Client: Las Vegas Weekly Art Director: Benjamen Purvis

(Duh)

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 good people over at 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

Client: Las Vegas Weekly Art Director: Benjamen Purvis

This is a full page portrait of Norman Mailer. It was for an article detailing Norman Mailer’s enduring influence. It was selected for the Communication Arts Illustration Annual 48.

Client: Las Vegas Weekly Art Direction: Benjamen Purvis

This was a pretty straightforward project—a chimpanzee thoughtfully reading a book. The only request was that I leave ample space for typography. As it turns out, I get a lot of requests to reprint this image for a variety of projects.

Client: Las Vegas Weekly Art Director: Benjamen Purvis

Quite often, when I get an assignment, the idea has already been conceived. So when I am asked to come up with a concept (not simply to execute a final illustration) it imparts a level of confidence in my ability that I take great pride in. I enjoy doing conceptual work thoroughly, so this was a treat.
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.
This is another one of my illustrations that generates many requests for re-use on a variety of projects throughout the year.

Art Director: Benjamen Purvis for Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

Credit for this spot should actually go to Benjamen Purvis. Ben has a splendid website and blog which you should make certain to review at your earliest.