THE artist behind one of The National’s anniversary covers has thanked supporters for their “awesomeness” after it was voted our most popular front page ever.
Alison Stell’s multi-coloured design was judged the readers’ all-time favourite in an online poll held to mark our 1000th edition today.
Voting began on Monday, and more than 60 designs were presented for readers to vote on.
READ MORE: Elaine C Smith: The National is vital ... that’s why I’m backing the next 1000 issues!
They included images illustrating some of the biggest stories of recent years, such as the publication of the long-awaited Chilcot Report into the war in Iraq, and the “French-gate” trial of MP Alistair Carmichael.
Others selected for the poll dealt with John Swinney’s protracted negotiations with the Treasury over Scotland’s fiscal framework, the Catalonian independence referendum and the David Cameron “pig-gate” scandal.
Others dealt with Brexit, election results and austerity.
Yesterday only two remained, with Stell’s design crowned the winner.
The digital illustration, which includes a border of 22 separate images around a central drawing of a woman holding a thistle, was originally one of two reader entries chosen in September 2016 to mark the second anniversary of the referendum. Graphic designer Brian Wishart, from Killearn in Stirlingshire, was the other winner.
Thanking voters for their “awesome” support, Stell, who tweets under the name DefiAye, said: “It’s been amazing.”
The 33-year-old, from Kilwinning in North Ayrshire, suffers from ill-health, and chronic pain has prevented her from carrying out her computer design work. However, she says her condition is now improving, with the latest success prompting her to get back to the digital drawing board. She said: “I’m delighted. It’s inspiring me to draw, it’s motivated me again. I have so many ideas.”
On why her piece resonated with voters, Stell said: “It’s not just one image, it has a lot of detail. Every time someone looks at it they see something different.
“It took about two days to do the main image – it was the hair. The thistle is glowing, which is about hope, and I like the symbolism.”
Congratulating Stell, The National’s editor, Callum Baird, said: “This unique, eye-catching design impressed us from the off. I’m delighted to feature it again. Well done to the artist and thank you to all those who voted.”
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