"The Strange Challenge of Small Talk" – Editorial Illustration

This illustration is a visual exploration of the complexities and awkwardness often found in small talk, a social ritual that many of us navigate daily. Inspired by The Atlantic's article, it reflects the tension between the need for connection and the superficiality that can sometimes accompany everyday interactions. While small talk is often necessary for social bonding, it can leave us feeling drained or disconnected, especially when we yearn for deeper, more meaningful conversations. This piece is a self-directed project aimed at capturing the delicate, often uncomfortable space that small talk occupies in our lives.