The JW Blog is a personal blog about Detroit, told through original illustrations and straightforward writing. Each post covers a real place, moment, or piece of the city, from street corners to local events. No sponsored content, no filter, just a sketchbook and a city worth documenting.
Motown record sleeves are a masterclass in composition. From Berry Gordy's color choices to bold framing shifts, the visual lessons from Detroit's golden era still hold up.
I created a zine about Hamtramck with my own illustrations, even though nobody requested it. Learn how I discovered the power of making art for yourself and what mistakes taught me the most.
Discover how Detroit's forgotten menu designs and restaurant signs tell amazing stories about the city's past. You'll explore the bold lettering and creative logos that made Coney Island restaurant...
Walking past massive murals in Eastern Market made me rethink how size shapes impact. I realized that bigger art doesn't always tell better stories—sometimes the smallest details matter most.
Artists are racing to sketch the Packard Plant before it disappears forever. Learn why this historic Detroit factory matters and how artists preserve its memory through drawings.
Gray skies and frozen streets taught me something unexpected about color. I discovered how winter's muted palette—silver, charcoal, and deep blues—actually makes bold choices pop. You'll learn to b...
Browse the latest posts to see what has been drawn and written recently, or head to the About page to learn more about the blog and how it started.
