Some you get some you don't.
Here's a cover for a recent Newsweek International I did last week.
BUT the more interesting one is an ESPN cover I didn't get. Even though I got handsomely outdone, as you'll see, I couldn't help writing about it, because I find the process of picking covers fascinating. As many of you know, some magazines will commission multiple covers for a single issue, and then decide. I was fortunate enough to get to take a shot at ESPN's new year's cover a few months ago, (thanks Ed!)
The line was "New Year, New Rules" 31 rules ESPN would like to change to make sports better.

Here's some of the roughs I submitted. Ed Mann the AD on this one, liked the old ref and baby ref.

Here's the finish.

So naturally, when I was told mine didn't make it, I was so curious to see what they went with and hoped it would be obviously better. I wasn't disappointed.

After spending alot of time concepting for this, I was floored when I saw the chosen cover, by Jason Lee.
I felt it was perfect, and wished I would have thought of it.

In the issue, I thought ESPN did something very cool. They published the other covers they commissioned inside and invited readers to chime in on their favorite.
My second favorite was Rodrigo Corral's ref, who is an AMAZING designer by the way, I'm glad I didn't know I was up against him, it would have spooked me.

The fans choice? Overwhelming the Corral cover.
I still think Jason's cover works better for the subject though.