Fall of the American Empire
An illustration for the New Statesman
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This was originally commissioned as a cover illustration for the New Statesman's lead article, on the decline of American influence from Roosevelt's and Kennedy's presidencies to that of Donald Trump
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These are some preliminary concept sketches. The third one was the New Statesman's preference.
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The illustration was completed, but it was decided to run it as a full-page opener for the article. A different illustration ran on the cover.
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I like to add a little cheeky detail when I can. Here, mr Trump is represented by a small piece of orange crap on the floor of the cage.
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The final spread. It's nice to get a cover spot, but on the other hand an inside illustration can be seen in all its majesty, uncluttered by masthead and headlines.