Illustration has been a key part of Pit since the beginning. However, starting with Issue 8 (the infamous Sausage Special), we’ve taken the slightly unusual route of commissioning a single illustrator to work across the whole magazine. The result is that each issue has a strong and unique visual identity.
When I was thinking about what our American issue should feel like, I kept going back to one of my favourite magazines: New York, founded by Clay Felker and Milton Glaser in 1968. From an outsider’s point of view, Glaser’s work is quintessentially AMERICAN. He designed the ‘I heart NY’ logo after all.
I wanted to capture something similar in terms of feeling, and Mike Haddad’s work was exactly what I was looking for: a little retro without being a pastiche. He’s also from Canada, which amused me. His ideas are smart and straight to the point, which is what we’re always looking for in Pit illustrations.
Mike has worked for clients across the world, including designing apparel for Parks Project; branding and packaging for Australian vineyard Alpha Box & Dice, and installations for The Standard Hotel. His work is concept-led - something that can result in a succinct iconographic artwork or an expansive composition with an accumulation of references. It is a visual language that feels both immediate and fresh. Mike's inspirations include xeroxed punk flyers, pop surrealism and vintage sci-fi paperbacks.
If you haven’t got your copy of our American issue, it’s waiting for you in the SHOP.
Or better yet, why not subscribe, and you’ll never miss an issue!
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Oatmeal (porridge) with maple syrup, blueberries and banana
What does your day look like as an illustrator?
Sometimes I have one project on the go, but usually there are multiple jobs in the shop. I spend a lot of time brainstorming in my sketchbook; that’s my favourite part of my job. Then I move on to the ‘work’ on the rectangle to render the images. And of course, there needs to be a section of the day devoted to admin, emails, invoicing, and procrastinating.
What would your dream project be?
I’d love to snag more book covers. My dream would be to repackage classic Sci-Fi.
If you could eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to, it would probably be prime rib, but wouldn’t that ruin a good thing by being overexposed to it?!
What's the best thing you've read recently?
I recently re-read Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut - one of my favourite books!
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
I would say to focus less on style and more on ideas.
Thanks for reading!
