The idea funnel

Here is a sequence of ideas I sent to USAA Magazine for an article about where to find money when you're broke. The art director had suggested that the concept be more direct (actual places you would find money), but before I went that direction I sent two other more metaphorical ideas.





The art director loved them, but asked for a more literal approach for a backup. As you may guess, this is the idea they ultimately chose. But I knew going into the sketch that this was likely. So, the way I challenged myself was to make this sketch a pure formal exploration of pattern and color. No perspective, just squares and patterns.



I wasn't sure how this would work in the final, but went with the multicolored lines with a minimal palate. Using the white of the page as the top of the color heirarchy. The background and texture were added digitally.



I think I'm going to write a kids book about that broke genie from the first sketch. I love that idea!