The Unfiltered New York of Jason Polan

Aug 11, 2026 UT

Jason Polan was an American artist beloved for his distinctive sketches of everyday life and the enthusiasm and joy he brought to his work. Drawing was his daily practice. He filled nearly 800 sketchbooks of drawings made around the world, though nowhere did he draw more than in his hometown of New York City. Jason’s lightning-fast drawings capture the motion of the city and the unique expressions of its people. In his drawings of pizza, sketches of subway riders, and scenes from his daily museum visits, no two are ever the same. Together they reflect curiosity and appreciation for everyday beauty.

UT has long recognized Jason’s extraordinary talent and has brought that vision to life through several collaborations over the years. This summer, UT unveils a new collection featuring selected drawings he created during his short but prolific lifetime.　

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This artwork captures a unique moment inside a New York subway car, illustrated in Jason Polan’s distinctive style and evoking a realistic, lived in atmosphere.

Featuring the Statue of Liberty on the front and a map pinpointing its location on the back, this design contrasts two perspectives of New York—the city as seen from the street below and from an airplane above—bringing a thoughtful, story-driven expression to everyday wear.

Based on a street corner on Canal Street as seen through Jason Polan’s eyes, this design portrays an unfiltered New York cityscape. Far from tourist landmarks, it reveals the city’s everyday character and adds depth and authenticity to your styling.

Inspired by New York’s iconic slice of pizza, this playful design brings together embroidery and typography to create a lighthearted graphic. A touch of wit rooted in New York culture makes this piece easy to wear and full of character.

Left
The front showcases embroidered artwork depicting an actual sign on New York’s Fifth Avenue—a street known for its concentration of museums and galleries, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Jason Polan’s signature is embroidered on the back for a distinctive finish.

Right
The front features embroidered artwork inspired by the iconic paper cups long loved as a symbol of New York. Jason Polan’s signature is embroidered on the back, adding a personal artistic touch.

Jason Polan
Born in Michigan in 1982, Polan studied art and design at the University of Michigan before making New York City his home and canvas. Best known for his ambitious "Every Person in New York" project, he contributed illustrations to The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Esquire. He died in 2020 at the age of 37.

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