The idea: For a feature like The Extremely Weird Politics of Covid in The New Yorker, the challenge was visualizing a deeply polarized moment in American politics. Debates around masks and vaccines had become symbols of broader divisions, especially in places like Washington, D.C. The cover needed to capture this tension in a way that was immediate and thought-provoking without oversimplifying the complexity of the issue.

The Evolution: The concept transforms the Washington Monument into a syringe, symbolizing the scale and intensity of vaccine debates, while reimagining the American flag to reflect opposing perspectives. The composition is split to represent differing political viewpoints, what is seen as essential by some and unnecessary by others, creating a striking visual metaphor for division. Paired with a feature spread that expands into mask-related discourse, the design turns a complex issue into a bold, layered narrative that invites reflection and conversation.