New York Magazine, Summer Wine Pairings

Illustration
2019

Illustrations for New York Magazine’s article with Sweetbitter’s Stephanie Danler on five wines that pair well with your favorite summer activities.

I worked with the New York staff to create the artwork for this article, “The Right Wine for 5 Summer Activities: Make better choices, at least when it comes to wine,” written by Stephanie Danler, ahead of the Season 2 premiere of the Starz adapation of her book, Sweetbitter.

The artwork has a rough, hand-drawn illustration and lettering quality that pairs well with the messy, charcoal lettering of the book and show’s title. It also uses a single pop of color — the book and the show’s warm, peachy color — to carry through all of the illustrations. Each illustration shows the scene that the article is referencing (a picnic in the park, for example, for a sparkling wine), and features an elegant hand-lettered and classically detailed wine label with that activity — almost like each summer activity becomes the wine label itself.

“A Bonfire on the Beach pairs with Rioja”

An illustrated beach scene featuring a lighthouse on rocks, a group of four people sitting around a campfire, with text that reads 'Bonfire on the Beach' and 'Rioja' decorated with swirls, stars, and a crescent moon.

“A Picnic in the Park pairs with Sparkling Wine”

Illustration of a park with building in the background, trees on either side, and a decorative sign in the middle reading "Picnic in the Park." The sign also says "Pet Nat". In the foreground, three people are relaxing on a checkered blanket with a dog nearby, enjoying a picnic.
Drawing of a lighthouse perched on rocky cliffs
Sketch of three friends having a picnic on a checkered blanket with a dog, one woman in a large hat and dress, one man pointing, another man in a striped shirt and shorts, wine, and a bottle

“A Pool Day pairs with Rosé”

A woman in a striped swimsuit, wearing a large sun hat, relaxing on a poolside towel under a large patio umbrella. She is holding a glass of wine and has a bottle next to her. The background features a city skyline with buildings and a clock tower. The illustration has a summer vibe with swirling decorative elements and the text 'Pool Day' and 'Rosé' prominently displayed.
A sketch of four people gathered around a campfire, with one playing a guitar and the others listening, drinking wine, and enjoying the night.

Credits


Art Directors

Jon Varriano, Kristina DiMatteo

Illustrator
Russell Shaw