“Exploring the Artistic Landscape of 2025”
This year, the art team explored a diverse range of projects, from the buzz around DOGE to the complex narratives of the Vietnam War, the online privacy challenges faced by trans individuals, and the extensive surveillance efforts targeting Iranian military dissidents. We crafted a vibrant showcase of standout items from our gift guides, sent an illustrator into the bustling courthouse to capture the scene around Luigi Mangione’s trial, and delved into the chaotic landscape of college news consumption through creative collages. Here’s a recap of some of our highlights from the year.
Wikipedia stands strong as a reliable institution, bolstered by its structured dispute resolution processes and a dedicated community of editors worldwide. Drawing inspiration from vintage encyclopedias, neoclassical architecture, and the whimsical DK kids’ books, the design reflects a stream-of-consciousness style reminiscent of the quirky hyperlink trails that can lead you to unexpected Wikipedia pages.
For the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, a split-screen hub was designed to gather various stories, showcasing the conflicting narratives of the Vietnam War. The project came to life through the collaboration of an engineer and a talented illustrator, creating a visually engaging experience.
In a package addressing the future of trans individuals online, the design aimed to capture both the eerie uncertainties and the potential for positive change. The contributions of an animator and a font designer added depth to the project, emphasizing the role of trans people in shaping a better future.
The chaotic atmosphere of Luigi Mangione’s pretrial hearing was brilliantly captured by an illustrator who made the most of the courtroom’s downtime, sketching the crowd of fans and onlookers outside the courtroom.
A vibrant package exploring the influence of creators on the internet featured a lively design that mimicked the scrolling style of TikTok. Each story was enhanced by animated collages from various artists, creating a cohesive yet diverse visual experience.
To create a kaleidoscope effect for this year’s gift guides, a mirrored structure was ingeniously placed atop a large TV, allowing for a playful arrangement of selected items against beautifully crafted backgrounds.
A poignant comic illustrated a little-known aspect of history involving a U.S. military psyop aimed at intimidating Viet Cong soldiers. The emotive artwork and compelling narrative made it one of the standout pieces of the year.
An illustration capturing the chaotic essence of a political figure’s first 100 days resonated with many, perfectly encapsulating the absurdity of the moment.
In a gripping story about Iranian dissidents, striking crime noir illustrations drew readers into a dark narrative of danger and intrigue, showcasing the artist’s skill in creating a compelling atmosphere.
A collage celebrating the themes of fatherhood through the lens of a beloved game series featured handmade portraits that beautifully blended real-life emotions with gaming elements.
The harsh realities faced by early Silicon Valley workers were highlighted through powerful photography, showcasing the stories of women holding companies accountable for their past actions.
An exploration of the concept of the infinite fringe illustrated the overwhelming nature of conspiracy memes, capturing the essence of a phenomenon that can be both captivating and disorienting.
A striking image questioning a prominent figure’s involvement in a cryptocurrency phenomenon perfectly captured the essence of the moment.
Lastly, a memorable image from a major conference encapsulated the surreal atmosphere of the event, highlighting the bizarre interactions between key figures in the tech and political spheres.
