Editorial Illustration: PROPUBLICA

I was commissioned by ProPublica to create an animation and lead illustration for the article, “A Pharmacist is Helping Clear the Way for Lethal Injection.”

The article investigates a Florida pharmacist who has served as an expert witness on behalf of states defending lethal injection protocols, but he often speaks about a drug that he has no authority to prescribe. His testimony has helped pave the way for executions across the country.

I started the project by reading the article provided by the art director and journalist at ProPublica. I highlighted important information and details that would help me in the ideation process.

Using the information from the article, I crafted word lists to help find symbols and visual connections to use in the sketching phase of the project. I allowed myself to write down anything that came to mind without editing myself. Following this phase, I started to sketch out my ideas playing with composition and scale.

Since the article focused on both courtroom testimony and incidents inside a lethal injection chamber, I decided to experiment with combining both scenes into one illustration. The contrast between both environments created a dynamic image.

Once I received approval from the Art Director, I used the sketch as a blueprint to develop the final illustration using chalk pastel. The final drawing was then scanned into the computer and animated using After Effects.

The client was thrilled with the final illustration/animation and the image served as a strong visual element to the article.

If you are interested in learning more about my illustration process, be sure to check out my Domestika course: Dramatic Portraits with Pastels, Collage, and Photoshop