Common Ties is a Web site which asks 20 questions, pairs the answers with art, and will publish their favorites. If someone submits an answer without a graphic and it is posted to the site, it becomes an orphan in search of an illustrator. Submissions can earn you money if they're accepted.
The idea behind Common Ties is a good one, maybe a little too good since they've become overwhelmed with too many answers and not enough illustrations. The abundant orphan supply is an excellent opportunity for any artist wishing to push themselves in a different direction through the words of another. And maybe you'll earn some adoption money!
I myself intend to use Common Ties as a creative gym for my brain. My goal will be to spend no more than a couple hours on any of the answers I choose to illustrate.
For my first exercise I've chosen to illustrate answer #175. The image is based on an airline safety brochure and segregation signs from the past.
Q: What is the most gracious act of kindness you have witnessed?
A: A woman boarded a plane. Seeing an African American gentleman next to her seat, she balked, “I can't sit next to him.” A stewardess addressed the man: “Sir, please come with me. I have an open seat in first class. I wouldn't want you sitting next to a bigot.”
