Me In Sunny Carolina: Science Design Portfolio

Friday, March 11, 2011

Science Design Portfolio

This collection of covers is a nice framework for discussing my years at Science. Besides managing the art department, I designed most of the covers, the news section, special reports, and poster projects. These covers reflect many of the special projects I worked on.

I'm especially proud of this cover which shows the first graphic representation of the AIDS virus.

Another first was the published Human Genome Map. This issue included a pull-out historical timeline of the project and a poster with the full mapping of the human genome. We produced an annual genome poster leading up to this.

This issue needed a conceptual cover that reflected high-tech, international, biodiversity. I put together this photo collage from royalty-free images.

These next two covers both show a bit of foreshadowing that I might one day work in children's publishing. (Above) the theme is Jack Sprat and his wife for our obesity issue. (Below) utilizes the metaphor of the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland. You can also see with these examples the redesign of the cover and my logo redesign. David Galchutt is the artist for both of these covers. See his reference letter for me in the right column of this blog.

The redesign of the logo allowed for a more creative approach to the logo use. Here, the logo is drawn as part of the cover art (the idea of a researcher's sketch pad).

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References

I have known and worked for Cindy Faber Smith since 1998 when she, as the art director for Science magazine, commissioned me to do the cover art for the magazine. It was a bit of a surprise since my artwork is geared towards the children’s market. Typical of Cindy, she wanted to bring a different approach to that month’s cover of a rather dry, technical publication. What at first seemed to be a rather impossible assignment (a “hidden picture” type of piece, incorporating many diverse elements) turned out to be one of the most satisfying assignments I have had in my career. She contacted me again a couple of years later with another fresh approach to the cover art utilizing the red queen from Alice in Wonderland as the theme.

I was surprised, when a few years later, she contacted me as the new art director of Highlights. As a child I had a subscription to Highlights, so I had quite an affection for this magazine. Cindy has brought her many skills as a designer to give this 60+ year-old magazine a fresher, more updated look, while still keeping the trademark Highlights style.

Working with Cindy is always a pleasure. She is simply the best art director I have worked with in my 30-year career. She does not over direct and she allows the artist enough freedom to make them feel that they are adding something of their own selves to the illustrations. She is not heavy handed with her suggestions which produces a very positive collaboration.

Because Highlights hosts an annual party for their illustrators, I finally was able to meet Cindy in person. She is a delightful person, filled with humor, intelligence and warmth. I cannot sing her praises more boldly.

David Galchutt

Illustrator

I’ve known Cindy Smith for 25 years. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on her for her humor, earnestness, and enthusiasm in countless situations.

Aside from being an artist, she is a keen observer who thrives on the challenge of dissecting problems and always seems to find a creative solution. She also has the ability to guide others in solving problems that seem insurmountable. In many ways, I’ve become a better person through observing her at work, in our community, and at play.

I admire the way Cindy experiences life and am proud to count her among my closest and most trusted friends. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her for any job. I know she would embrace any challenge and undoubtly rise to any occasion.

Sincerely,
Dolores Motichka

“In the cynical world of illustration, I hold Cindy as a ray of light, a turning point in my hopes of a career in illustration. The über belief she had in my work encouraged me to chase after my dreams. My illustrations have now appeared in The New Yorker, for Major League Baseball, in hosts of magazines and children’s books.”

David Leonard