Outsmarting Mortality

Outsmarting Mortality

Revised version, 2014. Coloured pencil on paper.

Outsmarting Mortality

Original version, 2012. Coloured pencil on paper.

Outsmarting Mortality

For Uni in 2012, we were required to undertake an editorial illustration from an existing magazine. I chose to use Outsmarting Mortality from Scientific American Mind. This article discusses how intelligence is linked to better health and longevity of life. The factors considered are mental illness, education, diet, exercise and general lifestyle choices. I chose to present this discussion by portraying a flourishing group of sunflowers sprouting large, healthy brains. This represents intelligence as growth and good health. To contrast this my inset illustration is of a 'root-man', showing an 'unhealthy' looking figure who is not sprouting flowers, but trapped in the dirty underground. 

This year I have been trying to improve upon my old work, where I have chosen two old assignments to reconsider for my portfolio. This was my first choice, as I would like to show an editorial piece in my portfolio.

I felt that the execution of the illustrations in the 2012 version fell short and I wanted to better them.