Directory Illustration, Part 4
In the final installment of this series on Directory Illustration, I present yet more samples of my work that were printed and distributed all over the world. The two books I advertised in were American Showcase and The Workbook. I liked the Workbook product because, in its heyday, the L.A.-based company would send a beautifully bound and packaged directory. Aside from an Illustration volume, the set included a Photography book, and even a very handsome and practical appointment planner. Here’s a Workbook Ad I placed…
I was very busy in the 1990’s, typically putting in 7 days a week. The page above displays two of the stylistic treatments I used. One pointillistic, and one more graphic and linear. The Absolut bottle required a lot of detail. I enjoy lettering, so it wasn’t too tough.
Above, another Workbook page. The pencil and pen seen in the above ads were examples of my tools: A Koh-i-noor technical fountain pen, and a Derwent colored pencil. On this page, a portrait from The New Yorker magazine, a map of Manhattan (I love drawing maps) and a couple of colored spots that appeared in a Saturn Automobile brochure. Next, a page from Showcase…
You’ll see that I repeat some images. Here, the map is in its original state, b&w. On top-left, one of the several illustrations I created for Mercedes-Benz. I grew up drawing cars, so it wasn’t difficult to revive a youthful pursuit. On the following example, a carefully rendered classic Automobile, owned by an Irish friend. I made the original art piece a gift to him…
In addition to the 1938 Alvis, There is a portrait of Stephen Colbert as it might appear on a dollar bill that I produced for Esquire magazine. The image was affixed to the arm of the actual Stephen Colbert as if it were a tattoo, a photoshoot for the cover of the magazine. I began to publicize my connection to the WSJ as the founder of their very popular ‘Hedcut’ portrait style.
The featured piece here was created for The New Yorker magazine. A new music group (at the time), Animal Logic. The image was strange, so it was fun to draw. Also from The New Yorker, a still from the movie “Longtime Companion”. The coarse fisherman appeared in The Wall Street Journal, as did Mozart and the auctioneer (in the cap with microphone).
Here, one of the many large b&w illustrations I produced for an American Airlines ad campaign. The portraits were created for the WSJ for in house use. The one on top was my boss. Salt and Pepper shakers appeared in the Journal.
Another Workbook page. This one features an old-timey picture of The Home Insurance Co. building at Christmas-time. The company hired me to make the drawing for a Holiday card they produced. There is a hidden joke on this page. Can you spot it?
The main image here is a drawing I made for a stock certificate printing company. Yes, I have actually produced engravinillustrations for stock certificates, now a thing of the past! I even had a shot at the Prudential branding image, the Rock of Gibraltar. Mssrs Gates and Jobs on their stocks appeared in Newsweek.
That will wrap it up for this series. I’ve had fun reviewing the Directory pages from over the years. Mine has been a long and enjoyable freelance career, which continues to this day. Thanks for reading and viewing.
