Illustration for a Reuters article regarding hazardous working conditions alleged by SpaceX workers that have resulted in numerous injuries as Elon Musk pursues a hasty Martian landing.

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/spacex-musk-safety/#:~:text=Reuters%20documented%20at%20least%20600,colonize%20space%20at%20breakneck%20speed.

First of three sketches.  This one, centering around the adage "you can' t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs".  In this case, you can't reach Mars without injuring a few employees (breaking eggs as a metaphor; with the yolk representing Mars)  

Second sketch depicts a cavalier, flamethrower-wielding Musk riding his own rocket as it launches from a universal "caution" sign

The chosen sketch depicts Musk once again acting in a cavalier manner, this time igniting his own rocket with none other than a boring company flamethrower. 

I've been trying to create color palettes that are more harmonious, with colors that are more closely related and not randomly selected based on what i think, for instance, a shirt, pants or skin tone should be.  I find a certain sense of charm in illustrations that feature exaggerated skin tones such as pink or purple or even blue.  Drawing is about creating your own world with no rules, or if you're so inclined, all the rules you want.  Whatever tickles your fancy.  I'm also embracing the philosophy of the great Bob Ross in that there are no mistakes, only happy accidents, and that elements can "live" in your composition wherever you want them to, and that your primary goal in art of any endeavor should always be sheer joy. if it's not, reassess why and make necessary adjustments.  

I created three variations of this illustration featuring a different background/environment. The first places emphasis on the subject's action and avoids any additional background adornment.  I tried to create balance, hierarchy and contrast with lighting.  Additionally, I employed a triangulation whereby the viewer's eye is led from Musk to the fuse, then from the fuse to the rocket, then the rocket's shadow leads the eye back to Musk. One might also notice the canvas texture used.  I felt this added a charming storybook feel that complimented the colors and style, and i'll probably feature it in further illustrations.  

The second variation places Musk directly on Mars with it's orangy glow and gives a nice warm ambience that I couldn't resist including in the project files. 

This is the final variation and the one that I feel is the most pleasant, and contains just the right amount of scenery that is relevant and doesn't detract from the story.  I like the blue to purple gradient sky that hints at space exploration while placing Musk firmly on Earth's sand, with it's tan color, that compliments the aqua sky so well.