Billy Connolly's (surprisingly uplifting) thoughts on death

It was a terrific coup to publish Billy Connolly reflecting on his own impending death from Parkinson’s disease. He was terrific to deal with, however he was not able to take part in a photo shoot due to his health, so art director Harry Winfield and editor Lisa Markwell took the decision to illustrate the cover feature. 

The subject matter - Billy's own health - required a delicate and appropriate response. Winfield decided to commission the brilliant illustrator Javi Aznarez to produce a set of charming nostalgic illustrations that capture Billy's humour and personality. Key to this was the animation in which Aznarez specialises; a lyrical sense of movement and freedom which both chimes with and provokes thoughts about the author’s situation. 

The static print cover shows Connolly at his desk writing his memoirs, surrounded by the personal effects celebrating his career and life.  

For the Telegraph’s substantial (one million) digital subscriber audience, Winfield and Aznarez created an animated campaign that really brought the visuals to life - adding a whimsical touch to the gallow’s humour Connolly himself brings. He whistles his way through a graveyard, moving with a freedom that now eludes him in real life. 

Billy Connolly is an entertainer and author of real importance to Telegraph readers, and they responded in their droves to the special horizontal digital build featuring both the animated artwork and still drawings that took his character in new directions. 

The digital artwork also worked brilliantly across all of the Telegraph’s platforms - from print and online to social media and newsletters, resulting in a very widely read feature with a long dwell time. It has become an exemplar of how to work on sensitive subjects with humanity and visual dexterity.