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The New Yorker, 2022
A Board-Game Auteur Makes His Next Move
Written by Sean Michaels
Art Direction: Dexter Maurer
This project for The New Yorker involved creating two illustrations to accompany a profile on board game designer Isaac Childres and the success of his ambitious game, Frosthaven.
The challenge was to visually capture the intricate, frostbitten fantasy world Childres built, while hinting at the personal story of its creator. The illustrations move beyond literal depictions of gameplay, instead focusing on atmospheric world-building. One piece immerses the viewer in the perilous, snow-swept universe of Frosthaven itself, evoking the strategic cooperation and adventure that defines the game. The other visualizes the creative journey of Childres, framing his process not just as design, but as an act of conjuring an entire reality for his players to explore.
It was a fantastic opportunity to translate the tactile, communal experience of a tabletop game into a compelling narrative for the page.
Dexter Maurer
Photo: Luana Maurer
About
Dexter Maurer is an illustrator and art director specializing in translating cultural narratives into compelling visual worlds. His work builds a bridge between iconic brands and the nuanced language of contemporary illustration, crafting images that are both immediately striking and rich with story.
With a distinct style that blends graphic sensibility with narrative depth, he collaborates with clients like Nike, The New Yorker, and Jordan Brand to define the visual identity of their most ambitious campaigns. His process involves deconstructing themes of music, sport, and culture to their core metaphors, reassembling them into illustrations that resonate on an intuitive level.
Whether developing the art direction for an entire album campaign or creating a single, iconic loading screen for Fortnite, his focus is on constructing a cohesive and resonant visual universe for every project.