The New York Times Design Cases
Designers behind the work
Designers and creative leads credited on The New York Times projects in press coverage.
Designers and creative leads credited on The New York Times projects in press coverage.
Creative Boom’s feature by Tom May explores photographer Xavier Nuez’s 25-year project 'Alleys & Ruins', a series of light-painted photographs of derelict American spaces. Using long exposures and coloured lights, Nuez transforms abandoned sites into theatrical compositions while processing his own trauma through the act of creation. The forthcoming book, published by Gypsy Press, is both a visual and psychological exploration of beauty emerging from decay.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
