Spending Habits. "When I get a call from a financial magazine, I know I'm about to be tested. I really admire illustrators who can solve assignments about bond futures and investment strategies without drawing a staircase, a dollar sign or a target with an arrow in it. Forbes asked me to do an illustration about spending habits. In thinking about consumption, I naturally thought about ice cream, my favorite form. I don't know how many artists have done a take-off on American Gothic, but I justified it with figuring it was either that or draw a target with an arrow in it. When I look at Grant Wood's painting now, I imagine the pitchfork is to ward off all illustrators thinking of taking liberties with the wife."