Refreshing Approach to Business

Illustration of illustrator Julia Rothman 02 IL and writer Shaina Feinberg for their new biweekly column in The New York Times, Scratch

For illustrator Julia Rothman 02 IL and writer Shaina Feinberg, landing an illustrated column in The New York Times is a "dream come true.”

On October 6 the Times printed their first installment of Scratch, a full page series that runs in the Sunday Business section every other week (and also appears online the Friday before).

From Julia Rothman 02 IL and writer Shaina Feinberg's Merrie Cherry piece, from their new biweekly column, Scratch, in The New York Times

Rothman and Feinberg are using illustration and handwritten text to convey finance-focused human interest stories “about people who don’t usually get their stories told,” as Rothman puts it.

From Julia Rothman 02 IL and writer Shaina Feinberg's piece about working as a female fishmonger on the docks in New Orleans, from their new biweekly column, Scratch, in The New York Times

So far Scratch has offered a window into the economics of being a drag queen, opening a coffee shop and working as a female fishmonger on the docks in New Orleans.

Its fresh approach brings a welcomed warmth and authentic flavor to the often cold world of finance.

From Julia Rothman 02 IL and writer Shaina Feinberg's drag queen Merrie Cherry piece, from their new biweekly column, Scratch, in The New York Times

“It’s already been the most fun ever,” says Rothman, who has invited followers of her IG page to offer ideas for upcoming coverage.

—Liisa Silander

November 2, 2019