Jim Datz

Dawn offering

There are far more pressing issues unfolding in the world at the moment, but before too much time passes, and for those who don’t already know… After a period of deep reflection (and partly in an act of self-preservation) i’ve decided to leave Journalism and step over the threshold into Publishing. I’ve joined @albertaustintang and the phenomenal team at Hachette/GCP, art directing their Twelve and Balance imprints. This move has taken many months to unfold, and at times felt like an unattainable dream, but I am here now and thrilled to re-engage with the full spectrum of the print designer’s craft. Every cover is a new adventure and I look forward to sharing them with you. I’ve said this in previous posts, but want to re-express my appreciation for the extraordinary artists, art directors and editors who i had the privilege to collaborate with for nearly 6 years at The New York Times. The work felt important, necessary and urgent in a time when sharp editorial imagery is in scarce supply. And I owe a debt of gratitude to @na_son @jningwong @jenheuer @studio.tyco @matt.dorfman — who patiently fielded many questions about life outside the News cave, and offered expertise, encouragement and a good word at just the right intervals. Your work reminded me that moments of striking insight and beauty are achievable within the commercial realm, and inspired me to run headlong toward this space. So I am thrilled, a little intimidated (and a lot amazed) to now be part of this community. Onward to a life in covers…

🦉

happy weekend to all!

This has been several months in the making, but I am excited to finally share the news: After five years, two election cycles, 1800+ commissions, and the remaining vestiges of my non-grey hair, i’m leaving Opinion to embark a journey from the "back" of the paper (page A23, on many days) to an expanded role in the front (pages A2–3). I want to express my gratitude to every single artist whose brilliant work illuminated the Op-Ed page during my time on the desk. We confronted an astonishing range of topics with courage and care, and the creative partnerships that emerged have increased my already-existing admiration and respect for all of you, and my faith in illustration as an essential, powerful artform. I'll be joining a team whose work I've admired for years—among them the amazing @standardregular (who will endure a few weeks of me flailing around), and the sharp-eyed @fredeeky (whose vision, expertise and generous spirit animate the department.) Once I'm unpacked and moved into the new spread, I'll reach out to you again, this time for a different set of topics and concerns, but they'll all be fun, I promise. I look forward to continuing the visual conversation we began way back in 2016. Can't wait to get going! jd

arm or armor

Questionable Utility

Object Permanence 02