Illustrations by Jim Datz

Philadelphia-educated, Brooklyn-based illustrator Jim Datz has a really charming style that hearkens back to the whimsy of mid-20th century Modernism with its happy colors, intricate line work, and hand-drawn letterforms.

Above and below, some assorted tidbits from Datz’s varied portfolio:

I first became aware of Jim’s work when I came across his Brooklyn poster. I would buy it in a heartbeat, but it doesn’t name-check East Flatbush, only the more-or-less usual suspects. Alas, non-natives probably don’t know that East Flatbush exists and, even if they did, why would they care to celebrate it in a poster? In any case, I was instantly smitten not just by the subject matter but also the colors and hand-rendered lettering:

He also created similar prints of London and Manhattan:

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