“Sleeping with the Fishes” is a self-initiated project conceived as an exploratory exercise in editorial illustration. Developed independently and without responding to a specific commission, its primary aim was to construct a coherent visual narrative centered around a single image that anchors the overall composition.

In the initial phase, the illustration was created using pen and ink drawings on cardboard, with each element addressed individually. This fragmented approach allowed for greater precision and control during the digital assembly process, resulting in a more balanced final composition.

The piece seeks to evoke an atmosphere of tension and mystery while deliberately avoiding overtly dramatic devices. The final image functions as a fictional book cover, capable of suggesting a narrative without relying on text.