Portraits for Public CIO

Government Technology Magazine has a recurring supplemental issue called Public CIO. I have done portrait illustrations for it in the past and had the opportunity to create six portraits of industry leaders for it again this year which were then used on the cover and the interior spreads. (Clockwise from top), Rajiv Gupta, Robert Knapp, Tim Merrigan, Chris Atkins, Nick Psaki and Chris O'Malley. I really like how the dark background looks with the portraits that were originally drawn on a white background. Many thanks to Kelly at E.republic for the Creative Direction!

Illustration for the October Issue of Washingtonian Magazine

Here's a quick illustration that I did for the October issue of Washingtonian Magazine, "These Private Schools Are Even More Customized for Your Kid," by Elaina Plott. The article discusses DC area private schools and how crazy customized and competitive they have become for those families who are hoping that they will propel their children straight into Ivy League Schools and bright career paths.

From my own experience growing up in rural Pennsylvania and attending public schools until I went to college and Art School, this was an eye opening read for me. I had never heard of the terms STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) , STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts Math) and had no idea that K-4 Engineering was even a thing - besides maybe playroom building blogs or a game a Jenga? Anyway, the story is a pretty interesting and you have a few minutes check it out.

And a shout out Kellie at Washingtonian Magazinefor the Art Direction. Thank you!

Distracted by Technology

I did this illustration a while back and was so busy with other projects that I neglected to write a post about it. The topic is too good not to write about (or at least vent about). Don't get me wrong, I love technology that makes my life easier. I can mostly work from anywhere these days if I really need to.  I can let people know where I am or if I'm running late. I use the GPS on my phone if I need directions. I can look up what restaurants are good and bad when I want to dine out. My business has increased threefold over the past few years since because of it and so on.

But look around you. Actually, look at the person next to you. Is that dinner with your date or with your phone? And those annoying people in front of you in the checkout line at the grocery store who are too busy on the phones that they aren't paying attention to the cashier... they are holding everyone up! Watching TV with your spouse while you both simultaneously check your phones (I'm guilty). TEXTING AND DRIVING. Oh, and one of my favorite peeves - groups of teens, actually, herds of them hanging out together and EVERY ONE OF THEM is on a device of some sort, not really engaging with the person who is next to them. Maybe an occasional grunt in between a flurry of tapping but no physical speaking or practicing of actual conversational or social skills beyond emojis going on there.  The list goes on.

We are so engrossed in our devices that we don't even appreciate what is going on around us in real time. How many of you have been on vacation taking so many selfies that you missed the whole reason that you went to a new place? How many of you have gone to a concert where so many people are taking crappy blurry photos and videos of the band that you cant even see the stage beyond the screens held up in front of your face? It's disturbing and it's laughable and it's sad all at the same time.

Being distracted has become what we are. Don't let it become who you are.