Las Vegas Weekly contacted Chris Whetzel to do an iconic portrait of THE KING, the occasion being the birthday of Elvis Presley.

The art director requested a contemplative hand-to-mouth “thinker” portrait rather than a specific concept. After Chris worked up the roughs, it was agreed that the hands would not work well with his original layout so they decided to go with a classy head shot.

“And worked in a "golden light" for that holy/religious feel,” says Chris. “Sadly, the gold had to go, as they had just recently run a similarly colored image. So the A.D. suggested black, which would work if played off the logo. I think it looks very mysterious: perfect for Elvis!”