The New York Times Design Cases
6 cases across 4 studios
Designers behind the work
Designers and creative leads credited on The New York Times projects in press coverage.
News & interviews
- The top 15 illustrators of 2026, as chosen by the community
Creative Boom · Apr 16, 2026
Creative Boom’s 2026 community poll highlights 15 illustrators shaping the global illustration scene, emphasizing originality and human touch in an AI-saturated era. The list spans established names like Noma Bar and Malika Favre to emerging talents such as Anna Micheloni and Genie Espinosa. The article celebrates craftsmanship, individuality, and the enduring commercial relevance of distinctive illustration.
The New YorkerThe Guardianillustration - Derek Abella got laid off on Valentine's Day
Creative Boom · Apr 14, 2026
The article profiles Miami-born, New York-based illustrator Derek Abella, whose career took off after being laid off on Valentine's Day 2020. It explores how his Art Deco-inspired, emotionally resonant illustrations gained traction during the pandemic, leading to collaborations with major media outlets and brands. Abella reflects on resilience, creative growth, and his evolving artistic direction as he approaches a new decade in his career.
The New York TimesThe New Yorkerillustration - Top 20 graphic designers of 2026, as voted for by creatives
Creative Boom · Apr 13, 2026
Creative Boom reveals the top 20 graphic designers of 2026, as voted by thousands of creatives in its annual State of Creativity survey. The list highlights influential figures such as Paula Scher, Jessica Walsh, Simon Dixon, and Verónica Fuerte, showcasing a mix of established icons and emerging voices shaping the global design landscape. The article celebrates diversity in practice, from branding and typography to motion and illustration.
- Harriet Yakub finds the funny in the everyday, and turns it into cartoon-like illustrations
Creative Boom · Apr 13, 2026
Creative Boom profiles Irish-Ukrainian illustrator Harriet Yakub, whose work transforms everyday observations into humorous, cartoon-like illustrations. The article explores her process, from word associations to hand-drawn etching, and highlights her clients, awards, and evolving projects such as her self-published series Makewatch. Yakub’s practice is rooted in finding meaning and humor in ordinary moments.
The New York TimesPenguin Random Houseillustration - Brad Holland’s Secret Passion: Poster Design
· Apr 10, 2026
Steven Heller reflects on illustrator Brad Holland’s lesser-known passion for poster design, revealing a large body of work discovered after Holland’s death. The article discusses Holland’s approach to creating original posters, his typographic sensibility, and plans for a posthumous exhibition curated with the help of his former assistant, Jonathan Twingley.
AIGAThe New York Timesposter_design - Step inside Linda Merad’s whimsical and poetic illustrated universe for Hermès
It's Nice That · Apr 9, 2026
The article profiles Paris-based illustrator Linda Merad and her recent collaborations with Hermès, including the 2026 'Venture Beyond' campaign. Known for her whimsical, anthropomorphic characters, Merad brought her lithographic style to life through illustrations and animations created with animator Quentin Klein. The project extended across Hermès’ Instagram and website, showcasing her poetic visual universe.
HermèsThe New York Timesillustration - A new leaf: an exclusive look inside The New York Times Magazine redesign
It's Nice That · Apr 8, 2026
The article offers an in-depth look at The New York Times Magazine’s first major redesign in nearly a decade, led by creative director Gail Bichler and design director Ben Grandgenett. The redesign rethinks the magazine’s visual and editorial systems to better reflect how stories now move across print, digital, audio, and video formats. It emphasizes continuity, experimentation, and the evolving role of design in immersive storytelling.
The New York Times MagazineThe New York Timeseditorial - Handsome Frank launches a new shop selling beautiful prints by world-class illustrators
Creative Boom · Apr 8, 2026
Creative Boom reports on Handsome Frank’s launch of Handsome Provisions, a new curated print shop offering archival-quality giclée prints by its roster of world-class illustrators. The article highlights five featured prints and artists, showcasing their distinctive styles and backgrounds. The initiative reflects the agency’s expansion into direct-to-consumer art retail while celebrating contemporary illustration talent.
Handsome FrankHandsome ProvisionsDesign BridgeThe TelegraphEasyJetillustration - Immigrant Fear Takes Center Stage in Powerful New Comic Series
· Mar 31, 2026 · Interview
Steven Heller interviews illustrator Michael Sloan about 'Separation,' a new comic series in The New York Times created with journalist Jake Halpern. The series follows a Honduran family navigating fear and uncertainty amid U.S. immigration enforcement. Sloan discusses the emotional weight of the project, its journalistic rigor, and its potential to foster empathy and awareness.
The New York TimesPRINT MagazineThe New York Timeseditorial - Wedge Studio, Mindy Seu, Da’Shaunae Marisa and Ben Sanders: Get tickets for April’s Nicer Tuesdays in LA!
It's Nice That · Mar 23, 2026
It’s Nice That announces the April 2026 edition of Nicer Tuesdays in Los Angeles, featuring talks by Wedge Studio, Mindy Seu, Da’Shaunae Marisa, and Ben Sanders. The event will explore topics across branding, design, publishing, photography, and painting, offering insights into each creative’s process and recent projects. The evening will take place at The Vermont Hollywood on 14 April 2026.