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

Robert Nicol illustrations: Capturing the Invisible World of Maritime Life
Robert Nicol, Illustration Dutch Uncle Robert Nicol, Illustration Dutch Uncle

Robert Nicol illustrations: Capturing the Invisible World of Maritime Life

Robert Nicol creates powerful editorial illustrations for Common Good Magazine, depicting the MV Dali disaster and the realities of maritime life. His atmospheric visuals highlight isolation, risk, and human resilience, using light, shadow, and composition to bring emotional depth to overlooked industries and the people within them.

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Leaders Unaware of AI Use at Work, Illustrations by Debora Szpilman for HBR
Illustration, Debora Szpilman Dutch Uncle Illustration, Debora Szpilman Dutch Uncle

Leaders Unaware of AI Use at Work, Illustrations by Debora Szpilman for HBR

Debora Szpilman has spent the past year as the visual voice of Jancis Robinson’s Financial Times columns. Her illustrations distill global wine complexities—from Bordeaux crises to Japanese viticulture—into singular, witty images. With the crispness of editorial commentary and a sophisticated eye, Szpilman consistently brings clarity and humor to the world’s most nuanced wine narratives.

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

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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Illustrations for Jancis Robinson's Wine Column in the Financial Times
Debora Szpilman, Illustration Dutch Uncle Debora Szpilman, Illustration Dutch Uncle

Illustrations for Jancis Robinson's Wine Column in the Financial Times

For nine months, Debora Szpilman has been the illustrative powerhouse behind Jancis Robinson’s Financial Times wine column. From organic winemaking to emerging regions, Szpilman’s blend of elegance and humor renders complex oenological narratives accessible and compelling. Her continued contributions highlight the vital role of visual storytelling in world-class wine journalism.

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