This seemed like something I could see myself doing—sitting with friends, downtown, sipping coffee and chatting. I just seemed very realistic to me. So I automatically responded.

I obviously thought of Armory Square, with all the coffee shops there, and how they're full of personality. They're not just a Starbucks. They're cute, family-run places.

I usually illustrate in a more whimsical style. But I wanted to keep the integrity of the poem, which seemed like such a real situation. I ended up bribing my roommates: “I'll buy you a cup of coffee it you model for me.” So we actually were living the poem, if you will.