The following examples include snapshots of my work process in varying stages of illustration, design & photo direction.

Illustration process for SAVEUR New Classics Cookbook chapter openers

SKETCH PLANNING Rough sketches and book mapping of the SAVEUR New Classics ‘chapter openers’ before executing the final artwork.

Example of a photoshoot brief package prior to the shoot and the final product.

PHOTOSHOOT BRIEFING Example of a photo/prop brief package (top left image) I had created for the team. The colors of the produce were the main focus for the series and this was emphasized in the photography and the recipes which were all organized by color.

Examples of what our photo team called ‘the wall’ where we planned the pacing of the book as we shoot. It is also a great space for the team to collaborate and see how the book unfolds as the day progresses.

Conceptual sketches for book interior design.

EARLY CONCEPT (above) Initial explorations for a Williams Sonoma branded cookbook entitled ‘Grill School’. I started with quick pencil sketches of the ‘chapter openers’ before illustrating charcoal drawings for the layout mock up. Since the book featured an abundance of ‘lesson’ tips, I designed a set of ‘lessons’ icon to help readers navigate the information throughout the book. 

FINAL DESIGN (below) We ended up photographing the ‘chapter openers’ for a minimal aesthetic. This was more in line with WS’s photographic approach at the time. The ‘lesson’ icons evolved to evoke the label designs of some of the BBQ sauces sold at the Williams Sonoma stores.