- Graphic Design

Cuisines Of The Axis Of Evil And Other Irritating States:
A Dinner Party Approach To International Relations

Front Cover Book Illustration
©Globe Pequot Press
My first attempt had a meat and potato type meal in the bowl, which was rejected because it looked a little too much like dog food. I suppose a meat and potato meal with a brown gravy does kind of look like dog food, and the white rice does have a cleaner look to it, so I was much happier with this version, as were the art directors.
The very bottom red and blue circular bowl shadow was meant to stay in stride with the target like circles on the sides of the bowl, which represent "trouble hot spot" areas of the globe. The flags anchoring the horizon line represent the United Nations, or a peaceful setting, where people can just speak their minds, possibly work out their differences, and hopefully at the end of the night, leave shaking hands and smiling, just like at a dinner party.

Back Cover Book Illustration
©Globe Pequot Press
Initially an alternate front cover concept, it was used as the back cover. I had trouble with the beginning sketches, coming up with three characters who sort of looked like they were members of the so called "axis of evil", but all of my early drawings seemed so racist looking. I also wanted a stark, almost cave like background, but with plenty of generic room to work in the title, which was close to 100 characters in length.

Interior Chapter Introduction: 1 of 4

Interior Chapter Introduction: 2 of 4

Interior Chapter Introduction: 3 of 4

Interior Chapter Introduction: 4 of 4

Trailer Trashed
My Dubious Efforts Toward Upward Mobility

Front Cover Book Illustration
©Globe Pequot Press
Other than minor changes, this was basically the design I sent to Globe Publishing, and it was approved almost as is. It went through the usual rounds of color tweaking (I initially used more blues and greys, which was determined too harsh looking) so some pink
hues were added to various areas, and I also created a more defined set of clothing on the line, which was originally just blank towels.