Category Archives: editorial

The Weekly MGI News Roundup

We have some lovely goodies to share with you this week!

We were so happy to learn that Victo Ngai was asked to illustrate a full page piece for the New Yorker – possibly one of the most coveted assignments in our industry. The illustration was to accompany a wonderful piece of fiction by Peter Stamm entitled “Sweet Dreams,” and Victo was asked to create an image about the two young protagonists, a couple in Switzerland. Take a peak on her blog to see sketches and to learn more about her interesting process.

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We also received these awesome images from Carlo Stanga, who recently completed a fabulous campaign in his native Italy for the cheese manufacturer “Galbani.”  Here is a closeup of the work, which is classically Carlo:

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And here we see the image in context, used in a huge advertisement next to a glorious gothic cathedral in Milan:

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Finally, we wanted to take a moment to honor the life and work of Maurice Sendak, who sadly passed away this week. Sendak, who most famously penned the children’s classic “Where the Wild Things Are,” had an incredible influence on children’s literature, and he will be greatly missed. You can read more here.

image by Maurice Sendak:

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January Happenings at MGI

And the start of 2010 sent us off to the races! It has been so encouraging to see the pace picking up a bit around here, and we are pleased to share some of the more exciting goings-on.

Patti Mollica had been commissioned by American Express to create two of her distinctive New York City images. Originally created for decals indicating American Express’s acceptance at establishments throughout the U.S., Amex has now chosen to purchase extended use rights. So keep your eyes open for Patti’s New York pictures on billboards, collateral, ads…who knows where!

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Newest addition Pete Ryan’s go-get-em attitude is truly inspiring, and his editorial career has skyrocketed from his robust energy. All across the country, from The Los Angeles Times to The Boston Globe, his remarkably witty concepts have been a treat to see. Here is one of my favorite images, which he created for the LA Times:

peteryanBeppe Giacobbe recently collaborated with Panera Bread in a challenging new project. Needing an inspired visual overhaul, their agency’s creative team has been rebranding the chain’s tasty baked goods with more sophisticated in-store visuals. And now, Bostonians will be able to enjoy 8 of Beppe’s conceptual comestibles as they sip espresso and munch a morning croissant.

lrg-12108-bp-0322-bread-artlrg-12110-bp-0324-bread-worldLast but not least, presenting Philippe Lechien. Ironically, this life-long Parisian captures NYC’s essence in his portrayals of the city’s vitality for both our MTA and Downtown Alliance.

During last year’s commutes, MTA’s #6 riders enjoyed getting lost in Philippe’s visually involved fire escape poster while avoiding eye contact with fellow passengers. And now, for the second time, the Downtown Alliance has called upon Philippe to offer his visions toward revitalizing New York’s downtown district. Philippe’s energetic lines and almost fashion-y approach are a perfect fit for this important organization’s mission.

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Presenting Katherine Dunn as Auteur

Many of us at MGI are huge fans of Katherine Dunn’s wonderful blog, so it was particularly exciting when The Bark Magazine decided to utilize her compassionate voice to approach this touching article. Accompanied by a wonderful pet portrait done in Katherine’s distinctive style, it’s a bit of a tear-jerker for animal lovers…proceed with caution!

René Milot on 3×3′s Illonine Cover!

When we first saw Rene Milot‘s scary bunny image commissioned by the Cirque de Soleil, our reaction was to run for the hills! But we made ammends when this fierce fellow hopped onto the cover of the new 3×3 Illonine Directory of Illustration. Every artist included in the directory was personally chosen to participate by the publisher, Charles Hively. What an honor for Rene’s furry warrior to be selected as the sentry for this year’s beautiful presentation which also includes 40 pieces by MGI artists.

Anson Liaw Steps Onto Applied Arts Magazine Cover!

The January/February issue of Applied Arts Magazine is looking pretty snazzy to Anson Liaw this year. His awesome graphic fashion piece, “Parie-Claire,” graces the cover, while the interior features 12 additional illustrations plus an interview with the artist.

Anson’s unique style and energetic personality are surely what garnered him this attention, and congratulations are in order! Be sure to pick up your copy today.