#todeathwithasmile

To get all of these elements to create a composition I had to draw them by hand, I wanted them very illustrated to I made the drawings simple and as outlined as possible. 

Using Illustrator I turned my hand drawings into objects and refined the edges to make them as smooth as possible.

I then played with composition ideas. I found that having everything compiled together like in the image below didn’t communicate my idea as everything was overlapping, the money in particular. Even if you wouldn’t understand it without an explanation, I want all the elements to have enough space for people to look at them and make their own understanding of each thing.

I then tried out some arrangements using the elements to create a pattern. At first I had issues including the flowers in without breaking the pattern. I realised that I wouldn’t be able to have the two different flower pieces in the pattern evenly and at big scale. So I had to place them in a random order.

Reference/Inspiration:

Maharishi and Bradley Theodore were two main reference points for my poster, however, for this outcome I wanted to replicate the illustrations and style of Ed Hardy designs. I like the bold, simple but striking aesthetic of the designs.

Theodore’s use of vibrant colour on such a dimming concept like death stood out a lot to me, as much as the carefree strokes used by him.

Cultural Elements:

I wanted to draw elements from various cultures that represent death in a celebratory way, just to bring a light heartedness to my design. I felt a lot of people would go for a sentimental approach to their posters or one that would make use of tomb stones and gloomy stuff. 

I started with my own culture, in Jamaica, we would splash white rum on the headstone of the deceased.

My girlfriend taught me during the passing of her Grandmother that in Chinese tradition they would: “By burning these replicas of money and items such as clothing, fashion accessories, and electronics, the smoke from the burning items travels upwards towards the spirits who will receive them in the afterlife.” Read Full Article Here 

Lady Death. The Path to the Stars