Illustration

The Griswolds Gig-Poster [18x24 / 2-Color] [Image 1/4]

Client: Lincoln Hall / The Griswolds

Last summer we worked with Lincoln Hall in Chicago and the Griswolds to produce this gig-poster for the 6.25.15 show on their ‘Excellent Adventure’ tour. Drawing direction from the Griswold’s song, ‘Beware the Dog,’ we created this fun, character-based design. The limited edition of 55 was hand-printed on 100 lb. French-Recycled-White paper at our in-house studio and released on 6.25.15 at the Lincoln Hall — Griswolds Show. Prints can be purchased here.

The Griswolds Gig-Poster [18x24 / 2-Color] [Image 2/4]

Client: Lincoln Hall / The Griswolds

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The Griswolds Gig-Poster [18x24 / 2-Color] [Image 3/4]

Client: Lincoln Hall / The Griswolds

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The Griswolds Gig-Poster [18x24 / 2-Color] [Image 4/4]

Client: Lincoln Hall / The Griswolds

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Isthmus Madison — Annual Manual Cover & Feature Illustrations [Image 1/6] 

Client: Isthmus Newspaper — Madison

We recently had the pleasure of working together with our good friends over at Madison WI’s Isthmus on their ‘Annual Manual’ — a comprehensive guide to Madison Wisconsin which is distributed once a year with every copy of Isthmus. Working under the direction of Isthmus’s art department, we created the cover art seen here as well as a number of illustrations & maps for the feature article. Check out our blog post for more pics and project details. 

Isthmus Madison — Annual Manual Cover & Feature Illustrations [Image 2/6]

Client: Isthmus Newspaper — Madison
Madison Art-Crawl Supporting Illustration

Isthmus Madison — Annual Manual Cover & Feature Illustrations [Image 3/6]

Client: Isthmus Newspaper — Madison
Madison Pub-Crawl Map & Characters

Isthmus Madison — Annual Manual Cover & Feature Illustrations [Image 4/6]

Client: Isthmus Newspaper — Madison
Madison Nature-Crawl Supporting Illustration

Isthmus Madison — Annual Manual Cover & Feature Illustrations [Image 5/6]

Client: Isthmus Newspaper — Madison
Madison Nature-Crawl Supporting Illustration

Isthmus Madison — Annual Manual Cover & Feature Illustrations [Image 6/6]

Client: Isthmus Newspaper — Madison
Madison Pub-Crawl Supporting Illustration

Mr. Show 'Druggachusettes' Screenprint [18x24 / 2-Color] [1st edition of 10: 5 Aqua & Black, 5 Orange & Black] [Image 1/5]

Client: Personal

One of our favorite TV shows of all time is the late 90's sketch comedy venture, Mr. Show, which included Bob Odenkirk & David Cross among its brilliant cast of comedians & writers. When we heard the crew was getting back together for the Netflix reunion, With Bob and David, we decided to create this limited edition 2-color screenprint, which pays homage to one of the unforgettable sketches from the original series — the hilariously titled, 'Druggachusettes.' Prints can be purchased here. 

Mr. Show 'Druggachusettes' Screenprint [18x24 / 2-Color] [1st edition of 10: 5 Aqua & Black, 5 Orange & Black] [Image 2/5]

Client: Personal

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Mr. Show 'Druggachusettes' Screenprint [18x24 / 2-Color] [1st edition of 10: 5 Aqua & Black, 5 Orange & Black] [Image 3/5]

Client: Personal

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Mr. Show 'Druggachusettes' Screenprint [18x24 / 2-Color] [1st edition of 10: 5 Aqua & Black, 5 Orange & Black] [Image 4/5]

Client: Personal

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Mr. Show 'Druggachusettes' Screenprint [18x24 / 2-Color] [1st edition of 10: 5 Aqua & Black, 5 Orange & Black] [Image 5/5]

Client: Personal

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Patrick Kane — ‘Big Daddy Kane’ Illustration [Image 1/2]

Client: Personal

With three Stanley Cups in the last six seasons, and some of the sickest mitts in the NHL, Patrick Kane has solidified himself as one of the league’s most electrifying players. As huge fans of the game and Kane Himself, we recently celebrated the former conn-smythe winner and his three championships with this illustration which takes inspiration from a similar pose made famous by hip-hop icon, Big Daddy Kane.

Patrick Kane — ‘Big Daddy Kane’ Illustration [Image 2/2]

Client: Personal

'JohnnySwim Christmas' Gig-Poster [Image 1/3]
[18x24 / 3-Color]

Client: Evanston Space / JohnnySwim

We recently worked with Evanston Space to produce this eclectic 3-color gig-poster design promoting two nights of JohnnySwim shows that were hosted at SPACE last winter. The limited edition of 70, which takes its direction from a variety of vintage Christmas gift ads of the '50s and '60s, was hand printed at our in-house studio and released at the 12.13.14 JohnnySwim Christmas show. Prints can be purchased here.

'JohnnySwim Christmas' Gig-Poster [Image 2/3]
[18x24 / 3-Color]

Client: Evanston Space / JohnnySwim

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'JohnnySwim Christmas' Gig-Poster [Image 3/3]
[18x24 / 3-Color]

Client: Evanston Space / JohnnySwim

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Isthmus — Record Store Day Illustration [Image 1/3]

Client: Isthmus — Madison, WI

This past April, we worked with the Madison based newspaper Isthmus, to create an illustration for an article which they ran on the topic of Record Store Day. As music lovers and musicians ourselves, we were stoked at the task of creating artwork about the annual celebration of vinyl. Taking inspiration from the written content and record-store-culture in general, we created this fun illustration to accompany the article. (Simulated Layout — Does not reflect actual newspaper)

Isthmus Madison — Record Store Day Illustration [Image 2/3]

Client: Isthmus Newspaper — Madison

Isthmus Madison — Record Store Day Illustration [Image 3/3]

Client: Isthmus Newspaper — Madison

Durty Nellie’s 2015 Spring Beer Fest [Image 1/3]

Client: Durty Nellie's

This past spring, we worked with Durty Nellie's to create artwork for their 21st annual Beer Fest. Featuring over 50 breweries, the Spring Beer fest is a staple in Durty Nellie's event calendar and a favorite of many — drawing crowds from all over Chicagoland every year. Taking inspiration from the 'Let's all go to the lobby' characters, we worked with Nellie's marketing department to create this fun poster & supporting creative for the event. 

Durty Nellie’s 2015 Spring Beer Fest [Image 2/3]

Client: Durty Nellie's

Durty Nellie’s 2015 Spring Beer Fest [Image 3/3]

Client: Durty Nellie's

JD McPherson Gig-Poster [Image 1/2]

[18x24 3-Color]

Client: Abbey Pub / Kickstand Productions

A while back, we worked with the Abbey Pub and Kickstand Productions to create a limited edition gig-poster for their New Year’s Eve show featuring JD McPherson. Taking direction from McPherson’s music & personal style, we created this rockabilly inspired poster. The Limited edition of 30 was hand-printed at our in-house studio and released on the night of the show.

JD McPherson Gig-Poster [Image 2/2]

[18x24 3-Color]

Client: Abbey Pub / Kickstand Productions

Steve Hanson Portrait

Client: Personal

Like many lifelong hockey players & fans, we have a special place in our hearts for the movie, SlapShot & the film's colorful cast of characters. We recently began paying homage to Slapshot’s quintessential goon squad with this portrait of Steve Hanson as he appeared during the National Anthem in one of the film's more spirited pre-game ceremonies. 

Kermit Ruffins Gig-Poster [Image 1/3]
[18x24 / 3-Color]

Client: Evanston Space / Kermit Ruffins

When Evanston Space needed gig-posters for their upcoming Kermit Ruffins show, they approached us about creating a design with a strong New Orleans Influence. Drawing inspiration from classic New Orleans Jazz-Fest posters & iconic trumpet performers like Miles Davis & Louis Armstrong — We came up with this portrait-based, 3-color design. The limited-edition of 35 was hand-printed at our in-house studio and released at the 8.29.14 Kermit Ruffins Show. Prints can be purchased here.

Kermit Ruffins Gig-Poster [Image 2/3]
[18x24 / 3-Color]

Client: Evanston Space / Kermit Ruffins

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Kermit Ruffins Gig-Poster [Image 3/3]
[18x24 / 3-Color]

Client: Evanston Space / Kermit Ruffins

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Richard Lewis ‘Boku’ Portrait

Client: Personal

As children who came of age in the 80’s & 90’s, we have fond memories of watching Saturday Morning Cartoons, TGIF, NickToons, SNICK, FOX comedy shows like In Living Color, and many other great programs from the era. We also have fond memories of many forgotten advertisements which ran during those programs — One favorite being the BOKU juice box campaign that featured comedian Richard Lewis as the spokesman. Still a fan of Richard Lewis to this day via his standup work and his work on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, we recently created this portrait of a young Lewis as he inquires, ‘All I wanted was a BOKU… Is that too much to ask?’

Hungry Mountain Art-Print [Image 1/3]
[14x14 1-color]

Client: Hungry Mountain

One of the great parts about playing in a band (in addition to the music) is the opportunity to produce visual artwork for the project. We recently created this 1-color art print for Mike’s band Hungry Mountain, drawing inspiration from their musical style & love for Chicago. 

Hungry Mountain Art-Print [Image 2/3]
[14x14 1-color]

Client: Hungry Mountain

Hungry Mountain Art-Print [Image 3/3]
[14x14 1-color]

Client: Hungry Mountain

Entertainment 720 ScreenPrint [Image 1/2]
[17x24 / 2-Color]

Client: Personal

Like so many, we were huge fans of Parks and Recreation. Despite the show recently coming to an end, it will live on thru countless hilarious bits, folk heroes and quotable lines that were delivered over the years. One such favorite bit of ours was teaming up Tom Haverford with the incorrigible Jean-Ralphio for their business venture, ‘Entertainment 720.’ Recently, we paid tribute to the duo with this movie-style screen-print. The limited edition of 20 was hand-printed at our in-house studio. 

Entertainment 720 ScreenPrint [Image 2/2]
[17x24 / 2-Color]

Client: Personal

‘Alice’ Character Concept Illustration

Client: Personal

An on-going project of ours that will hopefully see its first chapter released in the summer of 2015 has been the writing and illustration of a multi-part comic book. The story takes place around the late '90s / early '00s and is based around a small group of friends who investigate a menacing presence that haunts their charming college-town one fateful summer. This is an early concept sketch for the character, ‘Alice.’ — An intelligent, quick witted beauty, who’s often been described as a ‘TomBoy.’ 

The Coalition To Save The Fine Arts Logo

Client: The Coalition To Save The Fine Arts

When our friends at The Coalition To Save The Fine Arts were in need of a logo for their music discussion forum, we were excited to contribute our services. Taking direction from the group’s name and objective, we created this design representing their dedication to the preservation of music and culture in today’s society.

This Must [not] Be The Band [anymore] Gig-Poster

Client: Durty Nellie’s / This Must Be The Band

In the fall of 2014, we worked with Talking Heads Cover Band, This Must Be the Band to create a unique gig-poster for one of their farewell shows. Taking direction from the the idea of ‘Talking Heads’ we designed this Pez inspired poster for the event’s promotion.

Snoop Dogg Gig-Poster  [Image 1/2]

[18x24 / 2-Color]

Client: Kickstand Productions / The Castle Theater

We’ve been huge fans of Snoop Dogg since we first heard his guest verses on Dr. Dre’s original 'Chronic' album in ’92. Although as young 5th graders, we weren’t fully sure what he was exactly rapping about, we knew we liked it. So years later after being long-time Snoop enthusiasts we were incredibly stoked when Kickstand Productions approached us about doing a poster for their upcoming Snoop Dogg show at the Castle Theater. Drawing inspiration from the suave style of Snoop himself, we created this portrait-based gig-poster for the occasion. The limited edition of 30 was hand-printed at our in-house studio. 

Snoop Dogg Gig-Poster  [Image 2/2]

[18x24 / 2-Color]

Client: Kickstand Productions / The Castle Theater

Orange Is The New Black: ‘Flaca’ Illustration

Client: Personal

One of our favorite Netflix original series is Orange Is The New Black. With a great cast of characters and excellent writing, it’s a show we’d definitely deem binge-worthy. Recently we recreated this classic Flaca-moment from season 2, as she gave a quick grammar lesson to the writing team at 'The Big House Bugle.'

Workaholics Illustration [Image 1/2]

Client: Personal

While there are many great shows on television at the moment, one that provides a constant source of laughter for us is Comedy Central’s Workaholics. Recently, we created this ‘Homage to the Braj,’ celebrating Rancho Cucamonga’s favorite crew and their hilarious abode.  

Workaholics Illustration [Image 2/2]

Client: Personal

Hungry Mountain Album Art [Image 1/2]

Client: Hungry Mountain

We love collaborating with bands on all sorts of projects and were stoked to work with Hungry Mountain on the package design for their debut album. Working together with creative direction from Hungry Mountain front-man, Steve Mitchell, we developed this colorful digi-pack album design. While the original pressing of the album has since sold out, it is available for download here. Keep an eye out for Hungry Mountain’s second album, 'Weird Pills' — Due out in the Summer of 2015.

Hungry Mountain Album Art [Image 2/2]

Client: Hungry Mountain

The Great American Beer Bash Key Art

Client: Durty Nellie's

We love doing beer related artwork and when Durty Nellie’s marketing department approached us about doing some artwork for their Great American Beer Bash, we were stoked to jump on board. The idea for the event was to go against the grain a bit and host a beer fest celebrating America’s finest 'budget beers.’ Although in the end, the event never came to fruition, we were very happy with the resulting creative.

Buckethead: Giant Robot Poster [Image 1/2]

Client: Personal

One of our favorite guitarists in the world is the enigmatic, Buckethead. On many occasions we’ve been both inspired and humbled by the wizardry he displays on his axe. Taking direction from his eccentric performances & character quirks, we created this piece in homage to a true shredder.

Buckethead: Giant Robot Poster [Image 2/2]

Client: Personal

Dad’s 60th Birthday — Save the Date / Party Invitation

Client: Personal

When Mike’s dad recently turned 60, his family decided to throw a massive surprise party. We designed these fun invites for the occasion, based around his dad's love of golf and the outdoors.  

Durty Nellie’s Fall Beer Fest Logo and Poster

Client: Durty Nellie's

We’ve probably mentioned this before, but we one thing we love is doing beer related artwork. So when Durty Nellie’s needed creative for their Fall Beer Fest, we were excited take on the project. Taking inspiration from vintage beer ads, we worked with Nellie’s marketing department to create this eclectic promotional campaign. 

StreetLight Manifesto Gig-Poster

[18x24 / 2-Color]

Client: Kickstand Productions / StreetLight Manifesto

One of the very first shows we screen-printed a poster for was Streetlight Manifesto at Durty Nellie's in Palatine IL. We worked with Kickstand Productions to create this fun 2-color Star Wars inspired print, featuring Princess Leia in one of her more intimidating poses. The limited edition of 30 was printed at our in-house studio and released on the night of the show. 

Heligoats Gig-Poster

[18x24 / 1-Color]

Client: The Heligoats

One of the bands Mike has recorded and toured with in the past is the Chicago IL / Bellingham WA based folk-rock outfit, The Heligoats. Drawing inspiration from the band's fictional mascot, 'Carl Beakman,' we created this 1-color screen-print for one of their shows at the Hideout in Chicago several years back. The limited edition of 30 was printed at our in-house studio and released on the night of the show.