Singin' the Blues

Brief / Challenge

For Singin’ the Blues, the client wanted a series of illustrations inspired by classic 70s and 80s stage performers — the iconic suit-and-tie singers who defined an era of live music. The challenge was to capture that unmistakable vintage flair while giving it a fresh, contemporary edge. They wanted something expressive, nostalgic, and unmistakably rooted in the golden age of blues and soul performance.

This project resonated deeply with me — as a huge fan of music and this era in particular, it quickly became a passion project. The creative direction felt like a perfect match.

Role

At Érimón Studios, I took on:

• Full concept development

• Character and style exploration

• Illustration design and art direction

• Experimentation with colour palettes, custom brushes, and analog-inspired textures

This project allowed me a lot of creative freedom to push style, technique, and mood.

Process

Research & Inspiration
I started by immersing myself in the visual world of 70s and 80s stage culture — vintage posters, album covers, concert photography, promo shots, and fashion references. I paid attention to the bold suits, oversized collars, rich textures, and dramatic stage lighting that define the era.

Colour & Style Exploration
I used this project as an opportunity to explore a wide range of illustration approaches — experimenting with warm retro palettes, neon accents, grainy textures, and Illustrator brushes that mimic traditional drawing tools. The goal was to create a digital style that still hints at analog warmth.

Character Illustration & Line Work
From there, I developed the main performer character: classic suit, wide lapels, powerful stage presence. I experimented with different brush styles to find the right mix of confidence and looseness in the line work.
Each illustration had its own mood — some more expressive and energetic, others calm and soulful.

Texture & Finishing
To give the final pieces a sense of era-specific authenticity, I introduced subtle noise, gradient overlays, and texture — just enough to evoke vintage printing and poster aesthetics without overwhelming the artwork.

Iteration & Refinement
I explored variations in lighting, colour intensity, and composition. Some versions leaned heavily into warm oranges and deep blues, while others played with contrasting neon tones. Through this experimental process, a cohesive visual series emerged.

Solution / Outcome

The final illustrations capture the soul, swagger, and showmanship of 70s/80s stage singers — with a modern twist.

The colour palettes feel nostalgic but not dated, the line work keeps the artwork dynamic, and the textures add a retro mood while maintaining a polished finish.

The series stands as both a client project and a personal passion piece — blending artistic experimentation with a genuine love for the music and culture that inspired it.

Impact (Design-Led)

• The client received a unique illustration series that pays homage to a classic era while feeling fresh and contemporary.

• The artworks stand out thanks to their bold colour exploration, expressive line work, and vintage-inspired character design.

• The project expanded my own illustration toolkit — experimenting with new brushes, colour systems, and textural techniques that I now use in other projects.

• It remains one of my favourite pieces in my portfolio, showcasing both technical skill and personal creative passion.

Lessons Learned & Best Practices

• Passion fuels creativity: Working on subject matter you love elevates the final outcome.

• Experimentation matters: Trying new brush styles, palettes, and textures leads to unexpected breakthroughs.

• Nostalgia needs balance: Vintage inspiration works best when paired with modern refinement.

• Characters tell stories: Strong posture, expression, and styling capture a whole era in a single illustration.

• Iteration is key: Exploring colour and lighting variations helps refine the atmosphere and emotional tone.