![amulet dragon ILLUSTRATION TRADITIONAL ART ink drawing black and white japan](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/b76ed9190781927.65c2f46357ee1.jpg)
New year's dragon amulet
For their new year event, FAJ -a women's empowerment association in Japan- wanted to give each of the participants a small amulet where they could write a wish for the year ahead.
Inspired by votive tablets & amulets from Japanese shrines, I designed this year's card.
Initial sketches
2024 is the year of the Dragon in the Japanese zodiac. I experimented with using calligraphy brushes to make the body of the dragon and bring a Japanese touch.
![amulet dragon ILLUSTRATION TRADITIONAL ART ink drawing black and white japan](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/78fb72190781927.65c0d29d65e36.jpg)
Final two candidates
We decided to go with the one on the right, for a more retro and traditional feel.
![amulet dragon ILLUSTRATION TRADITIONAL ART ink drawing black and white japan](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/a5756c190781927.65c0d38af40e0.jpg)
At the Shinenkai party (Japanese event to welcome the new year)
During the event, participants picked up an amulet and wrote their wish on the back of the card, so they can keep it as a reminder throughout the year.
![amulet dragon ILLUSTRATION TRADITIONAL ART ink drawing black and white japan](https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/6d26a7190781927.65c201e948bf4.jpg)