When Josh Bernstein, Revolver’s creative director, hit me up to do a poster for the 2nd Annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards, I was stoked because I do not get approached by many metal bands for art. The project was simple—create a poster for an intimidating lineup of musicians, don’t make it specific to any band, squeeze in a million logos, make sure to include Stonehenge somewhere, limit yourself to only four colors, and don’t forget to photograph the whole process.
The first step was to get inspired. I sat for a minute and thought about all the metal bands I loved when I was a kid. Then I started thinking about some of metal’s more memorable cover art—which was done by Ed Repka, for bands like: Megadeth, Nuclear Assault, Death…and so on. At the same time, I was really into skateboarding and the artwork of Jim Phillips. I used to buy every issue of Thrasher and cut out all of the artwork and hang it on my wall.
C’mon…Skatin’ and Satan go hand in hand.
After looking at their art and drinking way too much coffee, some ideas came to mind and I decided I wanted to draw a Grim Reaper. I always draw my sketches in a black hardcover sketchbook. That way I won’t lose anything in my cluttered studio. I’ve been keeping a separate sketchbook for thumbnails and notes. Helps a lot, ’cuz I can carry it anywhere and write ideas
Here’s the first sketch for the poster. The idea was to make a younger version of “Death.” So I ditched the robe and gave him a hoodie and thought it would be funny to give him a shirt with a ribcage screen-printed on it. Happy accident since Affliction was the clothing sponsor.
I don’t spend much time on sketches. Why? Because of deadlines and because I will have to redraw the final image anyway. The sketch should be simple. Don’t waste time drawing something that may or may not be used.
Here’s sketch two.
Josh wasn’t feeling the “jazz hands.” I argued that they weren’t “jazz hands” they were “spirit fingers!”
After sending the sketches to the Josh, he sent back a jpeg suggesting that I draw the hand bigger and move it closer to the middle. Works for me.
A good art director will help push an idea further. You need to know when that’s happening and not argue.
I was glad that I didn’t have to put the Golden Gods logo in the middle of the poster. Since it was an awards show I thought having “Death” presenting the award would help push that idea across.
+18 comments
Really insightful. I am in Graphic design and do all my posters from the computer. This graphic art is got me thinking I need to switch it up thou!
Alexander - May 28, 2010
Sweet. Been a big fan of Ewing’s stuff for a few years. As a fellow artist it’s so cool to see the behind the scenes of his work and compare it to my own methods. Very informative and educational.
Paigey - May 28, 2010
freakin awesome poster! great insight brian on how you make such cool art. thanks
john prophet - May 28, 2010
Awesome insight. Thanks for doing this.
Tadd - May 28, 2010
Brian is such an amazing artist. I love his work and this poster in particular is one of my favorites.
Thank you for this. Very cool!
Monica - May 28, 2010
I don’t know what’s cooler: the fact that he knows how to do this stuff, or the fact that he is so consistently willing to ‘give it away’ with these elaborate tutorials. Definitely one of the lucky few who have managed to bring an old-school skillset into a new-school environment and showcase—indisputably—that yes, you need to know how to draw to be an illustrator.
Hateball - May 28, 2010
The dedication you have to your art is incredible. I don’t know if I’m more impressed with the result or the journey there! Awesome job, very cool.
Jessika - May 28, 2010
Amazing Work ! Thanks for Sharing !
Thomas B. - May 28, 2010
I really enjoyed reading over the whole process as I looked back at that cup on my desk with those crusty brushes resting in dirty water.
A well written and insightful tutorial Mr. Ewing, one that I will definitely refer back to often.
Peace,
W
Woodrow J Hinton III - May 29, 2010
Awesome poster by Brian. Its killer in person
Inside The Rock Poster - May 29, 2010
Beautiful line work there man. Your control of the brush is beyond amazing.
Raz - May 29, 2010
Insightful and inspirational. Keep up the great work!
John Morton - May 31, 2010
This tutorial was so good, I loved reading it! Hope to see more like this in the future, and wow, way to make the inking beautiful.
Nick - May 31, 2010
I just recently learned the process for screenprinting. Looking at the registration job on your poster, you definately went to the right people. Just a question, why not use InDesign for your text layout. It’s made for layout and will package all your links with your .indd document. Awesome tutorial altogether.
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jack - July 28, 2010
really nice movie revolver and very nice your pictures. This is yours? Handmade? wow! Downloadable Movies
dirty garry - August 16, 2010