PROJECT:

The New Yorker: Food as Landscape

Illustration, Editorial

COLLABORATORS

Caleb Heisey, Art Director

SUMMARY

The "Food as Landscape" series is a cover series made for The New Yorker magazine. Each scene highlights the food from a specific region while simultaneously hinting at the region's own landscape and atmosphere.

Concept

I wanted each illustration to evoke the feeling of each region rather than depicting specific landmarks. I put a heavy focus on the lighting for each illustration and create a sense of atmosphere that would be pleasing to the viewer.

Lyon, France

Opted for a very dreamy atmosphere for this romantic getaway. Since Lyon is known for its wine, I emphasized the deep reds and violets of the palette to contrast against the soft lighting of the nightsky.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Portraying the heat of the desert sun using a very warm palette. Also added in the decorative flags across the landscape to add a pop of color to contrast the rich yellows and subtle beige tones.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Rather than depicting natural light, Hong Kong was given a hazier atmosphere to depict its tropical climate in a densely packed city. The time of day is less clear and the main light source left purposely vague with the lanterns glowing above. The dim sum containers stacked around the scene act as nod to the region's layered cityscape.