Credits Page Illustration
Popular Mechanics – Conceptual SpreadThis project marked my first opportunity to design the credits spread for Popular Mechanics, and it presented a unique creative challenge: to conceptualize an illustration that captures the brand’s presence across diverse media platforms — all within a single, cohesive visual narrative.
I chose an underwater theme, envisioning a scene anchored by a custom-designed submarine as the central metaphor. The process began with hand-drawn line work, followed by base color application to establish depth and structure. To bring the illustration to life, I introduced textural overlays that added richness and dimension, enhancing visual impact and reinforcing the tactile, exploratory feel of the brand.
This piece was a collaborative effort, and I’m especially proud of the final result, which benefited greatly from my Art Director’s input on the final texture refinements. The result is a bold, imaginative layout that both communicates the magazine’s multimedia reach and stands as a distinct visual statement within the issue.
Gears & Gadgets
Popular Mechanics – Product Feature SpreadDesigning this Gears & Gadgets spread was one of the most creatively rewarding experiences I’ve had working with the Popular Mechanics brand. The layout offered a balance of freedom and structure — allowing me to experiment with colour, form, and composition, while still adhering to the magazine’s visual identity.
The spread centered around curating and showcasing a diverse range of tech and gear products, each requiring thoughtful placement to ensure visual clarity and editorial flow. I particularly enjoyed the challenge of organizing these elements in a way that felt both dynamic and cohesive.
Key technical skills I honed during this project included:
- Deep etching for clean product isolation
- Color palette selection to unify disparate items
- Shape and form manipulation for visual balance and flow
Credits Page Illustration – VR Concept
Popular Mechanics – Conceptual SpreadThis Credits Page was one of the most rewarding spreads I designed for Popular Mechanics, offering a unique opportunity to blend editorial storytelling with conceptual illustration. The brief challenged me to visualize the brand’s presence across multiple environments, and I chose to represent this through a virtual reality (VR) concept.
The process began with hand-drawn line work, establishing the composition and structure of the illustration. From there, I applied cool blue-gray tonal values to build depth and atmosphere. To enhance the visual energy and futuristic tone, I layered in vibrant accent colours, adding dimension and making key elements pop.
This piece allowed me to explore both technical and conceptual design approaches, and the final result was well received by both my editor and art director. It stands out as a strong example of visual storytelling through illustration, and reflects my ability to adapt to diverse editorial needs while maintaining a distinct creative voice.