Tagged, 18"x 13", Mixed Media on Rives BFK x Photoshop
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to do a book cover for Charlesbridge Publishing, a story written by Diane C. Mullen titled Tagged. It's a great read for kids, specifically addressing the negative views and inspirational influence that comes with the art of graffiti. I was very influenced by Street Art when I was still finishing Art School and so I got a chance to show some of my hand styles and letters. I only wish I had the chance to show the main character's face but the cover up fits the idea better, conveying the anonymity of a graf writer.
Tagged Drawing 01, 9"x 6.5", Blue Pencil on Paper
Tagged Drawing 02, 9"x 6.5", Blue Pencil on Paper
Tagged Drawing 03, 9"x 6.5", Blue Pencil on Paper
A piece of text segment from Amazon.com. "Liam is a fourteen-year-old graffiti artist living in project housing in Minneapolis with his single mother and three younger siblings. When Liam’s estranged older brother coerces him to tag a graffiti symbol for a rival gang, Liam’s life is threatened... Liam soon delves into the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Pablo Picasso, and his own personal aesthetics... Liam’s story inspires him to reinvent himself for the better."
Tagged Sketches, Blue Pencil on Paper
I drew many designs for the book cover, creating an in-depth dialogue with my Art Director. I was searching for a way to express the dynamic quality of graffiti letters, shapes, and forms while having a narrative quality in the illustration. I would have loved to develop some of these other solutions, mostly because I got figure out the character's face. Perhaps I can find a second urban story and create a similar energy in the piece.