Aside from its breaking news coverage, enlightening commentary, reviews, and explosive videos, Gizmodo also finds success in attracting its tech saavy audience with stunning images, many of which can recently be credited to contributing illustrator, Sam Spratt.

In a profile written by Greg Spielberg of the Nieman Journalism Lab, Spratt's relationship with Gizmodo is compared to one between famed staff photographer Annie Leibovitz and Rolling Stone in the 1970s. In a similar article, he is heralded as "an artistic powerhouse," who helps Gizmodo differentiate itself from countless other technology sites. Spratt's illustrations "catch a reader's eye, build a brand's signature style, and help tell the story." Furthermore his vibrant artwork attracts a wider audience than just the technology obsessed.

We know Gizmodo readers are smart. They visit the site to take part in discussions and learn about new technology, be engaged both intellectually and visually, and will ignore stock images that other publications may use. On the other hand, original visuals hold their attention, which is why Gizmodo has made it a top priority to create them. Having Spratt on the team has allowed Gizmodo writers to commission artwork that measures up to their own creative aspirations.

Often painting in a style that blends reality with cartoon fantasy, Spratt has been warmly embraced by the Gizmodo community, which is populated by readers who live and breathe technology, but obviously also have a taste for art and visual originality.

Just as Gawker Media's new web design is bound to be imitated, I wouldn't be surprised to see other media websites hiring illustrators like Sam Spratt to produce original content to accompany their articles. This future growth of visual journalism in online media is something that I eagerly await.