Eaten Mag: Spec Covers

Illustration

How do you illustrate a magazine cover for an issue of a food magazine with the theme ‘Midsummer Meals’?

As a part of being one of the Association of Illustrators 2025 mentees, I created these spec covers for Eaten Magazine. Mentored by the wonderful Maggie Stephenson.

Candlelit Charcuterie

For the first approach, I took inspiration from a lush, indulgent charcuterie feast. I used jewel tones, and rich colours to evoke a sense of richness and ripeness.

Refined sketch

Rough sketch

Fancy Folklore

As a second option I created a piece that had a direct visual link to the fanciful, and decorative outfits of Midsummer festivals in Sweden. The lush summer fruits are integrated as a part of the embroidery.

Refined sketch

Rough sketch