The Guardian
Client: The Guardian
Type: Editorial
AD: Suzanne Lemon
Year: 2024
For The Guardian Saturday Magazine, I created both the cover and an internal full-page illustration for an article on ADHD. The article delves into what ADHD is, its diagnosis process, and treatment options.
The illustrations were inspired by the author’s metaphors, such as ADHD feeling like "a million YouTube tabs open at once" or "a volcano building inside" when trying to stay still. These vivid descriptions guided the artwork, with the cover capturing the dynamic, chaotic energy of an active mind and the internal piece expressing the emotional tension of internal restlessness.
The visuals were designed to work seamlessly across both print and online formats, ensuring accessibility and impact for readers everywhere.
The illustrations were inspired by the author’s metaphors, such as ADHD feeling like "a million YouTube tabs open at once" or "a volcano building inside" when trying to stay still. These vivid descriptions guided the artwork, with the cover capturing the dynamic, chaotic energy of an active mind and the internal piece expressing the emotional tension of internal restlessness.
The visuals were designed to work seamlessly across both print and online formats, ensuring accessibility and impact for readers everywhere.
Challenges & Approach
The challenge was to balance sensitivity with bold storytelling. ADHD is a complex topic that affects people differently, so my goal was to create artwork that feels relatable but avoids clichés. By working closely with the editorial team and revisiting the metaphors in the text, I aimed to craft visuals that complement the narrative, helping readers connect emotionally to the piece.
