At the Deseret News, our illustrators and art directors are regularly challenged with creating visual narratives that enrich the stories we tell. Whether conceptualizing the impact of technology on children or reimagining the redistricting of Utah’s political landscape, our artists work to distill complex ideas into a single, captivating illustration.
After receiving a request for an illustration from our journalists, our artists undertake a collaborative process to bring each idea to life. They brainstorm and create several rough sketches, exploring ways to visualize and present the article’s theme. Once a concept has been selected by the art directors, the illustrators dedicate themselves to refining the artwork, experimenting with vibrant color palettes to enhance the narrative. Through this process, we help make sure that each piece resonates with readers and complements the story. The final artwork is then thoroughly reviewed and edited before being integrated into the article.
As we look back at 2025, we are thrilled to showcase some of our favorite and most impactful illustrations from the year, each a testament to the creativity and dedication of our talented team.
Q&A: Christine Rosen on what we lose by not being together
Five years after the COVID-19 lockdowns, we’re less connected to each other, and more connected to technology. This scholar wants that to change.
The perks of obnoxious marriage cultures — and why they need to spread
Without a culture affirming and encouraging marriage, lasting unions are less likely to happen — and more likely to struggle when they do.
Blue-collar work is attracting younger generations
Why young professionals are swapping white collars for blue.
How the hot dog became America’s favorite sausage
A look at one of the nation’s most celebrated foods, and the ways it rose to fame.
An outing with kids on a school holiday — a survival guide
How to survive a children’s museum with every other family in the state.
Dear Taylor and Travis, here’s why we dream about you getting married
A struggling institution of marriage could really benefit from you taking the leap as the most famous couple in the world.
The great awakening
Why younger generations are giving faith a chance.
These Utah restaurants just became semifinalists for this prestigious award
Six Utah restaurants and one Utah bakery were nominated as semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards.
The call of the ‘Godstruck’ and what it says about faith today
A new book explores the experience of religious conversions among women. What can we learn from them?
The battle over higher education
A movement to punish the Ivy League is gaining steam — but is it going too far?
Perspective: If you depend on AI to write something, then have you actually written it?
When you use an AI-engine to make something, let’s not pretend you created it. The software did - a technology trained on the hard work and creativity of many other writers and artists.
After Democratic wins, Republicans look to refocus on cost of living. Will their message sell?
Republican voters are asking their leaders to refocus on what matters — and right now, that’s the economy.
Are we in a moment of crisis?
The phrase “constitutional crisis” is everywhere. But is it accurate?
How the government can grow itself out of debt
The U.S. has been here before — at the end of World War II — and managed through it.
The church I led closed a year ago. I’m still not over it
After my small Baptist church in Illinois closed, people came forward with advice. Not all of it was good.
How fear can disrupt everyday life
Through anxiety disorders such as phobias, OCD and PTSD, fear has the power to become debilitating.
Democrats in the wilderness
The Democratic Party isn’t just unpopular. It’s adrift, unsure if its path forward is through centrism or a sharp turn left.
The gift of being seen
How recognition and love changes a person.
Is Utah the blueprint for America’s ‘Abundance’ agenda?
Some Democrats are coalescing around a pro-growth message familiar to the Beehive State.
Every family has a mystery
Unraveling the question marks at RootsTech.
The ‘actual life’ of this ‘Mormon wife’
The tales of the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” shocked me. They claim to be members of the same church as me — yet, their life looks nothing like mine.
Do Americans favor mandatory school vaccines?
The American Family Survey asked if vaccination is a public health issue or a personal choice.
Breaking a language barrier brought my family together
My mother’s native tongue divided us. Until I learned to speak it.
View from Here: Who owns the West?
See what’s in the March issue of Deseret Magazine.
Summer lasts too long — and that’s great
Utah has four distinct seasons, but it’s too bad spring and fall often seem too short
Lost and found
What no one told me about getting older.
Why young men seek community in the ‘manosphere’
Young men need spaces to discuss their issues. Experts say the manosphere isn’t the answer.
Utah’s redistricting saga is far from over
Is judicial activism undermining Utah lawmakers?
Tango of power
How Argentina’s president is shaping a new order.