March marks the first time I've created an illustration for a magazine cover. Technically I've illustrated two. Desert Companion Magazine commissioned me to create six illustrations for their sports, leisure and outdoors issue. Editors of the Nevada Public Radio publication chose to highlight six native creatures; burrowing owl, mountain lion, beaver, Palo Verde beetle, red racer snake and the white velvet ant. The feature shows interesting facts Nevadans might not know. Initially the commission was for six drawings, then grew to add six spot illustrations (one for each animal). Upon completion of 12 drawings the editors chose to upgrade the feature to a cover story and commissioned two pencil drawings for separate covers. Download the issue for free here or read the digital issue online here. It can also be seen as the cover image on Desert Companion's Facebook Page.
- Craig Schaffer