The Portland Mercury
Newspaper

Art Director: Me
Chief Editor: Wm. Steve Humphrey

The Portland Mercury is an alternative local newspaper featuring news and entertainment. During the year, there are traditional themed issues but with a twist. 

From 2015-2020, I designed over 200 covers with over 48 page issues inside, and reprint magazines. Working with photographers, artists, and editors, I led the visual direction for these publications.  
Cover Design
 
Jess Hutchison
Carving by Tim Pate
Arielle Bobb-Willis
Jordan Speer
Chris Ryan
Ashley Armitage
Johnny Spannos
J. Morrison


Editorial Layouts


Editorial Photography
Art Direction


AD: Myself

 I concepted and directed photoshoots for editorial content about food and drink, adventure, and local events. 

The goal of these photoshoots was to depict the subject and pique interest, without giving away the full story or details. 


Summer Outdoor Brunch Issue Photographer: Aaron Lee
Client: Portland Mercury



Fall Eat & Drink Guide Photographer: Aaron Lee
Client: Portland Mercury

The Mercury reprinted food reviews through the year in supplemental advertising magazines. I worked with a model and HMU at Aaron Lee’s studio to create silly, fun imagery for the Fall guides.



New Year’s Alterna-Fitness 
Photographer: Aaron Lee
Client: Portland Mercury

The theme of this shoot was to combine junk food with a workout, for the annual get your shit together issue.


Dive Bar Preservation Society Photographer: Minh Tran
Client: Portland Mercury

With a nod to Duchamp and Portland’s dying bar scene, I stickered this urinal to feature with the articles online.  

Independent Publishing Resource Center Fundraising

Client: IPRC

The Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC) is a creative nonprofit with studio space and classes to empower individuals to publish their own ideas. In 2024, I joined the board to help produce fundraising materials and introduce policy.


2024 Year End Giving Campaign Animations
I created this series of type animations for social media. The doodles were provided to me. The video footage is iphone captures, styled in After Effects.



Dark Horse Books 


AD: Lia Ribacchi
Client: Dark Horse Comics Dark Horse Books publishes creator owned or licensed graphic novels and comic books.

These books include additional process and sketch book content inthe back.


Jinxworld
Titles: Torso, Jinx, and Goldfish
Creators: Jinxworld / Brian Michael Bendis



Masters of the Universe: Masterverse & Forge of Destiny AD: Lia Ribacchi
Client: Dark Horse Books / 20th Century Televsion

These comic books precede the Netflix TV piloted by Kevin Smith (licensed to 20th Century). I designed the Forge of Destiny logo and trades, to continue the Masterverse series.

Comixology Reprints 


AD: Lia Ribacchi
Client: Dark Horse ComicsTitles: We Have Demons, Clear, Blue Book, Operation Sunshine, In the Flood, Virtually Yours, Red Tag, Hailstone
 I remastered and redesigned comic books which were previously published online through Comixology and getting their first print publication through Dark Horse Books. 

With Dark Horse, we were able to elevate the designs with specialty finishes and extended sketch book sections and writing. I prepared variant covers with specialty finishes like shiny foil stamps and glow in the dark inks.



Poster Designs


IG: @bleed_throughBleed Through is my personal poster project where I carve out space for expressive art and free creativity. 

No rules exist here. 


Summer Typeface Design


I enjoy shapes and color. 

Highlights’s Brain Play Magazine

CD: Patrick Greenish
Client: Highlights Magazine

Working with the creative director, Patrick Greenish, I art directed two of the sections in this tween puzzle magazine: Which Way USA?—a collage of facts, and a pirate themed image hunt, illustrated by Marlowe Dobbe. 


Which Way USA?

A Key Clue 

Comics Journalism 
Book Design


Publisher: The Nib 

I worked with political cartoonist Matt Bors to design and self publish his collection of comics and essays Life Begins at Incorporation. This was my very first real book and I had an absolute blast learning the process.
Life Begins at Incorporation

Publisher: The Nib 
Cover Art: Matt Bors



Eat More Comics
Publisher: The Nib 
Editor: Matt Bors
Cover Art: Gemma Correll

Kathleen Barnett