Space Oddity

August 3, 2019

Spaceman! Illustration for Duluth Trading Company!
It’s not every day that a medical illustrator gets to wander this far outside her usual territory—but sometimes the most unexpected projects turn out to be the most fun. I got a call from an art director at Duluth Trading Company who was drawn to the technical side of my work and, in particular, the way I render fabric. A few carefully shaded folds can apparently open some interesting doors.

She decided to take a chance on me, and I’m very glad she did. This time around, I was tasked with illustrating a spaceman outfitted in Duluth Trading Company gear. Yes, a spaceman. I briefly campaigned for a space dog to join him (sorry, Laika—I tried), but that idea didn’t make the final cut. I also floated the Vulcan salute, which got a good laugh, though we ultimately decided it might wander a little too close to infringement. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but discretion won out.

Behind the scenes, this project also involved some truly excellent reference gathering. Huge thanks to my gracious and patient partner, who spent time rolling around on my studio floor in motorcycle gear and a backpack so I could get the folds, weight, and posture just right. It’s all part of the process—and proof that illustration, even when it takes a detour into outer space, is still very much grounded in careful observation.