Colorado University Magazine- The Emerging Leaders Issue

Illustrations for the Emerging Leaders Issue for Colorado University's Alumni Magazine. This was an exciting assignment because Pentagon is one of the greatest agencies of all time and it's always a goal of mine to work with the best. I've been illustrating for over 30 years and what makes it still exciting is a willingness to learn from talented people.

The main concept for the series is a vision or path a leader needs to be successful. I tried to stay away from obvious business solutions with people in suits in front of charts but one of my approaches is to find seemingly obvious ideas and add a twist to it so the viewer has a new reaction to even an obvious idea. Many great concepts in art are a subtle twist to the everyday experience.

In each image you get the idea that the characters are looking for "what's next" and the future is not determined. The color schemes are brighter to convey optimism. One of the hardest challenges is making ideas not seem to contrived or forced and I like coming up with ideas which could apply to more than the current assignment.

Having ideas which can be universal makes for great illustration.

Creative Director: DJ Stout
Art Director: Michaela Lehman