Tom Straw
Hiding behind a Pseudonym

Editorial

Commissioned | Professional

Why did you make this work:
I was commissioned to create this illustration for an article in the Financial Times about pseudonyms used by authors. The article talked about the possible complications and politics of pseudonyms and how authors could hide behind these fictive identities. For example, the case of 'Carmen Mola' where a group of men used a female psyeudonym and won Spain's Planeta prize.

How was the illustration used:
Published on the cover of the Life and Arts section in the Financial Times.

How did you make this work:
I created this artwork using a mix of 3D and 2D digital software. I wanted to depict the concept of pseudonyms and hint towards the idea of an author hiding behind a fake identity, as well as how these pseudonyms can become bigger than the authors themselves. This was a quick turnaround illustration with a deadline of just a few days.

Commissioner Name :
Graham Tuckwell
Commissioner Company :
Financial Times

Social Media:
twitter.com/TomStrawArt
instagram.com/tom.straw

Personal Website:
tomstraw.co.uk/


Currently Based:
Birmingham, UK.

Biography:
Tom is a freelance illustrator based in Birmingham. Having graduated from Birmingham City University in 2019 he has since gone on to establish himself as an editorial illustrator and specialises in themes such as tech, culture, and politics. Tom has worked with a variety of print publications including: The FT, The Guardian, Wired, BBC Science Focus, New Scientist, Foreign Policy, Big Issue.

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