The Joy Of Commissioning

During the years I worked as an editorial art director, the activity I enjoyed the most was commissioning original illustrations. Once I'd read a draft of a story and got a feel for what kind of art might fit its tone, I would begin searching for an artist whose style might work well for the image I had in mind. I'd dig through the ever-growing list of illustrators I hoped to work with one day and pitch the gig to one of them. The only thing more exciting than seeing the final illustration was getting that initial response from an artist saying, "Im in!" Below are some of my favorites, with links to the artists' websites so you can check out more of their work. Enjoy!

Kristian Hammerstad, Las Vegas Weekly, 2011

Kristian HammerstadLas Vegas Weekly, 2011

Kristian HammerstadLas Vegas Weekly, 2011

Jason Seiler, Las Vegas Weekly, 2010

James Shepherd, Las Vegas Weekly, 2010

Chris Morris, Las Vegas Weekly, 2010

Chris MorrisLas Vegas Weekly, 2010

Thomas Pitilli, Las Vegas Weekly, 2012

Caroline Vos, Vegas Seven, 2015

Danny Hellman, Las Vegas Weekly, 2012

Danny HellmanLas Vegas Weekly, 2011

Eric van den Boom, Las Vegas Weekly, 2011

Jerry Miller, Las Vegas Weekly, 2008

Andy Ward, Las Vegas Weekly, 2012

Michael Park, Las Vegas Weekly, 2010

Mart Klein, Las Vegas Weekly, 2011

Chris Notarile, Las Vegas Weekly, 2013

Travis JacksonLas Vegas Weekly, 2008

Jungyeon Roh, Las Vegas Weekly, 2011

Kira Shaimanova, Las Vegas Weekly, 2011

Koren Shadmi, Las Vegas Weekly, 2012

Yann Legendre, Vegas Seven, 2014

Robert Ullman, Las Vegas Weekly, 2012

Nigel Buchanan, Vegas Seven, 2015

Mike Tofanelli, Las Vegas Weekly, 2011

Mike TofanelliVegas Seven, 2013

Mike TofanelliVegas Seven, 2014

Mike TofanelliVegas Seven, 2016

Mike TofanelliVegas Seven, 2014

Mike TofanelliVegas Seven, 2016

Mike TofanelliVegas Seven, 2014

Mike TofanelliVegas Seven, 2016