Tag Archive for: Freelance
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
This was a logo I designed for a Russ group featuring Beast Coast an American Hip Hop group that is based out of Brooklyn, New York.
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
Astrothunder was a logo I design for a Russ group featuring an eagle flying through a galactic storm with its talons stretched 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. To see more of my work, or hire me for freelance projects, please visit my website: www.flylanddesigns.com
An undead gunslinger with a cigar glares behind the smoke of two pistols.
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
An undead gunslinger with a cigar glares behind the smoke of two pistols.
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
A zombie gunslinger whips out his
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
Various tiki totem designs in
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
A horrifying creature emerges from the dark, his talons razor sharp and eyes bright.
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
A skull with a snake and roses in the background.
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
Crowned Skull with Wings.
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
A skull with roses and wings.
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
A laughing winged skull with snakes and flaming pistons.
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
This badass skeleton gunslinger wields two golden pistols.
his artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
The infamous Medusa from Greek mythology dons a
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
Military zombies on board a helicopter battle on even after death. Explosions rain down from the sky.
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
A ferocious alligator in the deep swamps– a fishing boat is in the background against a hazy sunset.
This artwork is available for licensing at https://www.flylanddesigns.com/licensing/
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:
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:
Cool illustration of a tribal paleolithic warrior fighting sabretooth tigers and wool mammoths in times of old. He features torn pelt clothing, a long unruly beard, and draws a bow and arrow back in fighting stance.
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.
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: