![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/244c2b86ca06e02c6cc4fe3922b4cf8d/c00f82601c8617548a8cf099_rw_600.jpg?h=01ebdf948bd3a69822a757fc380ff4d7)
This is a cover illustration for investment manager JM Finn's re-designed newsletter.
The issue was published shortly after Margaret Thatcher's death and the lead article is an analysis of her legacy as prime minister. It argues that Thatcher's influence was a major factor in the weakening of class divisions in post-war Britain.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/244c2b86ca06e02c6cc4fe3922b4cf8d/bd2e81103ec0326c4e37a977_rw_600.jpg?h=27c2ddba95290979cfc842e6120366a3)
The brief required a simple and bold metaphor. My first sketch combined the epithet of Iron Lady with the handbag that became a symbol of Thatcher's persona and style of leadership. A second sketch referred to the article's title: Power behind the privet, and depicted Thatcher steamrollering over this symbol of class division.
The editors liked both sketches, so I suggested further combining them. This allowed me to pack in a few concepts without losing the strength of the image.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/244c2b86ca06e02c6cc4fe3922b4cf8d/f775e1e1b667473bd099d7d0_rw_600.jpg?h=03b96c1536227c438999ad40a0711c5e)
Finally, as the redesign is in its early stages and the look is still being established, I provided them with a few alternative versions to choose from.
In the end they liked the full-page illustration so much they switched it to the cover.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/244c2b86ca06e02c6cc4fe3922b4cf8d/d363113aece50e52b8dece36_rw_600.jpg?h=52f4643b274e23782f56cb4bca973721)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/244c2b86ca06e02c6cc4fe3922b4cf8d/0963941c1e73bf215e3d6c39_rw_1920.jpg?h=c4be53159bb34ce2257069c232fd5970)