The Brief:
I was commissioned by Northern Virginia Magazine to create the cover illustration for their annual "Best of NoVA" issue, which celebrates reader-voted favorites across food, drink, entertainment, shopping, and beauty. Because the issue covers a vast range of winners—from the best burger to the best manicure, the challenge was to create a cohesive image that tied everything together.

The Creative Concept:
Inspired by the vibrant, crowded energy of music festival posters, the concept transforms the cover into a whimsical, sprawling festival scene. Centered around a lively outdoor stage, the illustration features people dancing, enjoying live music, and sharing food and drinks. Tucked into the crowd and the festival grounds are playful, imaginative nods to various winning categories, blending the region's top spots into one massive, joyful celebration.