Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Early Baltimore Citypaper Illos / Wrongfest


Recently longtime Baltimore Citypaper Art Director Joe MacLeod got the axe when the paper was bought by the Baltimore Sun, in that all too familiar tale of whatever's left of the once-thriving world of Alt Weeklies being swallowed by bigger, blander media. Joe was escorted from his office with no severance pay (!!) I assume in retaliation for angry tweets? I don't really know the full story...  I would check one of many articles for details.


A group of employees and freelancers are organizing a benefit / concert / art auction for Joe this month. I've donated the original of this rejected Citypaper cover from a couple years ago. The first event is tomorrow night, and the final bidding / second event is March 28th, both at Ottobar I believe. More details here: http://wrongfest.tumblr.com


Joe MacLeod was one of the first people to hire me, and seemed to have a knack for assigning exactly the sort of work I wanted - completely over the top and/or humorous takes on serious subjects. Lenny Bruce, Nigerian con artists, Fat tourists with fanny packs and Old Bay tattoos. 


One of the highlights is this illo about Evan Wright's book Generation Kill (later an HBO miniseries). I'm pretty sure this political stuff led to my later gig illustrating Steven Wells' column every week for a few years. 


Another classic with some foreshadowing of the hot dog thing. The "Bavarian Music" guy in the corner still cracks me up. 


Some vegetarian propaganda relating to Jonathan Safran Foer.


"Portrait" of Corey Harris from Mother 13. 


One of the earliest, from 2002. 


More recent work. 

Anyway THANKS JOE for all the great work over the years. Follow him on twitter @JoeMacleod666 or read his Mr Wrong column which is maybe still going to run in the Citypaper? And keep your eye on the Wrongfest site for how to bid on the auction.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Detroit Stadiums for Next City


Series of illustrations for Next City Forefront article about Detroit pouring all their money into stadiums instead of the crumbling city.


Or grab the Forefront App.


Did you know the Red Wings mascot is a maniacal giant purple octopus? Also threw in a nod to Detroit's lesser-known corned beef scene



Friday, March 7, 2014

Taco Madness 2014


For LaTaco.com's annual bracket-style "best taco in LA" competition, culminating in a wild event where you can eat all the tacos. 

Been doing these for a few years now, lots of fun and I'm always reminded how nothing in Philadelphia comes close to LA tacos, especially these beauties from Mariscos Jalisco that this year's poster was semi- inspired by. Anyway if you are anywhere near LA, definitely check this thing out.