The Journal

The Dutch Uncle Journal is a considered study of illustration, design, and animation in practice, how they are conceived, commissioned and realised in the wider world.

This is where we share the thinking behind our latest projects and engage with the wider shifts shaping visual culture, from the resurgence of handmade texture to the ways art redefines the spaces we inhabit.

A considered collection of work and ideas from the front line of contemporary illustration.

Brian Rea illustrates 52 Break-Up Lines for The New York Times, Modern Love
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Brian Rea illustrates 52 Break-Up Lines for The New York Times, Modern Love

The New York Times Modern Love feature gathers 52 real-life breakup lines, funny, brutal, and unexpectedly poetic, illustrated by Brian Rea. His minimal, human drawings elevate the piece into a quietly powerful study of how relationships end, revealing humour and vulnerability in equal measure.

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The Art of The Long Read: Illustrated by Javi Aznarez for The Guardian
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The Art of The Long Read: Illustrated by Javi Aznarez for The Guardian

The Guardian Long Read Issue № 3, with creative direction by Chris Clarke, features cover illustrations by Javi Aznarez.

Printed on linen-embossed stock with fluorescent Pantones, the edition showcases premier talent including Justin Metz, Paul Blow, and Spencer Wilson. It is a definitive collection of contemporary craftsmanship in global editorial illustration.

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The Art of the Elegant Outlaw: Javi Aznarez and the Lord of Barmbeck
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The Art of the Elegant Outlaw: Javi Aznarez and the Lord of Barmbeck

In 1920s Hamburg, Julius Adolf Petersen—the "Lord of Barmbeck"—turned burglary into a high-fashion performance. For Stern Crime, artist Javi Aznarez illustrates this non-violent "Robin Hood" with a sharp "Ligne Claire" lens, revealing a tactical irony: the Lord was too vain to be invisible. By dressing for a gala to rob a stagecoach, Petersen proved that in the underworld, a spotlight is often more dangerous than a gun.

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Noma Bar: Conceptual Editorial Illustrations for FD Het Financieele Dagblad ‘The Art Of Debate’
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Noma Bar: Conceptual Editorial Illustrations for FD Het Financieele Dagblad ‘The Art Of Debate’

In a long-standing collaboration with Het Financieele Dagblad (FD), the Netherlands’ leading financial daily, world-renowned illustrator Noma Bar has produced a series of striking visuals that tackle the most pressing debates of our time.

From geopolitical shifts to economic policy, Noma’s work for FD is a definitive benchmark for modern editorial illustration. His "double-take" style, using negative space to reveal hidden meaningsperfectly mirrors the depth and nuance required for high-level financial and political journalism.

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38 Fun Things to Do in New York City According to Kids Who Actually Live There. Illustrated by Javi Aznarez
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38 Fun Things to Do in New York City According to Kids Who Actually Live There. Illustrated by Javi Aznarez

Looking for the best things to do in New York with kids? This ultimate NYC family guide reveals 38 kid-approved activities—from museums and parks to food spots—brought to life by Javi Aznárez with playful, unforgettable illustrations.

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Debora Szpilman x Jancis Robinson FT Wine Guide
Debora Szpilman, Editorial Illustration Dutch Uncle Debora Szpilman, Editorial Illustration Dutch Uncle

Debora Szpilman x Jancis Robinson FT Wine Guide

Debora Szpilman brings a vibrant, tactile energy to the FT Weekend Magazine, illustrating Jancis Robinson’s comprehensive wine guide. Tasked with visualizing 121 reader questions, Szpilman’s charming, hand-drawn aesthetic perfectly complements the expert advice. This collaboration highlights Dutch Uncle’s commitment to authentic craftsmanship, turning complex inquiries into sophisticated visual narratives.

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The Chinese Variable - Cover art by Noma Bar for Internazionale Magazine
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The Chinese Variable - Cover art by Noma Bar for Internazionale Magazine

Noma Bar’s cover for Internazionale captures the global fallout of Beijing’s sudden departure from its "Zero-Covid" policy. Through masterful negative space, Noma visualizes the "Chinese Variable"—the tension between a staggering human toll and the inevitable economic ripples. It is a clinical, poignant distillation of policy shifting into a global crisis.

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Tomi Um's Illustrations Guide CONDENAST's COVID Office Protocols
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Tomi Um's Illustrations Guide CONDENAST's COVID Office Protocols

Tomi Um produced a visual guide for Conde Nast's post-lockdown safety protocols. Commissioned by Herve Kwimo Creative, these illustrations appear in New York and London offices.

Distributed via newsletters and social media, the artwork provides clear instructions on health measures. The project helps staff and visitors navigate essential office safety requirements.

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