© Brian Allen 2020
© Brian Allen 2020
Tag Archive for: Brian Allen
© Brian Allen 2020
© Brian Allen 2020
New York City burning after a demon comes through.
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it. To see more of my work, or hire me for freelance projects, please visit my website: www.flylanddesigns.com
T-Shirt illustration of a pack of wild and evil mushrooms I created for a new apparel brand. I illustrated this in Manga Studio and colored it in Adobe Photoshop. Set up for silk-screening, using four colors.
Click here to see more of my Dark Illustrations
Jaybo is
Description:
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Russian military inspired bear holding a missile with soldiers and guns surrounding him.
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
A muscular thug throws up West Coast gang signs and totes a golden handgun in this hip logo illustration.
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Another parody of Pixar’s Monsters Inc., except this time as zombies! The monsters are now even more horrific with melting flesh and evil eyes,
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
An awesome tribute and parody to the infamous “The Shining” Stephen King book and film. The iconic twins in matching blue dresses stare impassively alongside a full moon, axe murderer, psychic boy, and the words ‘redeem’ written in blood. The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Illustration detailing a characters journey from poor hard-working pauper on the left, into a sophisticated wealthy socialite and business man on the right.
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
A cartoon devilish problem child terrorizes friends and family with a devious grin and slingshot. Flames and a terrified housecat feature in the background.
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Parody illustration featuring a bevy of the fun and colorful monster characters from Pixar’s Monster Inc.!
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Vintage robbers inspired illustration with a detective dog, and courtesan in the background. Planes of magical energy turn the characters and elements into zombie monsters where it covers them. The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Trippy psychedelic and colorful illustration of an evil tiki mask with mushrooms growing out of his brain and visions of faraway places swirling in the background. The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
An intense illustration of a sharp-toothed roaring tiger with wild eyes.
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Fun colorful illustration inspired by classic science fiction films and stories. A heroic astronaut fights space aliens and robots with a bikini wearing alien girl beside him. The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Cool illustration of a bespectacled DJ with a boombox as colorful ghostly spirits swirl around him menacingly.
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
A psychedelic illustration of a man pouring out dual bottles of Hennessy Cognac as money falls from the sky around him.
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Here is the full Clip Studio Paint/Wacom webinar I did last week. We had connectivity issues, so the entire video has been re-edited so it is jitter free with a silk-smooth finish.
Thanks to CLIP STUDIO PAINT for inviting me to do this – and thanks to all who asked questions.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? I’d be happy to answer them here since the Q&A was a little short due to my rambling.
Description:
Dark illustration of a grim reaper holding his iconic scythe and an hourglass. Skull candles and fire surrounds him.
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Norse mythology god inspired character raises his fists for battle as a crow flies into a full moon in the background. The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Fun parody tribute to the Wu-Tang Clan rappers in a shoot-out. The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Famous European military story Checkpoint Charlie illustrated in this logo design. A soldier surveys as another scales a large wall with barb-wire.
The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Description:
Casper explores his dark side in this fun parody illustration featuring Casper and a group of ghouls on a dark moonlit night. The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Client:
Personal
Description:
A wild, roaring sabertooth tiger head against a blue background.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Personal
Description:
Psychedelic imagery of a gray space alien meditating amongst spaceships, planets, stars and galaxies.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Description:
Fun parody of the characters from the Flintstones cartoon show packed into Fred’s vehicle, ready to go to war! The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Client:
Personal
Description:
An evil magical tiki mask surrounded by psychedelic imagery and visions of faraway places and things.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Personal
Description:
Psychedelic and trippy colorful image of a blue-skinned many armed god meditating and transcending the realm. He achieves nirvana even as he floats alone on an island of land.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Personal
Description:
Parody of famous Nintendo characters as gangsters.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Description:
Russ Bus logo design illustration featuring an evil arsonist setting fire to the neighborhood houses, as arsonists do. The design was for apparel and a vehicle wrap for the russefeiring tradition. If you haven’t heard of it, basically russefeiring involves an entire class of Norwegian students renting a bus (a Russebuss), painting every inch of it with really cool street art, and then partying in it night and day for an entire month during graduation. The different classes wear their designs ever where they go as they clash with rival classes. I’ve done a bunch of these now, and really enjoy it.
Personal
Description:
The legendary grim reaper with billowing dark hooded cloak complete with his scythe and hourglass surrounded by flaming skulls and candles.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Personal
Description:
Parody illustration of the crew from classic TV cartoon The Flintstones crammed into Fred’s iconic foot-powered vehicle.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Personal
Description:
A metal skinned firefighter with a fire axe coming out of a metal logo. Banner can be customized!
This artwork is available for licensing:
Designing The Philadelphia Flyers Mascot, Gritty
Client:
The Philadelphia Flyers
Project
The Philadelphia Flyers, the NHL hockey team, hired me to design the costume for their new mascot, completely from the ground up. They reached out to me because they had liked some edgy mascot artwork I had done for a television commercial by Chick-Fil-A.
The Flyers gave me a lot of freedom with the design. They had previously commissioned some designs, but nothing had hit the mark yet. They told me that the mascot design had to be “someone you’d want to high-five, but not hug.” He had to be fun enough to attract kids and younger fans, yet had to still be tough enough to earn the respect of the tough and gritty Philadelphia fans.
I began the project by sketching over 20 different possible mascots, including, bats, bulls, groundhogs, dragons, tough guys, yetis, and even a flying squirrel.
Once the client saw the sketches, they picked a big dumpy monster I had drawn as the starting point.
Early Gritty concept sketches
Early on, we still hadn’t decided on a name for the mascot. The Marketing team decided on Gritty, which is a perfect fit.
Final Turn-Around Illustration
After we nailed down the foundation of Gritty, the Art Directors and I experimented with many different variations to tweak Gritty’s look.
Working digitally with a Wacom Cintiq tablet, Clip Studio Paint, and Adobe Photoshop, I swapped different details on Gritty, including:
- 10 Different mouths
- With and without shorts
- Wings (a bunch of different kinds)
- Many different fur colors
- …and even a tail!
Once approved, this front, side, and back view of Gritty was submitted to Character Translations Inc. so they could begin work on the costume.
Additional poses for the mascot
Once the concept phase was over, the Flyers hired me to create a series of 10 different poses showing Gritty in action. The different illustrations were to be used primarily for promotion during the rollout.
The mascot illustrations were also used for merch designs sold at the Flyers’ stadium and online – from t-shirts, hockey pucks, sticks, and keychains.
Gritty introduced to the world!
Periodically throughout the process, the Flyers would send me photos of how the costume was coming together, but I usually only saw pieces. It wasn’t until just a few days before the official release that I saw Gritty for the first time. The costume creation team at Character Translations Inc. did an amazing job bringing my drawing to life.
Some of Gritty’s most unique features, such as the googly eyes, and squeaky hands, were added by the creative team at the Flyers. I was just as surprised as everyone else when they were first revealed!
The initial reaction seemed negative at first, and it was a little overwhelming. But the momentum changed very quickly. Within a couple of days, people were sending me fan art they had created of Gritty, and it was clear he had become more than just the mascot for the Flyers: he was now the mascot of the internet!
Client Testimonial:
Thank you again for all your great work throughout the project! Appreciate the quality work, quick turnarounds and accommodating the many changes we sent your way.
–Ben DiCandilo
Philadelphia Flyers, Marketing Manager
Thank you, Flyers!
I owe a large debt of gratitude to the Flyers for making me a part of something so big (and orange!).
Thank you to the Marketing Team – They had great ideas and clear communication.
Thank you to the costume company for their incredible work!
And thank you to the man inside the Gritty suit, who has really brought this two-dimensional drawing to life!
The full story behind the creation of Gritty:
Interview by Mark Brickey on the popular art and design podcast, Adventures in Design
I go into full detail of the process of how I designed Gritty with the Flyers, and how I dealt with the outpouring of reactions to the mascot I helped create, both negative and positive. Adventures in Design is a really great podcast that has interviewed many of the best artists in the industry, so it was an honor to be included!
SquareVideo SquareVideo Gritty
Interviews and Press about the creation of Gritty:
Gritty took the world by storm, and I was very fortunate to be part of it. It was really humbling to be interviewed by over 20 news outlets, several of them on camera, and to be a guest on my favorite art podcast, Adventures in Design.
https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/12/24/18145323/gritty-explained-mascot-flyers-meme-leftist
• VOX
https://www.businessinsider.com/artist-behind-gritty-on-marketing-gritty-does-not-go-away-2020-11
• BUSINESS INSIDER
Gritty: How Brian Allen Created The Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Legend
• POP ICON
Gritty is the internet mascot for a world that’s broken in 2018
• CNET
The 15 Best Marketing Stunts, Activations and Odd Creations of 2018
• ADWEEK
Gritty’s First Month: The Heroic Ascendance of a ‘Ghastly Empty-Eyed Muppet’
• NY Times
I Learned to Love Gritty the Terrifying Mascot and So Can You
• USA Today
Flyers Introduce New Orange, Fuzzy Mascot Gritty, Relish Reaction
• ESPN
Gritty, the Flyers’ new mascot, is up to all sorts of shenanigans on his 1st night out
• NBC Sports
Meet Gritty: The Flyers’ New Team Mascot
• 6ABC News
LOOK: New Flyers mascot Gritty dances with Jimmy Fallon, gets punched by Ricky Gervais
• CBS Sports
Philadelphia Flyers’ new mascot, ‘Gritty,’ sparks backlash, calls for euthanization
• Fox News
Gritty, Stuff Of Nightmares, Has Been Officially Welcomed To Philadelphia
• NPR
Gritty: why the Philadelphia Flyers’ new acid trip of a mascot must be stopped
• The Guardian
‘Gritty’, the internet’s most beloved mascot, explained
• SB Nation
TRUE GRITTY, OR HOW A MYSTIFYING NEW NHL MASCOT WON THE INTERNET
• AdAge
Are You In or Out on “Gritty,” the Philadelphia Flyers’ New Googly-Eyed Mascot?
• The Ringer
Client:
Personal
Description:
Classic EMS star of life logo with a snake intertwined around it, perfect for the paramedic or emergency medical personnel in your life.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Waz Shop
Description:
Psychedelic Tapestry and t-shirt design I created for Waz Shop to be sold at music festivals of a massive tree formed from the bodies of elephants, chimpanzees, whales, turtles, and other animals.
I tried to use muted earth-tone colors for this design to give it a more natural Look.
Client:
Personal
Description:
A bald eagle is covered in the American USA flag and holds a banner that says “Liberty or Death” in true patriotic spirit.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Titan Fitness
Description:
Wrestling singlet I illustrated of a warrior viking clutching a sword and shield in front of a raging ocean.
The design was set up for full color direct-to-garment printing, and designed to cover the entire garment with sweet, sweet viking detail.
Client:
Personal
Description:
The dark demonic face of a demon monster and his many eyes and horns in front of flaming skulls and a burning city.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Tim Bauer
Description:
Zombie soldiers facing off in this logo design I did for a major paintball tournament in Europe.
I love working on logos like this that are created primarily for the web and full-color printing, because I can just go nuts with shading and colors.
Client:
Personal
Description:
A cyborg robot zombie head with red laser eyes flies through the air in this frisbee design.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
The Jokers
Description:
Album cover illustration I created for the UK-based rock band The Jokers for their newest album “Voodoo,” illustrating an evil witchdoctor holding voodoo doll likenesses of each member of the band.
Always enjoy working with these guys – they don’t take themselves too seriously, and it’s exactly the kind of music I grew up with. It’s often very tricky to get so much of the scene into such a tiny space, but I’m happy with the composition we came up with. I love the crow chewing up the Union Jack.
Client:
Personal
Description:
Trippy, psychedelic illustration of a green natural skull with mushrooms and pot plants coming out of it.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Spiral Direct
Description:
Apparel design I illustrated for the Gothic apparel brand Spiral Direct with plenty of skulls, roses, and a sweet heavy metal axe guitar.
The design was set up for full-color printing, front and back, and will be available in their catalogs soon.
Client:
Personal
Description:
A marijuana pot leaf, but each branch of the leaf is made up of a different entity, such as a skull, tentacles and wings.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Personal
Description:
Trippy, psychedelic illustration of a purple natural skull with mushrooms.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Nome Elementary School
Description:
Elementary school mascot redesign I was commissioned to create of a polar bear for this school in Alaska.
We produced a series of sketches in different styles and positions, and then had the students of the school vote and pick the best direction. Really fun group to work with, and they were thrilled with the result. The graphic was set up as a vector to be easily printable in all sorts of situations.
Client:
Personal
Description:
A psychedelic marijuana pot leaf with each leaf a different entity, the main ones being a mischievous skull, flames, and bones.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Kris Roestenburg
Description:
My Australian friends at Vape Nation hired me to illustrate this t-shirt design with the Kiwi bird mascot we created for their logo previously.
It’s pretty challenging making a Kiwi bird look tough, but I tried my best. This t-shirt design was set up for limited color silk-screen.
Client:
Personal
Description:
Large patriotic bald eagle with outspread wings holding banner that says “Liberty or Death”. A pristine blue sky with white clouds make up the background.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
High Times
Description:
Custom Eagle logo I created for a cannabis brand overseas called High Times.
Because of the regulations in their country, we had to find a way to connect the logo with the marijuana industry subtly, which we tried to accomplish with the colors, and the “happy” expression on the eagle’s face.
Client:
Great Lakes
Description:
Stylized angry mutant Mahi-Mahi fish I created for an apparel graphics company leaping from the water.
This was the first time I explored drawing fish in a more crazy creepy style, rather than realistic, and I love it.
This artwork is available for licensing:
Client:
Discraft
Description:
Another fun design I created for the leaders of disc golf equipment, Discraft, of a crazed zombie cyborg, because cyborg’s are zombies, too!
We designed a full-color version, as well as a single color foil option. The discs have become collectors editions, and I’m always thrilled when Discraft sends me a box of the discs with my artwork on them. Really cool to see the art come to life!
Client:
Crimshaw Band
Description:
The heavy metal band Crimshaw commissioned me to illustrate each member of the band as classic movie monsters based on their personalities for their new album.
It’s always such a fun challenge to draw the likenesses of people I’ve never met, just based on a few photographs. Luckily, turning them into savage creatures masks any errors.
Client:
Dart Addicts
Description:
Logo design I created for a Dart sporting supplier for competitions and jerseys, of a crazed dartboard coming to life and chomping on darts.
Client Testimonial:
Thanks for the great logo!! Pleasure working with you!
-Chris Weatherly
Owner, Dart Addicts
Brian Allen, 2015
Client:
Darius Walker
Description:
Fantasy children’s book I illustrated for author Darius Walker about a family that rides a magical pirate ship bed into a strange world.
This was probably my favorite children’s book to date, because it’s strange and surreal tone really lended itself perfectly to my quirky illustration style. It’s not often that I can illustrate monsters, robots, and pirates in the same book!
Tag Archive for: Brian Allen
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@Brian Allen
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Product Reviews
Wacom Cintiq Pro 24″ ReviewSeptember 1, 2023 - 12:30 pmProfessional Illustrator Brian Allen reviews the new Wacom Cintiq Pro 24″ (non-touch). I have been using the new Wacom Cintiq Pro 24″ extensively since early April 2018 and I love it! I upgraded from the Wacom Cintiq 24HD, which I used for over 6 years. I had high expectations for this digital drawing tablet and […]
