Tackling a New Scientist Brief
Updated: 5 days ago
This project was realised through an editorial course with Inky Goodness
Engaging readers through conceptual editorial illustration requires metaphorical thinking and visual storytelling.
The process for this editorial brief looked like this: three sketches, two colour roughs, and then the final artwork (202.6mm x 141.9mm).
About New Scientist
New Scientist is a science-focused magazine (and one that I have written for in the past as a freelance journalist!). For this editorial brief, we needed to create a "vibrant, thought-provoking landscape illustration" to accompany the article: How to Nurture the Right Mindset for Living to 100.
I needed to develop a conceptual illustration offering a "new perspective on longevity," showing how science, mindset, and habits intertwine.
The Three Sketches
The article highlighted studies linking social connectivity with longevity, revealing a 50% increased likelihood of survival for participants with stronger social relationships.
I wanted to depict a family with strong ties, so I placed them on a crane - a symbol of longevity. This evoked a joyous scene, showcasing vitality and a positive health span.
The article emphasised that community and social connection are crucial to human longevity. At one point, the writer notes that close relationships positively affect our hormones, immune systems, and even how our genes are expressed.
After some brainstorming, I decided to use the maypole, a traditional event that brings the community together, young and old. I made the ribbons DNA strands to visually represent the author's point.
Often, the actual maypoles have something on top; this one features a heart for health and a "100" to indicate the goal age, relating back to the story.
This sketch reflects the idea that "men who have more positive social relationships and are more involved with the community during midlife have a lower risk of depression and better cognition in late life." I wanted to combine this sentiment with the notion that "just being near people calms the body in important ways."
By placing a fit-looking elderly father next to his grown-up son and daughter, engaged in a healthy community activity like gardening, I aimed to show how this interaction enhances cognitive wellness. The roots of the plants visually emulate neurons and pathways, and I chose chrysanthemums as they symbolize longevity.
Two Colour Roughs
I received feedback from the course hosts. Sketches 2 and 3 were considered the strongest, so I decided to go with sketch 2.
We opted for the vibrant, modern palette in the first image rather than the vintage-inspired palette shown in the second image.
Final Artwork
Creating the final editorial illustration came with its challenges. The first was the mess that the ribbons created at the top of the maypole. The second was injecting more energy into the characters, I wanted joy to leap off the page, capturing the spark of social connection. A third concern was the DNA itself. Straight ribbons weren't working; they needed to look loose and ribbon-like without being outlined in ink, all while ensuring they didn't block any characters.
Another consideration was how to create a background that would grab the reader's attention for online publication. I wasn't thinking about a box shape but rather a way to make each individual stand out.
During this process, I realized how much I enjoyed tackling these challenges to ensure the concept worked while also being visually optimised for the reader.
Here’s the final result, you can also view the artwork in the work section of my website here:
If you’re looking for conceptual editorial illustration, I’m available for editorial commissions and magazine illustration projects.
Please reach out here, I can't wait to work with you!
Mock-up of the final artwork on the page:
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