In Progress: MM2009 (part 1) / by Shingo Shimizu


When people say, "Hmph, I've seen your work.", it usually translates to, "Hmph, I've seen your end products.". That's great and all, since that is what I am paid to deliver. Yet I feel that when I show my portfolio (online especially), usually people are clueless (especially non-artist / designer types) to how you got to the end, and how much time it took to get there.So when people only see the end product, I sometimes wish I could show more and share the process to getting there. So here it is folks, my first 'In Progress' entry.

 

MM2009 (part 1)
So another Monster Massive (presented by GO Ventures) event is around the bend. Those of you that don't know, it's a giant rave party that throws down every Halloween at the LA Sports Arena in California. It gets more massive every year that it attracted over 65,000 last year. For their 12th event this year it seems that it will be the biggest yet, combining the LA Sports Arena, Grounds and Exposition Park. The Djs are unconfirmed at the moment, so check their site if you are interested in going.

 

FIRST IDEA

This is my third time, designing their 'mask flyer'. Since President Obama is so popular these days, especially with the youth, I really wanted to draw African American superhero, 'Falcon' (modified of course). I suppose it would be like a 'Black Power' type of thing. Then treat it in a washed out, comic retro style.

Falcon sketch with 'MM's in mask.

 

FINALIZED IDEA - A

But…MM decided on a Samurai or Kabuki theme instead. I am not really a fan of Kabuki theatre. I don't really know anyone that is either. I am however a fan of Samurai (or Ninja) movies for that matter. I recommend: 'Lonewolf and Cub' series, 'Zatoichi' (the original series, not the 2003 one), 'Kill!' and '7 Samurai'. Anyhow, we decided to go with the Samurai theme being printed 7/4 (CMYK + fluorescent colour + metallic gold + invisible UV) and die-cut, as per usual. I've always wanted to do a 'Glow in the dark image', so I went with a skull, so it would be kind of a zombie samurai.

Samurai sketch

FINALIZED IDEA - B

Skull sketch > glow in the dark image