Breed – James Joyce’s favourite project
Personal best – James Joyce
We continue the new series where we ask Breed artists to select a piece or project of their own that holds a special meaning for them. It may not necessarily be the most successful or even their favourite, simply one that stands out for them as important in some way. We’re intrigued to see the choices made and the stories they may lead to.
This episode we turn to James Joyce. From the Royal Academy to Banksy’s Dismaland, James’ work has been showcased at all cultural levels. Through his career as an illustrator, James has developed a very distinctive, yet adaptable style, using graphic design, typography and wit in his pieces, sometimes referencing familiar elements of popular culture. Let’s see which of his works he’s selected.
What piece have you chosen?
I’ve chosen a cover I designed for M Le Monde magazine in November 2016.
Why is it special to you?
It marked such a pivotal moment in history, and I felt fortunate to be asked to capture it for the cover of a respected international news magazine. There were many powerful Trump covers at the time, and it was a privilege to be part of that wider visual conversation. The design also went on to win a D&AD Pencil and an ADCE Award.
What’s the story behind it?
This was the week Trump was first elected in 2016. There was a widespread sense of shock at the result – the initial derision quickly gave way to real concern about what it might mean. The cover aimed to capture that mood.
How did you come to create this piece?
I was approached by the magazine’s Creative Director, Jean-Baptiste Talbourdet-Napoleone, who invited me to design the cover the week after Trump was elected. It was a challenging brief, particularly with so many other striking Trump covers being published at the time, but this approach managed to cut through.