For the past three years, I have been contributing artwork to one of my favorite television shows, YOU. One of Joe’s love interests, Marienne (played by Tati Gabrielle), was a children’s book illustrator and artist. I don’t know how they found me, but the producers called me up several years ago to ask if I would like to create artwork for the character. My agent, not knowing the plot of YOU asked, “As a children’s book illustrator, are you sure you want your work to be associated with a show like this?” Ummm, yes, please.
The first time they called, I sent them every sketchbook and drawing I could find. You can see my sketches placed throughout Marienne’s apartment. The next season they commissioned a ballerina in the sky. Based on the character’s storyline, I thought that I was done last season, but in August, I got an email from the producers stating that they needed one more painting and this time, it needed to be huge.
I dropped everything I was doing and got to work. And now, in April, as we bid Joe farewell, I can finally share “Phoenix.” Eventually, I may sell the original or perhaps make a few prints, but for now, head over to Netflix and check me out on the series finale.
Enjoy!