I spent two weeks researching and thinking about a libretto I designed for The San Francisco Opera. I determined what the architecture might look like during the period when the play was supposed to take place and give a sense of the mood the play would put you in. I also thought about an attractive design. Sadly, critics had not done the same research. I read the play and thought about the play and an illustration that might do it justice. But, I admit I have a style and illustration and photography collection from which I drew. The initial illustration I presented to the opera was Dead Man Walking. The composer liked it but it was too detailed for T-Shirts, so I opted for a different one. That illustration went on the cover of magazines and a libretto. I thought I had a great idea of including an ominous figure holding a bouquet of red roses like they throw at opera singers. The image was shot in Italy. I have always been proud of my work. Sadly, I don't think people understand this need to explain what something is about on a deep and viseral level in a manner that goes to its very core. A great design tells the secret without giving it away. It is how a great painting creates the catharsis in the viewer.