AUTOMOTIVE ILLUSTRATION
If you’re a creative in the Metro Detroit area chances are you’ve done some time working on some aspect of an automotive account.
While most of my days are spent building solutions for dealer ads, I do get the opportunity to use my illustration skills from time to time. My biggest contribution usually comes in the form of extremely product-correct line drawings for catalogues and website spec sections, but once in awhile I’ll be asked to come up with something a little more creative freedom.
HUMMER EV
NEW OWNER PLAQUE
When the all-electric Hummer EV was announced it sold out almost immediately. The GMC team wanted to make a special plaque for all of the people who made early reservations, and I was tasked with creating graphics of the vehicle that would be etched into the metal.
Much like the specs drawings, these had to be exactly product correct. Unlike the specs drawings, we wanted to show as many details of the design as possible.
GMC CANYON PATCHES
With the launch of the Canyon AT4, and its presence at several overlanding expos across the country, GMC wanted some cool swag to show off a cool truck.
Originally, these designs were to be produced as embroidered patches, so I kept them all at a maximum of six colors with bold, easy to read shapes. In the end the clients went with printed patches and a run of stickers.
SURPRISE & DELIGHT
While working with brands as old as Buick and GMC we often come across people who have a deep connection to their vehicles- some lasting decades! When the social teams find these people they sometimes like to reach out with a small gift to show their appreciation for that customers loyalty.
Sometimes I get to draw someone’s beloved Buick that’s seen the family through generations. Sometimes it’s a thank-you to a photographer who went above and beyond to get the best shots. These are some of my favorite assignments- I always know the recipient is going to love it!
COLORING BOOK PAGES
During the early days of Michigan’s Covid-19 stay at home order I worked with the Buick and GMC social teams to produce branded coloring book pages.
While these were meant as a fun activity for consumers, creating them was also a great distraction for me as well. I absolutely love digging in to hyper-detailed, clean line illustrations, and this was a great way to insert a little bit of that passion into my day-to-day work.
BACKGROUND NOISE
I was on a huge X-FILES kick when I began working on the coloring book pages. The spooky-but-campy early episodes were the perfect distraction during the early days of the pandemic, and with over 200 episodes over 11 seasons, I had a great way to pass the time.
We just won’t talk about the re-boot.