UTEP Invitational

I was recently asked to develop the artwork for UTEP's annual Track & Field Invitational. HT event not only allows the Miner's world-class athletes (national & world champions, record-holders and Olympians) a chance to shine at home, but it also brings in some of the top track and field talent from around the world.

I wanted this year's branding to reflect some of the facilities' unique architecture in light of the many renovations that were made to Kidd Field, the exclusive home of UTEP Track & Field since the 1960's. Also included in this illustration are hints of the mountains surrounding the stadium as well as El Paso's famous rays of sun radiating behind Holiday Hall.

The design is not only being used as the primary branding for all print and web materials, but it is being used for participant and commemorative fan apparel as well.

Nightmares & Nocturnes-UNLV Wind Orchestra

For those of you that don't know me very well, before I was involved in marketing, design and athletics, I started out college majoring in music with a double emphasis in voice and percussion. During that time I met some impressive individuals, including a young composer named Justin Raines.

Last week, he and the folks with the UNLV Wind Orchestra were in a bind getting their print piece/poster produced for the upcoming world premier of Justin's, "Nightmares & Nocturnes". Justin put out a call for help on Facebook and I was more than happy to lend my talents.

Justin wanted a visual that invoked an eerie sense of mystery. He asked for a closet door in a room, with an iridescent light shining out from underneath with the hint of a shadow to a mysterious something lurking from behind. His piece presents haunting melodies sprinkled with peaceful nocturnes and musical statements that present a strong contrast to his 'nightmares'.

I wanted the image to pull the viewer in out of curiosity but repel them at the same time due to the unpleasantly dingy appearance of the room.

Building the Poster-11x17 Promotional Poster
I started with just the distorted picture of the door in the dark room.

I then tried to establish the lower plain line by putting down a hardwood floor (the floor would later disappear under the lightburst, but hey, it's all about the attention to detail.) creating a layer with a small box with white fill and outer glow to mimic light shining from under the door.

I then created a light burst and manipulated the angle to appear as it too was coming out form behind the door.

I then used and online image of a man standing in dress shoes to create the illusion of the person behind the door. I duplicated the mirror and flipped it to create a mirror image casting the shadow through the light from under the door. I then manipulated the perspective of the legs and feet so they appear to be stretching out toward the viewer, fading into the darkness with a mask.

 

Hope you enjoy may latest, non-athletic creation. I know getting back to my roots was a pleasure!