An ongoing magazine commission: Editorial illustration enhancing storytelling in print media over three years.
Nils-Petter Ekwall serves as the illustrator for the Swedish magazine Universitetsläraren, commissioned to create editorial illustrations for recurring series over multiple years within a professional magazine environment with a strong focus on long-form journalism and visual storytelling. The work includes two distinct editorial series: On the Job, using a full four-color palette, and Focus, created in a two-tone-inspired palette to clearly distinguish its visual style. The project showcases the full scope of the work, from concept development to final illustrations, highlighting Nils-Petter’s approach to editorial illustration, magazine storytelling, and managing a long-term commissioned collaboration.
The client. Universitetsläraren (“University Teacher”) is a news magazine for higher education and university professionals, published six times per year. The magazine features articles in Swedish, with selected pieces translated into English, and is produced by the Swedish union for university teachers and researchers, SULF. Articles cover the state of research, teaching, policies affecting academia, in-depth interviews with experts, researchers, and politicians, as well as strategic guidance and practical advice for university staff on a variety of topics and daily struggles.
Illustration: Nils-Petter Ekwall
Client: Universitetsläraren / SULF
Illustration for a “On the Job” article on making group work effective. Nils-Petter Ekwall’s editorial illustration combines narrative storytelling and details to engage readers and support the article’s message.
The “On the Job” series is illustrated with a single, vibrant, narrative-driven image per article, approximately 10.5" × 7.25", often combining detailed, story-rich scenes, subtle surreal elements, and atmospheric visuals to capture the essence of each story. The illustrations serve as visually striking openers for each article, introducing the story and setting the tone while fitting within the magazine’s layout rather than occupying a full page. Nils-Petter’s approach for these illustrations emphasizes expansion rather than reduction: instead of minimalistic concept illustrations, the visuals offer depth, atmosphere, and discovery — providing more than what is written on the page. The images often include visual Easter eggs hidden within the illustration, adding to reader engagement and dwell time.
Illustration for a “On the Job” article on making group work effective. Nils-Petter Ekwall’s editorial illustration combines narrative storytelling and details to engage readers and support the article’s message.
A conceptual Illustration for a “Focus” article on rising sick leave among university staff. Lifting a university building revealing hospital beds inside.
The “Focus” series uses a limited color palette (chosen by the magazine’s art director for each issue) to help differentiate the series while maintaining a coherent visual identity. And is illustrated across entire articles, often 3–4 spreads long. This series includes vignettes, spot illustrations, small images, half-pages, full-pages, and spreads, and sometimes magazine covers. The visuals range from conceptual imagery, semi-infographics, illustrated maps, graphic timelines, and charts to full-page illustrations with a more narrative or conceptual feel. The style is slightly rougher and more textured, with stronger edges, and this approach allows each illustration to support storytelling, highlight key information, and add depth to the magazine’s content.
Initial rough drafts for the 'Focus' article on rising sick leave among university staff. Sketches by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Other illustrations for the “Focus” article on rising sick leave among university staff.
Nils-Petter’s work demonstrates experience in commissioned editorial illustration, magazine illustration, and long-term collaborations for print and digital media, ideal for publishers seeking a recurring illustrator for professional, story-driven content. If your publication is looking for an illustrator for recurring editorial features or longer magazine projects — or for individual commissioned illustrations — feel free to get in touch to discuss potential collaborations.
Photographed magazine spreads featuring Nils-Petter's editorial concept illustrations.
“On the Job” article about home workspaces. Initial sketches for the client showing two visual concepts of a home office setup: one in the living room, and a slightly messier workspace in the kitchen, presented as an annotated illustrations. Each numbered callout highlights key elements of home office design, ergonomic setups, workflow organization, and productive study environments. The client chose the kitchen concept, which Nils-Petter developed further into the finished illustration below.
On the Job article. The final editorial illustration for the client, developed from the chosen kitchen concept. The image also includes numbered and infographic-style elements, such as arrows and figures, to guide the reader through the scene.
Final illustration as published in the magazine. An annotated illustration with numbered callouts and an explanatory text box, guiding readers through key aspects of home office design, ergonomic setups, workflow organization, and productive study environments. The layout makes the information clear, engaging, fun and easy to absorb, offering real insight and practical tips. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Initial concept sketch for an “On the Job” article about launching a successful popular science podcast. Nils-Petter was inspired by a recent visit to the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin. The sketch features crystals, taxidermy animals, models, plastic figures, and anatomical planet models, exploring narrative and editorial illustration approaches to visually support the article. Initial concept by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
The final illustration for the “On the Job” article about launching a popular science podcast. Inspired by a visit to Berlin’s Museum für Naturkunde, it featured crystals, taxidermy animals, anatomical models, scientific objects and even war-history artifacts, such as WWII bombers and Assyrian war chariots. The illustration was extremely fun to create, allowing Nils-Petter to combine beautiful objects in a playful way adding layers and hidden details to give viewers extra to explore. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Photographed magazine spreads showing the finished “On the Job” illustration in print. The image comes to life across the page layout, highlighting Nils-Petter's approach to editorial illustration, composition, and the integration of playful, intricate objects for an engaging reader experience. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
The final editorial illustration for a “On the Job” article about research diaries as a window into the past. The diary serves as the central element, with scenes of daily life radiating outward. Nils-Petter was inspired by Wilhelm Moberg’s The Emigrants and various Swedish 1970s TV dramas, depicting farmers’ harsh and impoverished lives, the illustration features laundry lines, a handmade coffin, arduous fieldwork, farm fires, and subtle historical details like medicine bottles and decorative patterns on cups. The work highlights Nils-Petter's skill in narrative editorial illustration, historically informed visual storytelling, and magazine illustration, creating an engaging image for readers to explore. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
The Concept sketch and the final print spread for the “On the Job” article about diaries.
Illustration and sketch by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Conceptual illustration for a “Focus” article on ethics in higher education and the remaking of the Swedish Ethical Review Act. The “Focus” illustrations have a restrained color palette. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Conceptual illustrations for a “Focus” article on ethics in higher education and the remaking of the Swedish Ethical Review Act. The “Focus” illustrations have a restrained color palette. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Completed artwork shown in its published form, highlighting how the illustrations interact and read across the magazine layout. For a Focus article about ethics in higher education and the remaking of the Swedish Ethical Review Act. Editorial illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Shown in its print context: quarter-page magazine illustrations elevating the editorial content and design. For a "Focus" article about ethics in higher education and the remaking of the Swedish Ethical Review Act. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Double-page spread illustration for a “Focus” article on the topic: “If the universities were independent.” The image depicting an owl with a wish list of demands to politicians with a restrained color palette; black, white, red (C0 M90 Y40 K) and green (C100 M7 Y68 K0). Version above is translated for the English section of the magazine. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Completed artwork shown in its published form, highlighting how the illustrations interact and read across the magazine layout. For a Focus article about independent universities. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Left: Thumbnail sketches exploring multiple visual ideas for the client. These small, experimental concepts allowed Nils-Petter to test composition and ideas before developing the final illustration. Right: Completed artwork for the double page spread in its published form. Editorial illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Opening illustration for a “Focus” article on the importance of curiosity-driven fundamental research. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Scientific infographic Illustration in a limited color palette for a “Focus” article on the importance of curiosity-driven fundamental research. Highlights examples of unexpected societal benefits arising from strategic basic research, including CRISPR gene editing, penicillin, fiber optics, particle physics, and MRI technology. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Opening illustration as it appears in the magazine. Illustration for “Focus” article on the importance of curiosity-driven fundamental research.
Editorial illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Illustrations as they appears in the magazine. Illustration for “Focus” article on the importance of curiosity-driven fundamental research. Editorial illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
A small, rough draft —the classroom transitions into a rainfores . Sometimes the very first idea is the best—digitally colored to present the concept to the client. Created for the 'On The Job' article on integrating sustainable development into teaching. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final illustration depicting a classroom transformed into a rainforest, visualizing sustainable development in education. Created for the 'On The Job' article on integrating sustainability into teaching. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
The illustration in print, where the classroom transitions into a rainforest, placing sustainable teaching in context. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Quarter-page introductory illustration for the 'Focus' article on the implications of universities no longer being government agencies. Highlights the theme of failed decisions and amended laws, setting the visual tone for the discussion on higher education and governance. Editorial illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Full-page concept illustration for the article, depicting a university campus miniature integrated with a voting machine, visualizing the intersection of higher education and governance. Created to engage readers and highlight the article’s key theme. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Infographic timeline illustrating the organization of universities over time and the key political developments affecting them. Designed to make complex policy history clear and accessible. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall
Published spreads showing how the illustrations were integrated into the article. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Infographic timeline illustrating the organization of universities over time and the key political developments affecting them. Designed to make complex policy history clear and accessible. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Full-page concept illustration for the article, depicting a university campus miniature integrated with a voting machine, visualizing the intersection of higher education and governance. Created to engage readers and highlight the article’s key theme. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall
Sketch for an "On the Job" article about methods for classroom observation (auskultation in Swedish). Sketch by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Finished illustration for 'On the Job', article. this illustration visualizes a systematic method for classroom observation, supporting professional development and teamwork among university staff. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final illustration as it appears in print for the 'On the Job' article, showing how a clear classroom observation method can strengthen faculty collaboration and teaching practices. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Preliminary sketches and conceptual development for the 'On the Job' article on "managing social media as a university employee" capturing the basic idea versions. Sketch by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Finalized illustration for the 'On the Job' article on "managing social media as a university employee", visualizing professional communication
and responsible digital practices. Editorial illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Published illustration for 'On the Job', demonstrating how editorial artwork communicates guidance on social media use for university employees.
Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Initial sketch created directly in Adobe Illustrator to test the feasibility of the concept for the 'On the Job' article on advancing research through
peer review and professional networking. Sketch by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final conceptual illustration visualizing strategies for advancing research: networking with editors, contacting journals and publishers, and seeking
colleague recommendations. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Published print version of the illustration for '"On the Job", showing how editorial artwork communicates practical guidance on advancing research through peer review and professional networking. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Introductory illustration for the 'Focus' article "Nordic unions come together on academic freedom" setting the visual tone for the discussion on universities and intellectual independence. (Flags of, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland). Restrained color palette; black and white, blue (C100 M22 Y0 K0) with accents of orange (C10 M60 Y80 K0). Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Left: Full-page conceptual illustration capturing the overall mood of the article "Nordic unions come together on academic freedom". Right: Infographic map of the Nordic countries, applying a two-color scheme of blue and reddish-brown to clearly communicate comparative data and policies on academic freedom. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
The illustration in print. illustration visualizing academic freedom, with a guided color scheme of black and white plus orange accents, highlighting
he theme of independent thought and research. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Published spreads showing how the illustrations were integrated into the article. For the article "Nordic unions come together on academic freedom". Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Full-page opening spread with vignette for the article "How are researchers portrayed in fiction?" exploring how academia is portrayed in fiction, setting the visual tone for the literary and cultural analysis. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Timeline infographic for the article "How are researchers portrayed in fiction?" illustrating key milestones and themes in fictional portrayals of academia, designed to clarify historical context and narrative trends. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
The timeline runs across two spreads throughout the article "How are researchers portrayed in fiction?" - mapping major literary works and shifts in how academic life has been represented over time. Editorial illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Continuation of the timeline infographic, completing the overview of fictional depictions of academia and their evolving cultural context.
Editorial illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Initial rough draft for the 'On the Job' article "How to raise your game when you teach in English", exploring composition and concept for the classroom setting. Sketch by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Completed illustration made in Adobe Illustrator, supporting the 'On the Job' article "How to raise your game when you teach in English", highlighting classroom interaction and inclusive learning. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Illustration in use within the 'On the Job' article "How to raise your game when you teach in English". Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Front cover concept development through digital sketches in Illustrator, exploring multiple visual directions before the client selected the preferred option. Final color scheme refined to a bluish palette. Concepts by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Fight for Understanding – Magazine cover illustration for Universitetsläraren #6, 2024. Visualizing the experiences of employees with autism and ADHD, highlighting awareness, inclusion, and strategies for CEOs and management to support neurodiverse teams. The illustration, featuring a brain with boxing gloves, conveys resilience and standing up for understanding. By Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Editorial Illustration for the accompanying article on ADHD and autism in the workplace. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Illustrations for the article on ADHD and autism in the workplace, visualizing how different brains approach problem-solving, exemplified by the metaphor of building a bridge to cross a river. Using a two-tone palette of dark blue (C100 M100 Y0 K0) and light blue (C100 M22 Y0 K0) to visually unify the article. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Editorial illustrations on ADHD and autism at work, using a two-tone palette of dark blue (C100 M100 Y0 K0) and light blue (C100 M22 Y0 K0) to visually unify the article. Editorial illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Concept sketches for an On the Job article on procrastination, exploring visual ideas for how delay and distraction can shape the workflow. Nils-Petter proposed a calendar structured around everyday delaying activities, forming the basis of the illustration concept. Sketches by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Finished illustration for an "On the Job" article on "procrastination". It was great fun to explore different everyday delaying activities like doing the dishes, playing card games, watching Emmerdale / Hem till Gården (17) going to a café, (24) and browsing cute cat videos (18) — visualizing how small distractions fill the schedule. Illustration Nils-Petter Ekwall.
The finished procrastination illustration in print. In English; "Don’t put off the most important thing until tomorrow". Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Introduction illustration as published in print for a Focus article on expectations for the future of higher education. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Quarter-page illustration for a Focus article on expectations for the future of higher education. Illustration exploring the future of academia through a humorous astrological lens. Each zodiac sign is reimagined with names reflecting academic challenges and trends, offering a playful take on predicting what lies ahead for universities and researchers. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall
Quarter-page illustration as published in print for a Focus article on expectations for the future of higher education. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Full-page illustration as published in print for a Focus article on expectations for the future of higher education. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Left: Quarter-page illustration as published in print for a Focus article on expectations for the future of higher education. Right: Finished illustration. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Concept sketch for the On the Job article ‘How to Handle Controversial Topics in Your Teaching’. Created directly in Adobe Illustrator to test whether the visual idea would work. The concept shows a classroom set up as a ‘safe zone’ in a battle ground setting. Sketch by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final illustration in its full glory. Created in Adobe Illustrator for the "On the Job" article "How to handle controversial topics in your teaching" in the classroom. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Photographed magazine spread showing how the illustration was used in print for the "On the Job" article "How to handle controversial topics in your teaching". Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Quick concept sketches, colour-blocked in Photoshop, exploring visual approaches for a "Focus" article on how democracy is at risk when knowledge is undermined. A bonanza in conspiracy thinking. Sketches by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Two full-page conceptual illustrations symbolising the spread of pseudoscience: on the left, the ‘fruit of knowledge’ infiltrated by a parasitic pork tapeworm Kennedy-larva (Taenia solium), referencing anti-vaccine misinformation; on the right, a flat-earth motif.Editorial illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Quarter-page introduction illustration as seen in print, presenting a surge of conspiracy theories as the entry point to the article.
Conspiracy Bonanza illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Photographed magazine spread showing the full-page flat-earth illustration in print, visualising the persistence of conspiracy thinking.
Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Photographed magazine spread featuring the full-page ‘fruit of knowledge’ illustration in print, depicting how misinformation can infiltrate and
distort shared understanding. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Quick concept sketches for the “On the Job” article “Let Students Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes. By Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final illustration for the “På Jobbet” article “Let Students Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes. Created in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final illustration as published in print for the “On the Job” article “Let Students Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes.” Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Color sketch thumbnails for a magazine cover illustration. For a themed issue about The Renaissance of Nuclear Research. Sketches created in Adobe Illustrator to explore visual directions and test concepts for cover. Sketches by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final cover illustration as printed, presented in its full published context for The Renaissance of Nuclear Research issue. The headline says "Radiant Times for Nuclear Research". Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Introductory illustration for the article, setting the visual tone for The Renaissance of Nuclear Research article. The colour palette was set in a deliberately toxic, ambiguous combination of Turquoise green (C100 M7 Y68 K0) and violet (C100 M100 Y0 K0). Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Headline reading “Reborn research has funding in abundance.” Introductory illustration as published in print. Editorial illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Illustrated timeline in print. Mapping key milestones in the evolution of nuclear research policies in Sweden. Nils-Petter found that finding precise visual references for nuclear research is consistently extremely difficult — the internet is remarkably sparse, likely because much of the material is, or historically has been, sensitive or classified. Pictorial timeline by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Full article as published in print, featuring a timeline that runs throughout the entire piece. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Bobby, the illustrator's assistant, is always part of the production process! As deadlines approach,
the assistant seems to sense the danger — settling right on top of the sketches.
Initial concept sketch exploring the visual idea for the article “Audiobooks Help Improve Students’ Language Skills. Nils-Petter was inspired by the
relaxed atmosphere of a children’s reading and play area, (in Swedish kudd-rum) reimagined with adult students studying instead.
Listening to audiobooks, and settling into unconventional, comfortable positions. The play teepee didn’t make the final cut — creative casualties
happen. :( Concept sketch by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Breakdown of the illustration’s building blocks — vector shapes and Bézier curves constructed in Adobe Illustrator. Creating images with Bézier curves in vector using a computer mouse is almost like cutting shapes out of paper — except instead of cutting, you’re clicking. And like with paper, haste easily turns the process into frustration. Béziers by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final editorial illustration created in Adobe Illustrator for the article “Audiobooks Help Improve Students’ Language Skills. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
The finished illustration as published in print alongside the article “Audiobooks Help Improve Students’ Language Skills. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Left: Introduction illustration visualising the “managerial fog” for the article “A Thick Managerial Fog,” reflecting the growing density of management roles within universities. Right: Full-page illustration providing a clever decorative frame for a data table, designed to bring clarity and narrative to otherwise dense information. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Full-spread illustration exploring the emotional landscape of leadership, conveying a sense of inadequacy and the feeling of not being fully prepared for managerial responsibility. (“Chef” — Swedish for “Manager.”) Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Left: Concept sketch for the spread, mapping composition and visual metaphor. Right: Final illustration in print, translating the initial concept into a resolved editorial image. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final illustrations in print. Final printed illustrations. Notice how a dull and dry table has been transformed into a beautiful
full-page layout. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Concept sketch outlining the visual approach for the article “How to Support Students with Mental Health Challenges,” Nils-Petter wanted to depict the theme through a surreal landscape of fear and anxiety, enriched with heavy, symbolic imagery. Sketch by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final editorial illustration created for the article “How to Support Students with Mental Health Challenges. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
The finished illustration in print. “How to Support Students with Mental Health Challenges. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Editorial illustrations as published in print for the article “A Police Science Takes Shape,” exploring the challenges and growing pains of a new police academy. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Half-page editorial illustration as published in print, created for the article “A Police Science Takes Shape. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Introduction illustration as published in print for the article “Constant Number of Fixed-Term Employment Positions,”addressing the ongoing challenges temporary contracts create for academic staff. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Left; Full-page illustration creating a decorative conceptual frame for a data table, visualising the structural nature of fixed-term employment in academia. Right: Infographic illustration mapping the varying proportions of fixed-term positions across different academic staff groups. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
The illustrated table as published in print, integrating editorial illustration with data presentation. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Double-page spreads featuring two infographic illustrations in print - presenting the distribution and impact of fixed-term employment within academia. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final introduction illustration depicting a fixed-term employee as an hourglass — a metaphor for time-limited contracts and professional uncertainty.
The pipe as an attribute of a professor. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Concept sketch exploring the visual direction for the article ‘How to Guard Your Research Against Espionage,’ outlining the key metaphor and compositional approach. Sketch created from a hotel in Copacabana! Nils-Petter is always ready for the client! Sketches by Nils-Petter Ekwall.”
Final illustration for the article ‘How to Guard Your Research Against Espionage’. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final illustration featured in print. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Concept sketches – Exploring visual direction for the article “Attacks on Academia Reach Beyond US Borders”. Created from a hotel room in Copacabana.. Sketch by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final illustration. Destruction of academia. For the article “Attacks on Academia Reach Beyond US Borders”. Refined artwork bringing the concept to life for a two-thirds page layout. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Illustration across the spread – Showing how the artwork functions and reads when extended over the magazine spread. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Full-page spread – Final published illustration showing university buildings in rubble, with knowledge metaphorically placed on the debris heap, creating a dramatic visual for the article. The last illustration in the sequence. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Introductory image (1/4 page) – Supporting illustration for the article introduction, providing context in a smaller format. The first illustration in the sequence. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Introductory image in print – Same illustration as above, shown in its published, printed context. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Illustrations for the article “Blurred Barriers Between Civil and Military Research”. Using a palette of green (C100 M22 Y0 K0) and blue (C100 M7 Y68 K0) to support the visual theme. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Same images shown in their published, printed context. For the article “Blurred Barriers Between Civil and
Military Research”. Illustrations by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Long-format illustration extending across an entire magazine spread, exploring civil and military innovation. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final printed illustration. Color palette highlights green (C100 M22 Y0 K0) and blue (C100 M7 Y68 K0) to reinforce the theme. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Concept sketch – Exploring visual direction for the On the Job article “Let Research Be a Group Learning Experience”, focusing on study circles and collaborative learning. Sketch by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Final illustration – Refined artwork bringing the concept to life. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
Printed version – Final illustration shown in its published, printed context. Illustration by Nils-Petter Ekwall.
About the illustrator. Nils-Petter is a commissioned illustrator whose work includes editorial and magazine illustration, alongside a broader range of illustration projects. He creates conceptual and narrative imagery for long-form journalism and feature articles, working across both print editorial illustration and digital editorial illustration with a focus on visual storytelling and clear communication.
He is a Swedish illustrator based in Stockholm and collaborates with publishers, newspapers, and editorial design teams across the Scandinavian region and internationally on commissioned illustration projects ranging from single publication illustrations to recurring illustration projects and ongoing illustration commissions.
Whether developing a magazine feature illustration or a conceptual illustration for long-form articles, his goal is to deliver thoughtful, professional work that strengthens illustrated journalism. He is available for new commissions and collaborations."*
Areas of work. Editorial illustration, magazine illustration, magazine cover illustration, publication illustration, illustration for magazines, illustration for newspapers, illustration for publishers, illustration for editorial design, illustration for long-form articles, long-form journalism illustration, feature illustration, swedish illustration, magazine feature illustration, conceptual illustration, narrative illustration, visual storytelling, print editorial illustration, digital editorial illustration, commissioned illustration, recurring illustration projects, ongoing illustration commission, professional illustrator, hire an illustrator, hire editorial illustrator, illustrated journalism.
