Michael Cornthwaite didn’t set out to run 11 businesses, he just wanted to build a place to hang out.
Vision Quest
Blog
Before the Shot (Redux)
Before the shot (an update of the Norman Rockwell classic.)
“The painting on our January cover may look familiar to you. But AJN’s take on Norman Rockwell’s Before the Shot contains one key difference: the rendition of the family care provider. Rockwell was known for his portraits of everyday Americans, including the family doctor. But while Rockwell often depicted the typical family doctor as an older, portly gentleman, we chose to show a provider who is more in line with those we are beginning to see in today’s changing health care landscape: an NP. NPs can prescribe in every state, and federal and state legislative efforts are currently aimed at removing restrictions that prevent NPs from practicing independent of physician oversight. For more on the growing role of the NP, see this month’s Editorial, “The New Paradigm: The Nurse as Family Doctor.” —Michael Fergenson, senior editorial coordinator
Why Las Vegas won’t host a political convention anytime soon
Client: Las Vegas Weekly Art Director: Benjamen Purvis
The Las Vegas Weekly asked me to satire the imaginary bad behaviour that might happen if Las Vegas were to host a political convention.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family
Art Direction: Brian Taylor — Pneuma Books
I was contracted to parody Norman Rockwell’s famous “Four Freedoms: Freedom From Want” illustration (better known as “Thanksgiving”) for the publishers of Chicken Soup for the Soul. The book is titled, All in the Family: 101 Stories about the Fine Line between Comedy and Tragedy in Our “Dysfunctional” Families.
“Almost everyone thinks their own family is “dysfunctional” or at least has a dysfunctional member or two. These stories of wacky yet lovable relatives, holiday meltdowns, and funny foibles, along with more serious stories about abuse, controlling family members, and flare-ups, show readers that they aren’t alone. All in the Family is a quirky and fun holiday book, and a great bridal shower or wedding gift! Norman Rockwell’s famous “Freedom from Want” Thanksgiving family painting appears on the back cover and is lovingly parodied on the front, driving home the point that all our families, no matter how much we love them, are just a little dysfunctional!”
Chicken Soup for the Soul, All in the Family
Norman Mailer
Client: Las Vegas Weekly Art Director: Benjamen Purvis
This portrait of Norman Mailer was illustrated for an article detailing Norman Mailer’s enduring literary influence. (It was selected for inclusion in the 48th Communication Arts Illustration Annual.)
Doth anyone read anymore?
Client: Las Vegas Weekly Art Director: Benjamen Purvis
Quite often, when I get an assignment, an idea has already been conceptualized. So when I am asked to come up with a concept (not to execute a final pre-conceived image) it imparts a level of confidence in my conceptual abilities that I take pride in. For this spot the problem was, “A new study by some big name group shows that Americans aren’t reading as much as they used to.” So I offered some thumbnail concept solutions.
The Internet Presidency?
Art Director: Gina Tomko at Digital Directions
This illustration assignment came courtesy of Gina Tomko at Digital Directions magazine.
At the time of this illustration, there was a lot of confusion about Obama’s blackberry and whether or not he would be able to keep it after assuming the presidency.
Here is a tearsheet:
Education Week Tearsheet
Bowled Under…
Client: Vegas Seven Magazine Art Director: Lauren Stewart
Vegas Seven was kind enough to invite me to contribute to their very first issue. The article touched on the ongoing (and contentious) relationship that Las Vegas has with the NFL—and the silliness that results from not being allowed to license so much as even the name of the “Big Game.”
The Wi-Fi of Oz
Client: Seattle Metropolitan Magazine Art Director: Benjamen Purvis
Seattle Metropolitan Magazine’s Art Director at the time (Benjamen Purvis) contacted me to illustrate this article about the Mayor of Seattle’s efforts to provide wi-fi access to the Emerald City.” Is the mayor’s dream of municipal broadband a viable vision for America’s most techie city?”
