New Zealand Herald — Matariki Feature Illustrations
Overview
Commissioned by The New Zealand Herald (NZ Herald)—New Zealand’s leading daily newspaper and widely regarded as the nation’s newspaper of record—this project involved the development of a series of editorial illustrations for a Matariki feature. The work responded to a significant cultural milestone, aligning with the first official observance of Matariki as a public holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand. The objective was to translate themes of reflection, renewal, and cultural identity into a contemporary visual language that remained grounded in cultural integrity. The illustrations were published nationally across the NZ Herald’s print circulation and high-traffic digital platform, forming part of a major editorial moment.
The Challenge
The project required a careful balance between cultural sensitivity and editorial clarity. The illustrations needed to translate deeply rooted cultural concepts into accessible visual forms, while integrating seamlessly within an established editorial system. In addition, the work had to perform across multiple formats—maintaining impact and legibility from large-scale print layouts to mobile-first digital and social environments.
Approach
I developed a considered visual system anchored in symbolic abstraction, drawing on key Matariki themes such as connection, remembrance, and future growth. A restrained colour palette was employed to ensure cohesion and tonal sensitivity, while simplified geometric forms supported clarity and scalability across platforms. Rather than producing isolated artworks, the focus was on building a flexible illustration system that could operate consistently across varying editorial contexts and formats.
Applications
The illustration system was designed for adaptability and continuity across the feature, including editorial headers, inline illustrations, and responsive digital layouts. This ensured a cohesive visual narrative throughout the reader journey, from print spreads to social and mobile touchpoints.
Outcome
The final work delivered a cohesive and adaptable illustration system that supported storytelling while maintaining cultural sensitivity and editorial clarity. Rolled out across print and digital formats, the project contributed to a nationally visible cultural moment, enhancing reader engagement during the inaugural Matariki public holiday. Published to a broad, nationwide audience through NZ Herald’s print and digital channels, the work reinforced narrative cohesion across the feature while maintaining legibility and impact at scale.
- Illustration
- Web Assets
- Print
