Soul Clappin in Nashville

My Newest Soul Clap & Dance-Off poster for Jonathan Toubin's gig at the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville on July 22nd. I decided that even though I've used Tina Turner a few times already on these posters we had to go with her since she recently passed away and Tennessee is her home state. Plus, she is just the Queen and one of my earliest childhood music memories.

More and more I've been trying to make these posters mimic the heyday of color/black & white soul revue posters while still crafting them in the way I like to. This one got very close to some diy kinko's cut and paste flier or zine. I've done close to 70 of these posters so I'm continually trying to push myself to keep the process fun and change them up enough so people don't get bored of looking at them. This feeling is usually fleeting but, this poster is one of my new favorites.

 

Soul Clap & Dance-Off with Sheer Mag

Painting it black this month for thee Soul Clap & Dance-Off at Brooklyn Bazaar featuring Sheer Mag. Sometimes coloring can become so daunting to me that it's nice when something like this comes along. Back in my early RISD days I was so apprehensive about coloring my work because I felt like I was just going to ruin the piece and I still somewhat feel like that, even though I try to just charge ahead in an attempt to keep learning. But, pieces like this can be a nice reminder that I can pump the brakes a little and don't need to force myself to color every piece.

Debt Collective Comic

Last year I was approached by Laura Hanna at the Debt Collective to create a socio-political themed comic for their website that they were preparing to launch. A handful of other artists were asked to create something based on the topics the Debt Collective are trying to address and I was asked to create a comic about Neo-Feudalism, which is the idea that there is a rebirth of policies prevalent in feudal societies. But, Laura also wanted to give a hopeful message in the comic, encouraging that there is a way around the current state of affairs. I haven't done a lot of political work in the past few years, compared to how fired up I was about it right out of college, but it felt good to get back in it, and also read a bunch of infuriating news articles. Thanks to Laura at the Debt Collective for asking me to participate.

Below is the B&W version before the color was put down. The whole process of making a comic is very humbling and every time I work on one, which is not often, I always gain more respect for the people who really understand the medium and make it look easy. 

Here are a few close-up shots from some of the more detailed sections of the comic.

Process pics below.

Left Field x Prime Denim Label

A few months ago I had the opportunity to work with Left Field NYC again on a denim label for a collaborative jean with Prime. The image definitely went through some changes, as you'll see in the sketches below, until we finally settled on "the one". Originally, there was going to be a large sacred rock in Australia in the background but that got nixed and then we went for a few different versions with a wave crash and then a shark until we got the composition that included both.

The final product came out with black ink on a tan patch but I had the classic Levi's label in my head when I did this color study in red. It was still helpful though in figuring out the contrast for the final illustration. It was also tricky working on something that was going to be shrunken down to the size of a business card because I am such a detail oriented person but I think I was able to pull the reigns where it was needed. Probably could have a little more but, whadda ya gunna do?

The jeans are available on Prime's site and they are a pretty penny but knowing the quality of Left Field's denim I would bet these puppies are totally worth it. The craft and attention to detail in their products is really amazing and I'm stoked to work with such a reputable brand. Thanks again to Christian McCann for the opportunity to work on something I never considered taking a shot at illustrating and, in the end, being really happy I did it.

MTN GODS!

Back at it with those circular pieces after some time apart! I was recently approached by 2 rad guys, Phil and Charlie, about creating this very over-the-top 70's/80's metal album cover inspired illustration for the homepage of their new project MTN GODS. It seemed like the three of us have a fondness for a lot of the same albums and album covers of that era so figuring out a satisfying solution for this illustration came very easily. Had a lot of fun with this one and since it was my 2nd illustration this past month that was going to be inverted there wasn't so much start and stop on this one. Be sure to check out their site and all their cool projects. Process shots and all that jazz below!

Gimme! Coffee Cold Brew Growler

New illustration for the Gimme! Coffee summer cold brew growler. I've been casually chasing this dream of illustrating beer and wine logos so this one felt like a step in the right direction. It probably comes as no surprise I love making illustrations about Coney Island, considering my recent work for the band PMS & The Mood Swings so, here we are! 

This one was a bit trickier of a process since the illustration would be printed with white ink on amber glass. I've never done something like this so there was definitely a learning curve but definitely happy with how it came out. I actually love how creepy the ice cream cone and hot dog look with black eyes and black teeth. The growlers are available in store and online now. Hit the link to purchase! Process and glamour shots below!

BUY GROWLER HERE!