UT magazine feature image showing a street scene alongside a green illustrated panel with drawings and text referencing Jason Polan, highlighting artwork, sketchbook illustrations, and creative storytelling.

Jason Polan's Unfiltered New York

Aug 24, 2026 UT

Jason Polan was an American artist celebrated for his distinctive sketches of everyday life and the joy and curiosity he brought to his work. Drawing was his daily ritual. Over his lifetime, he filled nearly 800 sketchbooks of drawings made around the world, though nowhere inspired him more than 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 a deep 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 with depth and authenticity.

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

Experience Jason Polan’s vision of New York through a full collection of sweatshirts, hats, and more.

Inspired by the familiar sight of New York street-corner hot dog stands, this design translates everyday city scenes into art. Lettering on the front, a graphic on the back, and a hot dog embroidery on the sleeves come together as playful accents.

This sweatshirt thoughtfully captures the world of Dashwood Books, an iconic bookstore representing New York’s photo culture, with meticulous attention to detail. Embroidered motifs, inspired by Jason Polan’s books, on the sleeves add a refined accent, expressing respect for art and a sense of exclusivity.

This design conveys the quiet energy of people appreciating art at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The subtle embroidery of a Van Gogh painting on the sleeve adds a refined detail, highlighting a thoughtful connection to art.

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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.

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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.

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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