The colombian band Burning Caravan commissioned me to do the illustration/cover design for their new single titled "Las Historias De Los Hombres".
Since the beginning of the project the band was really involved in the creative process. They already had the idea of assembling a ship with their instruments, which made everything easier in terms of getting to what they were looking for. Regarding the technique, since the first moment I thought it would be cool using collage to reinforce the idea of the assembly of instruments by literally assembling different pictures. The instruments images I found on google were in really bad resolution, so I had to find a way of using them without affecting the final result quality...This is why I ended up creating the grainy textures/finishings. As for the color scheme, the final version came up after experimenting with some tones the band suggested in one of their feedbacks.
At first I made some pencil sketches to define the basic layout. Then, I collected some pictures of instruments I found on Google to "construct" the ship on Photoshop. Once I got the final composition, I converted it to black and white and started to retouch it, adding textures, color, shadows, etc.
The final part of the process consisted of adding the waves/mountains around the ship. To do it, I used a picture the band took at Tatacoa Desert while shooting the videoclip of the single.
So far the response has been really good! Since I started using Instagram to promote my work, this is the picture that has gotten more likes (not that it means anything haha, but is cool to know people like it).
Also, for me this project was an opportunity of learning a new technique. Most of the process consisted of experimenting blending textures and colors, which made it really fun to do.
About Jose Berrio
I'm a graphic designer from Bogota based in Brooklyn. I received a degree in Graphic Design in 2006 and worked in advertising companies for seven years. Some of the clients I've work with in the past include: Converse, Creative Mornings, Kellogg's, Coca-Cola, DirecTv, and a few music bands.
For work inquiries you can contact me at contact@joseberrio.com