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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Tarantino_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-12-12 12:58:432019-07-30 11:20:47Tarantino Films Tribute Parody Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Baditalian_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-12-09 12:55:332019-07-31 11:18:07Mario Brothers Parody Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Xmen_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-12-06 12:51:422018-05-03 11:25:45X-Men Parody Tribute Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/WojtekBear_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-12-03 12:47:142018-05-03 11:25:45Russian War-Inspired Bear Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/WestCoast_FULLbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-12-01 12:38:442018-05-03 11:25:46West Coast Gangster Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Sully_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-22 12:30:442018-05-03 11:25:46Monsters Inc. Zombie Parody Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Smokey_WHITEbg-Low-Res_01.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-21 12:25:052018-05-03 11:25:46Smokey the Bear Parody Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/RedRum_WHITEbg-Low-Res_01.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-21 11:34:522018-05-03 11:25:46The Shining Parody Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Rags2riches_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-20 11:31:482018-05-03 11:25:46Rags 2 Riches Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/ProblemChild_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-17 11:29:262018-05-03 11:25:46Problem Child Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Primal_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-12 11:26:342018-05-03 11:25:47Primal Neanderthal Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/PartyCentral_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-12 11:22:522018-05-03 11:25:47Monsters Inc. Parody Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Oxford_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-09 11:20:362018-05-03 11:25:47Vintage Heist Russ Bus Logo
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.
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/SMashville_WHITEbg-Low-Res_01.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-05 12:14:572018-05-03 11:25:47Roaring Tiger Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Hyperspace_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-03 11:15:322018-05-03 11:25:47Classic Science Fiction Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/HippyHaven_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-03 11:12:372018-05-03 11:25:48DJ Inspired Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Hennygang_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-11-01 11:09:472018-05-03 11:25:48Hennessy Inspired Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/GrimReaper_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-10-30 11:05:592018-05-03 11:25:48Grim Reaper Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Godlike_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-10-28 11:02:442018-05-03 11:25:48Norse God Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Cream_Russ_Logo-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-10-21 10:57:252018-05-03 11:25:48Wu-Tang Clan Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/CheckpointCharlie_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-10-21 10:55:002018-05-03 11:25:48Checkpoint Charlie Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Casper_WHITE-bg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-10-17 10:51:482018-05-03 11:25:49Casper Parody Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/BedRock_WHITEbg-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-10-05 10:45:012019-07-31 11:10:29Flintstones Parody Russ Bus Logo
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Made_Men_Super_Mario_Parody-copyright-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-09-30 10:38:232019-07-31 11:18:29Made Men Super Mario Parody
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Arsonist_WHITEBG-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-09-30 10:37:072018-05-03 11:25:50Arsonist Russ Bus Logo
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!
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://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/EMS_Star_of_Life_With_Snake-Low-Res-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-09-24 09:27:312018-05-03 11:25:51EMS Star of Life with Snake
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Waz_TreeofLife-Social_714x476_ratio-Low-Res.jpg?fit=600%2C900&ssl=1900600Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-09-23 10:22:172019-07-30 10:59:38Psychedelic New Age Tree of Life Illustration
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Eagle_With_US_Flag_Wings_Spread-Low-Res-1.jpg?fit=800%2C482&ssl=1482800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-09-21 09:25:192018-05-03 11:25:51Eagle with US Flag and Wings Spread
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/VikingSinglet_SOCIALportraitratio-Low-Res-e1598625609130.jpg?fit=533%2C668&ssl=1668533Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-09-20 10:18:062018-05-03 11:25:52Viking Warrior Wrestling Singlet Apparel Design
I created this t-shirt design in conjunction with Traxler Tees to commemorate a tragic police shooting in Westerville where two police officers lost their lives in the line of duty.
Traxler hired me to create a design that illustrated police officers in general as bold and proud, which they later sold to raise significant charitable donations to support the department and their families.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Demon_Face_and_Fire_Skulls-watermark.jpg?fit=590%2C800&ssl=1800590Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-09-18 09:22:392018-05-03 11:25:52Demon Face with Fire Skulls
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/WorldWarZ-Web_Logo_Design-Low-Res.jpg?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1800800Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-09-15 10:09:512018-05-03 11:25:52World War Z Zombie Soldiers Logo Design
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/Crimshaw_Album_Thumbnail-714px-Low-Res.jpg?fit=532%2C800&ssl=1800532Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-08-17 09:09:582018-05-03 11:25:55Crimshaw Metal Band Monsters Album Cover
I created this custom YouTube banner of the mythical Pandora’s box for a political channel out of the UK, discussing potential economic and political disasters (fun!).
The client wanted something really dark and mysterious, and hand-illustrated, to differentiate himself from similar channels.
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!
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/17-Low-Res.jpg?fit=626%2C800&ssl=1800626Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-08-11 09:15:262023-06-13 17:53:37Magical Fantasy Imaginative Children’s Book Illustrations
Blue Chip Athletics hired me to create this customize-able wrestling singlet apparel template they could offer to their different teams. I set up the design so that the team colors were easily modifiable and could be printed in limited color silk-screen to save cost. They were really thrilled with the result.
https://i0.wp.com/www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/PleasantvilleWrestling_Thumbnail-400px-Low-Res.jpg?fit=450%2C450&ssl=1450450Brian Allenhttps://www.flylanddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/FlyLand-Designs-Web-Logo.pngBrian Allen2018-08-09 08:51:192018-05-03 11:25:56Team Spirit Wrestling Singlet Apparel Design