To create this piece I traced a picture of J.R.R Tolkien using the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator. Each section that has a different pattern/color/shade is an individual piece created with the pen tool. I then selected skin tones and patterns that complimented not only with each other but Tolkien's personality. For his signature, I also used the pen tool to outline the text. Then I added a bright pattern to make it pop. After I finished the main illustration, I designed the background and border.
I like the illustration better than the article. However I created the illustration for the article so I figured I should show both.
I used a stylized drop cap to draw the eye to the first paragraph of the article. Then I found a quote by J.R.R Tolkien that fit the illustration and article. To finish it off I recreated Tolkien's personal emblem, a combination of his initials. By adding a high-contrast pattern to his emblem I created another point of interest in the second page.
