The objective for this project was to illustrate a favorite singer or band as though it would be going into Rolling Stone Magazine’s Review section. I decided to illustrate Tyler Childers for his new album “Rustin’ in the Rain;” it was an interesting challenge to incorporate some of the religious themes that the album portrays, as well as aspects of Appalachian folklore and life.
I did a lot of research on imagery from Appalachia, as Childers’ music revolves heavily around the region, which he hails from. Looking at all the beautiful images of nature, I felt inspired in my sketches to test out a lot of ideas with varying backdrops and layouts.
I created twenty thumbnail sketches with different layout ideas. I based some sketches around the coal mines, others around stained glass and biblical imagery, and still others in the forests or mountains.
After the sketches, I selected two of them to develop in four more thumbnails each. I wanted to create a sort of juxtaposition between life and death in my final composition; I loved working in the skeletal imagery, especially in the mule at the right of the composition.
One of the tracks on this album is called “Percheron Mules,” and the animal is often a sign of strength as well as life in the country. I was very set on having my work represent the scenery and themes described in the album, as well as the more spiritual feel that Childers creates.
I really enjoyed getting to design with a specific client in mind. It helped being able to look at inspiration from what other artists have created in Rolling Stone’s Review section, and it was incredibly rewarding to put my final illustration into the Rolling Stone mockup and see it in that format.
