The Art of The Long Read: Illustrated by Javi Aznarez for The Guardian
The latest issue of The Guardian Long Read magazine has arrived, and it is a masterclass in tactile storytelling and conceptual illustration.
With creative direction by Chris Clarke Issue № 3 continues the publication’s reputation for pairing deep-form journalism with striking visual narratives, this time featuring a cover by the incomparable Javi Aznarez.
Chris has curated a volume that truly celebrates the physical nature of print. The cover by Javi is a "coded landscape", a meticulously arranged desk where everyday objects serve as metaphors for the stories tucked inside. In a brilliant nod to the magazine's growing legacy, Javi has hidden "easter eggs" that connect to previous editions.
Sharp-eyed collectors will spot the dog from Nishant Choksi’s Issue One and the bowler-hatted figure from Miki Lowe’s Issue Two, woven into the sophisticated composition.
The physical production is as considered as the art itself.
Chris opted for a premium linen-embossed stock, utilizing a palette of three specific Pantone colors: a vibrant fluorescent pastel pink contrasted against a rich, deep black.
To heighten the sensory experience, a spot varnish was applied over the illustration, creating a finish that makes the ink look perpetually wet, a beautiful irony for a medium celebrating the "long" and the permanent.
The Guardian Long Read magazine is a curated extension of the popular Guardian column and podcast, designed for those who value the "human trace" and authentic craftsmanship in both writing and art.
Alongside Javi, the issue features an impressive roster of world-class talent.
Project Credits & Contributors
Lead Illustrator:Javi Aznarez (Cover & Feature)
Creative Direction:Chris Clarke
Contributing Illustrators:
Justin Metz – Digital surrealism and conceptual editorial art.
Paul Blow – Narrative illustration for global publications.
Joost Stokhof– Atmospheric, line-driven storytelling.
Agnes Jonas – London-based contemporary illustration.
Carl Godfrey– Minimalist and graphic editorial work.
Spencer Wilson – UK-based illustration, animation, and printmaking.
Neil Jamieson– Mixed-media and creative direction.
Hannah Robinson – Freelance illustration and character-driven cartoons.
Limited quantities of Issue № 3 are available now at the Guardian Bookshop, MagCulture, and select retailers like WHSmith and Waitrose in the UK. For those in the US, copies can be found at Iconic Magazines and Casa Magazines in NYC, as well as Barnes & Noble.
Illustrated Spreads in The Long Read
Guardian The Long Read / Photography by @davidjmccoy
