Editorial Cover Illustration for Portland Mercury
– A Fun Apartment Life of Fruits and Vegetables
Client : Noisy Creek (Portland Mercury)
Brief :
Art Director : Corianton Hale
2025
Cover illustration for Portland Mercury’s annual Food Issue (print + digital, available at 500+ locations around Portland)
I had so much fun illustrating this cover for Portland Mercury, a much-loved alternative weekly here in Portland. The concept brings together a group of fruits and veggies living in one cozy apartment—an apple jamming to rock ’n’ roll, a banana doing their workout, a potato catching some Zs, and a carrot deep in conversation. It’s a playful take on the theme “Food Is Community,” celebrating the joy of good food and shared moments.
This full-page editorial illustration was featured both in print and online, reaching readers all across the city.
As a freelance illustrator specializing in food, drink, and lifestyle illustration for editorial, advertising, and publishing, it was such a joy to bring this scene to life.
Big thanks to Portland Mercury and art director Corianton Hale for the opportunity!
You can view the Food Issue online here: Portland Mercury – Food Issue 2025
Final Images
(Original illustration before text was added)
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Sketches
These illustrations were created using Adobe Photoshop and/or Procreate by Yoko Baum, utilizing raster brushes. No AI was involved in the creation of these artworks. Happy Human-Powered Creativity!