Editorial Media
Through independent spec projects, I developed editorial graphics for articles and podcasts, creating visuals that enhance complex storytelling without overshadowing the content. This work demonstrates my ability to navigate sensitive subject matter with thoughtful design choices, producing imagery that complements editorial tone while adding depth. Each piece serves the story's needs, transforming content into more accessible, engaging experiences.
This spec project accompanies an article exploring the human dimension of assisted dying legislation in the UK. Given the sensitive nature of the topic, I aimed to create imagery that was emotionally resonant without being confrontational or hostile. The composition centres on symbolic elements - a flower releasing its petal and an open door filled with warm light - to explore themes of transition, hope, and dignity. I began with hand sketches before moving to vector work in Illustrator and digital painting in Procreate, using Midjourney for additional texture development. The final animation in After Effects brings subtle movement to the lighting and petal fall, suggesting an invisible passage that speaks to both loss and possibility. The visual language balances reverence for life with acknowledgment of choice, reflecting the article's nuanced approach to this complex debate.
This spec project was created for a New Yorker article exploring how religious leaders who participated in university psychedelic studies have become advocates for magic mushrooms. The visual approach draws from multiple reference points to capture this unique intersection of faith and psychedelics. I incorporated elements from baroque religious frescoes and traditional Christian iconography, blending them with psychedelic geometric patterns and visual motifs from clinical study environments—particularly the eye coverings and headphones typically used in these research settings. The composition bridges the sacred and scientific, reflecting how these religious leaders found spiritual significance in controlled psychedelic experiences. The imagery balances reverence for religious tradition with the transformative, consciousness-expanding scientific exploration
This piece accompanies Foreign Agent, a podcast investigating the murky ties between Irish American activism and militant nationalism during the Troubles. The imagery reflects the gritty, conspiratorial tone of the episode, combining rough collage elements with distressed textures to evoke a sense of fragmentation and unease. Visual motifs, such as faded maps, firearms, and American iconography, suggest the transatlantic flow of money, ideology, and weapons. The layered composition mirrors the complex narrative structure, where personal conviction, political theatre, and historical forces collide. This visual language supports the podcast’s investigative tone while honouring the ambiguity at the heart of the story.