I really love working on hand-lettering lately especially if it involves loud colours and big flowers. This article was about the hey days of Acapulco in the 1930s, 40s & 50s. Stars such as John Wayne, Errol Flyn, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, John and Jacqueline Kennedy drank their cocktails on its famous beaches. Here’s the final spread and the drop cap for the following page. I toned down the vibrant colours a tad to match the vintage photograph.

Here’s some of my process for the project. At the linear stage I usually draw all the various elements separately and then combine them together in Photoshop. I find this gives me more freedom and flexibility with the composition. I think Shane made the wisest decision to go with the sassy lady. Recently I’ve been experimenting with blocking out my shapes and painting them first then inking over the top. I like the “old-timey” printed look of it. Hope you like it!