PIPS MEADERY // CØDE
Aside from the usual product offering, Pips Meadery also wanted to introduce parlour games for their patrons - which includes a selection of retro video games. To celebrate they contacted me to create an illustration that would be used for promotion, posters, and also as a label for an upcoming mead they're working on.
Pips already has a 'magic' themed aesthetic for the brand, so we mixed that in with some old school gaming paraphernalia. The result was this 80's-esque illustration showing a creepy street magician leading you into dingy door in an alleyway. The idea was that the vortex in the doorway would transport you to a new dimension. The surrounding elements are made up of forgotten gaming gear (and a healthy dose of easter eggs).
Inspirations include cartoon backgrounds (Invader Zim was a big one), 80's cyberpunk anime, and retro video game artwork. JPEGs speak louder than words though, so have a look below and enjoy!
PLANNING & SKETCHES:
Thumbnail sketches (left and middle) as well as the final refined sketch (right).
The refined sketch ended up being a mix of both of the two thumbnail sketches with some edits.
ILLUSTRATION PROCESS:
Sketch (top left), final line art (top right), shadow pass (bottom left), final colour (bottom right).
