Editorial Illustration • Visual Storytelling • Papercut Design • Publication Artwork
Main & Broad Magazine
Main & Broad Magazine commissioned me to create an original papercut illustration for a feature article highlighting the vibrant arts communities of Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs, North Carolina. The goal was to visually capture the creativity, culture, and character of both towns through a handcrafted illustration that complemented the publication’s editorial storytelling.
The piece combined layered papercut composition, bold color relationships, and intricate handcrafted details to create a sense of depth, movement, and visual rhythm. Drawing inspiration from local landmarks, public art, performance spaces, and the surrounding landscape, the illustration balanced recognizable regional elements within a unified visual narrative.
Working within editorial timelines, the project required careful planning and precision to translate detailed layered paper artwork into a polished final piece suitable for both print and digital publication. The final illustration was designed to function not only as editorial artwork, but also as a visual centerpiece that reflected the energy and artistic identity of the communities featured in the article.
My role included concept development, visual research, composition design, papercut illustration, color palette development, and final production preparation for publication.
Contributions Included:
Editorial illustration
Papercut composition and design
Concept development and visual research
Color palette development
Handcrafted layered paper artwork
Print and digital production preparation
Visual storytelling and composition design
Collaboration with editorial staff and publication team
Focus:
The goal was to create a visually engaging illustration that celebrated the artistic identity of Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs while supporting the editorial storytelling and visual character of Main & Broad Magazine.
