Spots Illustrated: Thomas Danthony’s Top-Notch Architectural Artwork

Matt Shaw Matt Shaw

What is the difference between a representational drawing, such as a rendering, and an interpretation of a built project by an illustrator? Buildings are drawn for several reasons, but the rendering never seems to capture the serene feeling of an illustration. Perhaps Isozaki’s screenprints did. Why did that trend fade away?

Illustrator Thomas Danthony has a similar illustration style and uses it to make drawings of buildings from classic Parisian streetscapes to the 2022 Qatar Football Stadiums. His work is commissioned for a broad range of clients as well, but his signature style remains a constant, featuring bold vector silhouettes with just the right amount of detail.

Here are some of his works, with process drawings included to show how a drawing becomes a magazine cover or liquor advertisement.

Paris cityscape for European advertising campaign of Grand Marnier. Commmissioned by KK Amsterdam

Cover illustration commissioned by Computer Art magazine

New York City Skyscrapers for Architect Magazine

Collaboration with Black Dragon press about Brutalism architecture in London

Illustration cover for SHOP magazine, Istanbul Luxury autumn / winter 2013 / 14 issue, art direction by Dorcas Brown.

Commissioned by by Ink to illustrate the city of Bilbao for B.Spirit magazine

Illustration for Modus Magazine about the Qatar 2022 world cup stadiums

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