and art director Jim Hoover. Please pick up the book and let me know how you like it.
Here’s a little preview of the book. Enjoy.
Morningstar Magazine: Alternative Investments
Fun series for Morningstar Magazine about alternative investments. AD Alex Skoirchet collaborated and decided we wanted to play with a more open composition and use space as a metaphor for alternative investments since they are a category that is outside traditional thinking. We used a ping pong approach with adjusting elements for type and even using my illustrated versions of their icons. It was fun to merge my look into Morningstar’s magazine.
Parents Magazine: Vaccines
Parent’s Magazine is one of my favorite clients. Designer Jamie Lee called with a feature about the risks when some parents do not vaccinate their children. The timing for the project was perfect as I had come back from Naoshima Japan, which is home to the work of Yayoi Kusama who clearly was an influence. Speaking of Kusama, please check out my friend, Ellen Weinstein’s wonderful book about Kusama for MoMA.The main idea for both images was the fear of infections even when you think you are protected.
iammama.com: Noodles! Part 1
A Story about Noodles as part of my series of stories for iammama.com. The unusually cold winter had me eating a lot of noodles so it was the perfect inspiration.
