Andrew Rae illustrates cover for latest issue of The New York Times Magazine

Illustrator Andrew Rae has created the cover for the latest issue of The New York Times Magazine. Out in print on Sunday, this issue is all about the economics of the creative industries. “They were looking for something dense, which can be a bit daunting with editorial turnarounds,” Andrew explains. “But with such a nice subject matter it was never going to be too hard to think of a nice image.”

The issue challenges the idea that it’s “impossible” to make money through art in the digital economy. There are nods to this throughout Andrew’s cover as digital and creative collide, with various characters clinging to smartphones and rocket boosted laptops fleeing the capsizing technological-looking boat. “I hit upon the idea of the sinking ship and was worried that they’d think it was too negative but they loved the idea.” Recently creating a regular piece for The New York Times On Money “thanks to art director and super nice chap Matt Willey”, Andrew’s cover follows the same bright and communicative style.