Publishing / Illustration

The Tribe and I Have Spoken

I created 70+ illustrations for Rob Cesternino’s The Tribe and I Have Spoken, including nine chapter-opening illustrations, interior artwork, digital bonus material, and the cover illustration.

New York Times bestseller · Simon & Schuster · 2026

 

 

Publisher
Simon & Schuster, Atria Books

Role
Illustrator, cover artist

Scope
70+ images

Published
2026

 

Creating the Cover

I developed the primary cover artwork and worked with the publishing team as it was integrated into the final book design.

From illustration to finished spread

Each chapter opened with a full-page illustration built around a central visual metaphor, which was then integrated into the book’s editorial design.

 
 
 
 

Building a visual language

Beyond the chapter openers, I created dozens of interior illustrations ranging from portraits and spot art to larger narrative scenes, maintaining a consistent visual language across the book while adapting to very different stories, personalities, and tones.

From publication to audience

After publication, the project expanded into speaking and live-event opportunities. I presented the work at the Association of Medical Illustrators Annual Conference and joined the RHAPCon 2026 book signing, where I had the chance to hear directly from readers about how the illustrations shaped their experience of the book.

“The most engaging and dynamic presentation of the entire conference.”

AMI Annual Conference attendee feedback, 2026

The book debuted at #10 on the New York Times Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous bestseller list.


 

Interested in working together?

I’m interested in ambitious illustrated publishing, editorial, entertainment, and visual storytelling projects.

I’m also available for talks and workshops on illustration, creative careers, and visual storytelling.