Nancy M. Schlichting for HealthLeaders Magazine

THE CLIENT

HealthLeaders Magazine

THE ASSIGNMENT

A cover story illustration on HealthLeaders' 20 honorees for 2012, selected for their efforts to make health care better. Their cover features Nancy M. Schlichting, Henry Ford Health System CEO and Detroit Regional Chamber's chairman of the year.

THE CHALLENGE

I need to tell the story of Ms. Schlichting's influential position in the health care industry, and with the Henry Ford Health System, while portraying her in a flattering way and conforming to the cover layout.

GETTING STARTED

I was provided a few head shots of Ms. Schlichting, but I needed to give her a standing stance of strength that fit the cover layout. The wonderful Melodie is one of my go-to models for such purposes. After a trip to the thrift store for a business outfit, we conducted our shoot, exploring a variety of poses, giving me lots of material to play with.




PRELIMINARY SKETCHES

We knew she would need to stay on the left and the Henry Ford Health System building would be in the background. The decisions would involve the size of the building and exact pose.

I narrowed it down to the two poses I felt flattered and strengthened her, best, and two unique building views.




FINAL ART

The last sketch was approved with the caveat to alter her size to fill the page with her torso. A nice warm color palette rounds out the scene.

Thanks to the great folks at HealthLeaders Magazine.

Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.
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