THE YEAR IN ART

The most memorable illustrations and photography of 2022, as chosen by the art team at TODAY.com.

^{_{Dec. 29, 2022}}

Issa Rae ’s Next Chapter:
The Mogul Era

Six months after fans said farewell to “Insecure,” the writer, producer and actor opened up for TODAY’s first-ever digital cover story about her new project, “Rap Sh!t,” keeping her personal life private and what we can expect from her “mogul era.”
^{Photography by Raven B. Varona}

I didn’t think I needed ‘mom friends’ — I was wrong

They didn't need to be my best friends. They just needed to be there.
^{Illustration by Bee Johnson}

The history and meaning of 17 LGBTQ pride flags

We look to the gorgeous colors and powerful symbols of these flags flying high this June and beyond.
^{Illustration by Allie Sullberg}

I’m 35 and my best friend is 64. Here’s why our age difference as gay men is a gift

Intergenerational friendships are rare in the LGBTQ community, but they're so valuable.
^{Illustration by}^{Ari Liloan}

I work at a place that helps people use drugs safely. This is what it’s like

Safe consumption sites let people use illicit drugs under the supervision of people trained to respond if there is an overdose.
^{Photography by Hilary Swift}

Long-distance friendships take work: Here’s how I’ve had success

My best friend lives 3,000 miles away and I consider our relationship one of the greatest achievements of my life. But maintaining our friendship is a conscious effort.
^{Illustration by Allie Sullberg}

Naming rites: Giving my mother back her name, 30 years after her death

Giving my mother the farewell she deserved wasn’t as easy as I’d expected.
^{Illustration by Mikyung Lee}

I wanted my son to reject masculine stereotypes. Then he fell in love with tractors

All my life, I’ve prided myself on blurring gender lines. But when my young son started to gravitate toward the very things I’d shunned, I wasn’t sure what to do.
^{Illustration by Bee Johnson}

Our family's struggle with male infertility

Male factor infertility accounts for a third of infertility cases — maybe more — but many couples find that talking about it is still shrouded in secrecy and shame. In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, one family shares their story.
^{Photography by Maddie McGarvey}

More Black women are creating TV shows. These creators credit each other, not Hollywood

Six showrunners — Leigh Davenport, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Tracy Oliver, Janine Sherman Barrois, Robin Thede, Lena Waithe — get candid about sisterhood, industry secrets and what it takes to get a show on the air.
^{Illustration by}^{Lyne Lucien}

The words ‘ghetto’ and ‘hood’ were once looked down upon. Now, Black chefs are reclaiming them

Culinary companies like VeganHood and Ghetto Gastro are making it known that words specific to Black American culture are to be celebrated.
^{Illustration by Daniel Fishel}

I asked the universe for a sign that he was the right guy. Then I got one

When I found love, I tried to push it away — until fate guided me in the right direction.
^{Illustration by Fran Caballero}

Ayo Edebiri Isn ’t Following Anyone Else ’s Recipe

The comedian and breakout actor of the hit FX/Hulu series “The Bear” is one of Hollywood’s rising stars — but she’s determined to remain in control.
^{Photography by Myesha Evon Gardner}

My journey through sex ed in Catholic school

On surviving the awkwardness and figuring things out on my own.
^{Illustration by Kate Dehler}

I was Princess Diana’s astrologer — and this is what I saw in her chart

Astrologer Penny Thornton opens up about her six-year relationship with the Princess of Wales.
^{Illustration by Paco May}

The many, many meanings of the term ‘hot dog’

According to Green’s Dictionary of Slang, the term "hot dog" has had more than eight different meanings over the years, dating back to 1881.
^{Illustration by Nick Little}

Sharpe diem: I made a chef’s knife with a ‘Forged in Fire’ champion and lived to tell the tale

I steeled myself to join Theo Nazz in his forge and find out what really goes into making the ultimate kitchen tool.
^{Photography by Amy Lombard}

How Latinx parents are ending the cycle of 'machismo' in their families

“I remember thinking that if I ever had kids, I did not want them to have that experience."
^{Illustration by Christian Zelaya}

Helicopters, lawnmowers, bulldozers: How to stop fear from governing your parenting

A school counselor cautions that “we are creating children who are unable to problem solve for themselves.”
^{Illustration by Tara Anand}

What three drag queens taught me about parenting my trans kid

“All we want is just to be able to breathe and not feel like mutants.”
^{Photography by Stephanie Noritz}

I thought we would be friends forever. How I finally accepted it was over

Throughout the years, I've expected to lose romantic loves. But friendship is different, and nothing is quite like losing a good friend.
^{Illustration by Mikyung Lee}

THE YEAR IN ART

The most memorable illustrations and photography of 2022, as chosen by the art team at TODAY.com.Dec. 29, 2022

The most memorable illustrations and photography of 2022, as chosen by the art team at TODAY.com.

^{_{Dec. 29, 2022}}