Why We Love Colorado – A Westword Cover by Shaw Nielsen

This illustration by Denver's Shaw Nielsen for Westword goes along with a series of articles meant to remind everyone in Colorado why they love it here — despite all the recent bad news.

"Being a Colorado kid, I’ve always loved reading the Westword and admired their bold covers. So, to get the chance to do a cover for the Westword, for of all subjects, why Colorado is awesome, was pretty exciting for me personally. When I first graduated from art school dead set on being an illustrator, I was fixated on getting to do work for the Westword. I hassled Jay Vollmar, their art director, relentlessly — with often ill-advised promos — so it was also nice to see that Jay didn’t hold any grudges for those early, crummy promos, and hired me. Thanks Jay."

For a look at the entire illustration process, check this out.