At the intersection of science, technology and art lies Carl Wiens’ illustration. So it was natural that he was commissioned by Summit Magazine’s creative director Michal Waissmann to illustrate “Discoveries and Dilemmas”, a feature article on the untold secrets of direct-to-consumer DNA testing. Have you ever completed an at-home DNA test? Or, maybe you’ve wanted to but not sure if you should? Well, there’s lots to know before you do and Carl’s conceptual illustration tackles some of these topics; family secrets, hackers and criminal investigations.
Carl’s brilliant use of texture in each illustration hints at the technological advances of DNA testing while also creating an ominous undertone aligning with the voice of caution. Glowing blues and cool greens flow through the illustration with warm pops of orange and yellow taking the viewer from one topic to the next. Carl expertly highlights meaningful icons and symbols from the article, weaving them through his artwork creating a sense of depth and dimension that mimics the complexities in our natural and digital worlds.
Organic elements and shapes work together to highlight the connection between humans and the breadth of information our DNA holds. Carl chose a tree as the focal point for the cover, literally as the main subject and figuratively as a metaphor for the iconic family tree, whose leaves and branches intertwine into DNA at the trunk and eventually transform into a digital root system of varying outcomes. A valuable collection of data on family, health and heritage that so many of these DNA tests promise to help consumers uncover, but are also a wealth of information waiting to be unearthed by hackers and governments alike.
Peruse through Carl’s illustration and connect the dots between at-home DNA tests and the risks that follow. Warning, proceed with caution!
Illustration by Carl Wiens. Creative Direction by Michal Waissmann. Graphic Design by Michael Poon.
View more of Carl Wiens’ illustration. Represented by i2i Art Inc.