Dan's Graphic Design: July 2009

Magazine Design/Illustration: Asylum

I decided to come up with a new character to run in this monthly column. Unfortunately, he had to be crazy for his first appearance. I look forward to seeing what I'll do with him next month.

Magazine Design: Jet Feature

I thought that this feature came out quite well. I'm especially fond of the opening spread. It's amazing what one can do with proper photography!

Magazine Design: Florida Yachting

This is the opening spread for a nine page feature about the history of yachting in South Florida. I grew up in South Florida, so I just tapped into my own personal sense of nostalgia when putting this piece together.

Magazine Design: Mama Marina

I don't like to start a feature off with a horizontal half picture. But the way I had it on this spread here, I feel like it balances pretty well.

Magazine Design/Illustration: Survival

This is the fist page of the "Survival of the Fittest" feature. I had a ton of fun with this. The feature was all about how, to be viable, a crew member must be able to do more on board the boat than ever before. Otherwise they might loose their job to a more qualified competitor. Anyway, the very word "survival" immediately conjured up the works of Frank Frazetta. That and the poster for the first "Vacation" movie served as inspiration for the above illustration. I only wish that I had time to paint the piece and really amp it up with some chiaroscuro. Next time...

Magazine Design: June Cover

Dockwalk's June cover. I like my dotted stroke element between cover lines.

Magazine Design: Acronyms Feature

Color is back in this feature. Color and typography. Both of which were absolutely necessary to help make this piece on yacht classifications look like it was worth reading.

Magazine Design: Job Longevity Feature

I had a lot of fun experimenting with a newer, simpler art style for this feature. My only regret? The rainbow pyramid at the bottom of the last page. An element which was forced upon me at my editor's insistence.