Dixi workshop with Alexandra Zsigmond

The Art of the Spot

In October 2024, we participated in a workshop with Alexandra Zsigmond from The New York Times about spot illustration. During the workshop, we had the opportunity to engage in discussions and listen to contributions from The New York Times directors and team members.

A spot illustration is a small, standalone visual used to complement and enhance text in publications like newspapers, magazines, or websites. Unlike large illustrations, it’s concise and integrated into the layout without dominating the page. Spot illustrations serve various purposes: highlighting key ideas, breaking up dense text, adding visual interest, or clarifying complex concepts. They are often used decoratively or functionally, making content more engaging and accessible. Frequently employed in editorial contexts, such as The New York Times, these illustrations involve collaboration between illustrators and art directors to create visuals that align with the article's tone and message.

Our main goal and task are to create a series of illustrations for a measuring station in Mainz that currently lacks visibility and appeal to the public. The workshop provided us with valuable insights on how to brainstorm ideas, along with tips and tricks for creating impactful spot illustrations. Alexandra showcased numerous examples to help us understand how illustrators collaborate with art directors and other professionals at The New York Times to produce these visuals effectively.

Final Spot Illustrations

Spots Mock ups

Workshop Impressions