New York Magazine - Shea Couleé - 2 of 6

I wanted to recreate the infamous New York Magazine cover concept that featured many RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni with the headline “The Most Powerful Drag Queens in America”

While unique it what it aimed to do, highlight the increasing presence and significance of the art of drag, many queens featured were unhappy with the outcome. Criticized for unflattering photography, incorrect information and the distasteful choice to rank the queens, the feature has gone down in infamy.

The covers I’ve designed reimagine what could’ve been. A proper photo shoot that feels celebratory, not exploitative. Showcasing queens from around the world, outside of the RuPaul’s Drag Race universe. The typographic lockup has been moved down and is placed consistently on each cover and color is used to compliment each photograph. I hope you enjoy this cover, featuring Shea Couleé, as much as I do.