Yellowstone: 1993
What initially began as a modest side project unexpectedly blossomed into a significant accomplishment that surpassed my expectations. In the pursuit of experimenting with new design techniques, I found myself engrossed in crafting a poster using Adobe Photoshop. This particular project took shape as a creative homage to the acclaimed series "Yellowstone," a show that holds a special place in my admiration.
The fruit of my endeavor was the conceptualization and design of a poster for a fictitious show titled "Yellowstone: 1993," envisioning a hopeful prequel to the beloved series. The poster prominently featured the exceptionally talented Josh Lucas, cast as a youthful iteration of the iconic John Dutton character, originally portrayed by Kevin Costner. While incorporating elements from the existing branding, I injected my personal flair to infuse the artwork with a unique identity.
Anticipating a limited audience, I shared the poster on Instagram, never imagining the remarkable turn of events that followed. To my astonishment, Josh Lucas himself reached out to express his heartfelt appreciation for the artwork. Gratitude flowed both ways as I repeatedly thanked him for acknowledging my creative efforts.
The unexpected thrill did not end there. A few days later, I received another message from Josh, revealing that my poster was slated to be featured on "The Late Late Show with James Corden." The realization that my modest and enjoyable undertaking had transformed into nationally recognized art left me utterly speechless. This extraordinary journey, from a small-scale creative experiment to a spotlight on a prominent television show, was a testament to the power of artistic expression.
I attribute this incredible moment to the generosity and appreciation shown by Josh Lucas. To him, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. If Josh happens to come across these words, a sincere thank you for elevating my creative endeavor beyond my wildest imagination.
Pied Piper
In my leisure time, I undertook the exciting challenge of revitalizing the brand identity and crafting fresh digital assets, along with print materials, for Pied Piper, inspired by the HBO series "Silicon Valley." The primary objective was to elevate the digital experience across desktop and mobile platforms, infusing the brand with a distinctive character.
Delving into the UX project, my focus extended beyond a mere rebranding effort; it aimed to redefine the overall user journey and engagement. The process involved meticulous attention to detail, considering both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the digital landscape.
The desktop version was meticulously designed to reflect a seamless and intuitive navigation experience. By incorporating visually appealing elements, interactive features, and user-friendly interfaces, the goal was to enhance user engagement and satisfaction. The mobile adaptation was equally significant, ensuring a responsive design that retained the brand's personality while optimizing functionality for smaller screens.
In addition to digital assets, I extended the rebranding initiative to encompass print materials, maintaining a cohesive visual language across various touchpoints. This comprehensive approach aimed to create a unified brand identity, reinforcing the company's character both in the digital realm and in tangible, printed materials.
Through this UX project, my intention was not only to showcase design proficiency but also to demonstrate a strategic understanding of user interactions and brand communication. The result is a revitalized Pied Piper brand that not only stands out in the digital landscape but also resonates cohesively across diverse mediums.
MLM Publishing
McKade Marshall (founder of MLM Publishing) transcends the role of a mere client; he has evolved into a cherished friend. Following the release of his inaugural book, "Tasting the Goodness of God," I extended a supportive hand, expressing my eagerness to contribute to any future design endeavors he might have. To my delight, McKade promptly embraced the offer, marking the inception of a collaborative journey that has since flourished.
Our partnership has been multifaceted, with my involvement spanning the design spectrum. I've had the privilege of crafting distinctive book covers for several of McKade's publications, seamlessly blending aesthetic appeal with thematic resonance. Moreover, I assumed the responsibility of meticulously handling the interior layout for print across all his literary works, ensuring a harmonious visual experience for readers.
A notable venture into uncharted territory occurred with the creation of the cover for "Breathe." Here, I tested my photographic skills to capture a profound concept: McKade, attired in a suit, floating in a body of water. This imagery symbolizes the universal sensation of grappling with life's challenges, akin to drowning, while finding solace and hope in a higher power—a powerful metaphor intricately woven into the fabric of the book's narrative.
The collaboration has not only been creatively fulfilling but has also deepened our connection as friends. Currently, I am immersed in the exciting process of assisting McKade with his fifth book, aptly titled "Generations," slated for release later this year. This ongoing journey exemplifies the fusion of our creative energies, working in tandem to bring forth meaningful and visually captivating representations of his literary endeavors.