Graphic Illustration

Droid Workshop design by Mark Sheldon boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative

Graphic Illustration

graphic illustration

What is commercial illustration?

Commercial illustration is a blend between graphic design and illustration. The term is also known as “graphic illustration.” These designers can use any technique to create a visual style that is artistic but follows company guidelines. This form of design is often used when trying to create a deeper bond with consumers, products, and ideas. Like other areas in design commercial artists often meet with clients directly. They use both traditional and digital tools to develop concepts for advertisements and product packaging. Commercial artists keep open communication with their clients when developing various concepts. Usually, the client receives several options to choose from before a final decision is made.

Both graphic design and illustration have a unique set of techniques, artistic goals, and mediums. Illustration is the wild child in the art world. Illustrators often tell stories through visual scenes or creative typography. They want to convey emotion while adding a personal aesthetic to the design.

What is commercial illustration?

Commercial illustration is a blend between graphic design and illustration. The term is also known as “graphic illustration.” These designers can use any technique to create a visual style that is artistic but follows company guidelines. This form of design is often used when trying to create a deeper bond with consumers, products, and ideas. Like other areas in design commercial artists often meet with clients directly. They use both traditional and digital tools to develop concepts for advertisements and product packaging. Commercial artists keep open communication with their clients when developing various concepts. Usually, the client receives several options to choose from before a final decision is made.

Both graphic design and illustration have a unique set of techniques, artistic goals, and mediums. Illustration is the wild child in the art world. Illustrators often tell stories through visual scenes or creative typography. They want to convey emotion while adding a personal aesthetic to the design.

What is Illustration?

One of the most popular styles of illustration is the use of black, white and color. Pencil drawings can create in depth textures, sharp edges and soft areas. Other popular mediums include the use of ink which brings out contrast. Charcoal drawings are used for hard shadows, and sketching abstract forms. Illustrators often use different paints such as watercolor, gouache and acrylic to tell their stories. Watercolor creates soft tones while gouache paint is rich and has a fast drying process. Acrylic is versatile and can be used on many surfaces. In recent years lithography and print making are becoming popular choices again. Both techniques can produce a detailed look with fast turn around times.

Other styles of illustration include collage, etchings and woodcut art. In a collage artists use found objects and arrange them in a creative way to tell a story. Etchings is a timely process where artists scratch illustrations into metal. One of the oldest techniques is woodcut art. Artists use this method to carve into an actual piece of wood.

Illustrations can be created for fun, found in published media like books, magazines, posters, flyers and educational materials. With the help of tablets and computers a lot of illustration is now being produced digitally.

What is Illustration?

One of the most popular styles of illustration is the use of black, white and color. Pencil drawings can create in depth textures, sharp edges and soft areas. Other popular mediums include the use of ink which brings out contrast. Charcoal drawings are used for hard shadows, and sketching abstract forms. Illustrators often use different paints such as watercolor, gouache and acrylic to tell their stories. Watercolor creates soft tones while gouache paint is rich and has a fast drying process. Acrylic is versatile and can be used on many surfaces. In recent years lithography and print making are becoming popular choices again. Both techniques can produce a detailed look with fast turn around times.

Other styles of illustration include collage, etchings and woodcut art. In a collage artists use found objects and arrange them in a creative way to tell a story. Etchings is a timely process where artists scratch illustrations into metal. One of the oldest techniques is woodcut art. Artists use this method to carve into an actual piece of wood.

Illustrations can be created for fun, found in published media like books, magazines, posters, flyers and educational materials. With the help of tablets and computers a lot of illustration is now being produced digitally.

What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the profession of using visual content and compositions to solve problems with their target audience. Messages are communicated through color, form, line, shape, size, space, texture, typography and imagery. Graphic designers usually receive direction from branding strategies and marketing teams.

Graphic design exists in both print and digital worlds. Work can be found in packaging, business cards, logos, posters, fliers, email marketing, websites, etc. The visual identity (logo) is usually the starting point of a graphic design job. From there emotion, story, color palettes, images and other design guidelines are used to build a consistent brand.

The next step is to market the idea/ product. Traditionally this was done with printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, and flyers. Nowadays designers also use social media, email campaigns, Internet browsers and other online websites. The internet has provided many ways to create ads and get feedback from the users. UI/UX designers also market to their clients by creating games, apps, motion graphics, film, trailers, GIF’s and various web banners.

There are many areas of interest for graphic designers to specialize in. Publication designers create layouts for books, newspapers, catalogs and magazines. They use different forms of typography and imagery to help pull the audience into their story. Packaging designers create physical products for consumers. Then there is environmental design. Architecture is combined with landscapes to create ecological and aesthetic harmony using murals, exhibition displays and signage.

What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the profession of using visual content and compositions to solve problems with their target audience. Messages are communicated through color, form, line, shape, size, space, texture, typography and imagery. Graphic designers usually receive direction from branding strategies and marketing teams.

Graphic design exists in both print and digital worlds. Work can be found in packaging, business cards, logos, posters, fliers, email marketing, websites, etc. The visual identity (logo) is usually the starting point of a graphic design job. From there emotion, story, color palettes, images and other design guidelines are used to build a consistent brand.

The next step is to market the idea/ product. Traditionally this was done with printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, and flyers. Nowadays designers also use social media, email campaigns, Internet browsers and other online websites. The internet has provided many ways to create ads and get feedback from the users. UI/UX designers also market to their clients by creating games, apps, motion graphics, film, trailers, GIF’s and various web banners.

There are many areas of interest for graphic designers to specialize in. Publication designers create layouts for books, newspapers, catalogs and magazines. They use different forms of typography and imagery to help pull the audience into their story. Packaging designers create physical products for consumers. Then there is environmental design. Architecture is combined with landscapes to create ecological and aesthetic harmony using murals, exhibition displays and signage.

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR PROJECT!

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR PROJECT!

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR PROJECT

Children’s Books

Goodnight Sloth - A children's book illustration by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative

Children's Books

Children's Books

Planning a Children's Book

There is an art to creating a good children’s book. The first thing is to Google your idea and see if it already exists. It’s important to have a story that hasn’t already been published. Don’t get caught up with the main title of the book. Wait until the end to do that step because something exciting may come up. Once you know the plot of the book it’s time for character development. Characters should stand out with a quirky sense of humor, look strange, talk differently, or have an unusual habit.

Planning a Children's Book

There is an art to creating a good children’s book. The first thing is to Google your idea and see if it already exists. It’s important to have a story that hasn’t already been published. Don’t get caught up with the main title of the book. Wait until the end to do that step because something exciting may come up. Once you know the plot of the book its time for character development. Characters should stand out with a quirky sense of humor, look strange, talk different or have an unusual habit.

Whilemena character developed by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative
Thermo character developed by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative

Finding an Age Group

The next step is to figure out who your audience is. Proper age range will tell you how long the word count needs to be per page. The most common age is 3–7 which is about 750 words. Strong stories are straight to the point and use a hook to grab the audience’s attention. It’s good to start the plot/conflict early. Readers should know where the story is going by the fourth page.

Finding an Age Group

The next step is to figure out who your audience is. Proper age range will tell you how long the word count needs to be per page. The most common age is 3–7 which is about 750 words. Strong stories are straight to the point and use a hook to grab the audience’s attention. It’s good to start the plot/conflict early. Readers should know where the story is going by the fourth page.

Build A Problem

The purpose of the book should be built around a problem the main character has to solve. This could be a confidence crisis, another person or a mystery of some kind. This achievement shouldn’t come at ease and the character will need to work for it. Otherwise the story could be confusing for a young reader to understand.

 

Build A Problem

The purpose of the book should be built around a problem the main character has to solve. This could be a confidence crisis, another person or a mystery of some kind. This achievement shouldn’t come at ease and the character will need to work for it. Otherwise the story could be confusing for a young reader to understand.

 

Sleepy Panda - A children's book illustration by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative
Goodnight Sloth - A children's book illustration by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative

Use Repetition

Using Repetition in words/ phrases or elements in the story is a great way for parents and children to remember the book. Rhyming words is a starting point but the book should be set up for illustrators. Repeating elements in the scene can be visually stimulating. When it comes to imagery be creative. Publishers are always on the lookout for something “new.” If the scene is in a “school” think of a hut on the back of a dinosaur instead. Once the main problem has been solved the next step is to end the story quickly. Referencing something from the first five pages is a great way to do this.

Use Repetition

Using Repetition in words/ phrases or elements in the story is a great way for parents and children to remember the book. Rhyming words is a starting point but the book should be set up for illustrators. Repeating elements in the scene can be visually stimulating. When it comes to imagery be creative. Publishers are always on the lookout for something “new.” If the scene is in a “school” think of a hut on the back of a dinosaur instead. Once the main problem has been solved the next step is to end the story quickly. Referencing something from the first five pages is a great way to do this.

READ OUR BLOG AND LEARN ABOUT DESIGN AND UPCOMING EVENTS.

READ OUR BLOG AND LEARN ABOUT DESIGN AND UPCOMING EVENTS.

READ OUR BLOG AND LEARN ABOUT DESIGN AND UPCOMING EVENTS.

Far Out Series

Cat Milkshake- Psychedelic Sci-Fi - Illustrated by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative

Far Out Series

Blending Classic Rock with Science Fiction creates a new style of line work.

Illustrator - Mark Boehly

Blending Classic Rock with Science Fiction creates a new style of line work.

Illustrator - Mark Boehly

Psychedelic Line Work

When Mark was a boy he grew up listing to his dad’s vinyl collection. But what really sparked a young imagination was the album artwork. It had everything you could want ranging from giant robots to strangely contorted cartoons. Films were another outlet to find inspiration. The late 80s and early 90s had many space-inspired themes to choose from. Eventually, Mark started to draw. He was self-taught and picked an art style that blends psychedelic surrealism with science fiction.

 

Selected Sketches

The style often features sharp edges, detailed line-work, patterns and dark shapes representing transparent domes. It’s both organized and total chaos. It wasn’t until college where the style started to really push boundaries of what’s possible. This style inspired the Creature Collection.

The style often features sharp edges, detailed line-work, patterns and dark shapes representing transparent domes. It’s both organized and total chaos. It wasn’t until college where the style started to really push boundaries of what’s possible. This style inspired the Creature Collection.

Drawing in action

Colored Designs

Halloween Series

Lunar Base IV Haunting - Drawlloween & Inktober - Halloween Sketch Series by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative

Halloween Series

Test your skills and join Drawlloween or Inktober for an Instagram illustration challenge.

Illustrator - Mark Boehly

Test your skills and join Drawlloween or Inktober for an Instagram illustration challenge.

Illustrator - Mark Boehly

Seasonal Sketching

Each year there is a new drawing jam on Instagram. The most popular one is called Inktober it was founded by Illustrator Jake Parker. He was looking for a way to share and practice inking. The event is held in October. Participants are assigned a list of words and get 31 days to post online. The images are found through event hashtags. Another fun jam is called Drawlloween. It has the same rules but usually, the prompt words are Halloween-themed.

Sketches

Last year in 2020 Mark used traditional materials such as pen and paper to get the idea across. He also introduced digital art using the program Procreate. Some designs were good enough to become t-shirts so they went directly to Adobe Illustrator.

Last year in 2020 Mark used traditional materials such as pen and paper to get the idea across. He also introduced digital art using the program Procreate. Some designs were good enough to become t-shirts so they went directly to Adobe Illustrator.

 

Digitally Colored

Graphicsbyte

Graphicsbyte Illustration - Work by Mark Sheldon Boehly

Graphicsbyte - Illustration

Graphicsbyte Illustration

Use Illustration to tell a story

Custom illustrations are a great way to get the audience’s attention when photography is unavailable. These images can capture emotion and depict ideas in hilarious/ serious ways. Scenes can also be created to bring awareness to a cause. Sometimes with the help of text, words can be incorporated around the drawing to help send the message.

Use Illustration to tell a story

Custom illustrations are a great way to get the audience’s attention when photography is unavailable. These images can capture emotion and depict ideas in hilarious/ serious ways. Scenes can also be created to bring awareness to a cause. Sometimes with the help of text, words can be incorporated around the drawing to help send the message.

Illustration can aid an advertising campaign by giving brand promoters positive/ negative feedback from the target audience. Its fully customizable allowing advertisers to take advantage of unique illustration styles and color pallets.

Illustration can aid an advertising campaign by giving brand promoters positive/ negative feedback from the target audience. Its fully customizable allowing advertisers to take advantage of unique illustration styles and color pallets.

Most importantly illustration is cost-effective. It’s cheaper to draw an original design then it is to create photo-based ads. Instead of dealing with models, proper lighting, location, props, extensive post-shooting modifications, and worrying about copyrighted images. Custom illustration can be an entertaining way to educate consumers. Plus, it draws attention to products that interact with consumers such as a t-shirt or event poster.

Most importantly illustration is cost-effective. It’s cheaper to draw an original design then it is to create photo-based ads. Instead of dealing with models, proper lighting, location, props, extensive post-shooting modifications, and worrying about copyrighted images. Custom illustration can be an entertaining way to educate consumers. Plus, it draws attention to products that interact with consumers such as a t-shirt or event poster.

READ OUR BLOG AND LEARN ABOUT DESIGN AND UPCOMING EVENTS.

READ OUR BLOG AND LEARN ABOUT DESIGN AND UPCOMING EVENTS.

READ OUR BLOG AND LEARN ABOUT DESIGN AND UPCOMING EVENTS.

Creature Collection

Creature Collection - Cyborg Bug Illustrated by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative

Creature Collection

The Creature Collection is an illustrated study of biomechanical insects and animals.

Illustrator - Mark Boehly

The Creature Collection is an illustrated study of biomechanical insects and animals.

Illustrator - Mark Boehly

Vector Pattern Work

In 2016 we developed an illustrative series known as the “Creature Collection.” The purpose of the series is to explore biomechanical patterns influenced by science fiction and zentangles. Each design is hand-drawn, digitally colored, and uses eye-catchy color palettes. New creatures are still being added to the series on a monthly basis.

Terms:

  • Biomechanical: cross between organic tissue and machine.
  • Zentangles: Random structured patterns.

Black & White Sketches

Digitally Colored

Creature Collection Graphicsbyte Brand - Mark Sheldon Boehly logo designer

Repurposing The Brand

Reptiles have played a major role in the Graphicsbyte brand. From 2013–17 a viper was used as the studio icon. Many different skins were available on stickers, clothing and business cards. Towards the end of 2017 the viper was retired and the brand was repurposed for the Creature Collection sticker packs. 

Repurposing The Brand

Reptiles have played a major role in the Graphicsbyte brand. From 2013–17 a viper was used as the studio icon. Many different skins were available on stickers, clothing and business cards. Towards the end of 2017 the viper was retired and the brand was repurposed for the Creature Collection sticker packs. 

Creative Merchandising

The first product we developed were insect sticker packs. These were inspired by real bug specimens. Each pack features five insects and the viper brand logo. The pack also has a promo code for a downloadable poster. Currently the series is a limited run and we have two volumes available.

Creative Merchandising

The first product we developed were insect sticker packs. These were inspired by real bug specimens. Each pack features five insects and the viper brand logo. The pack also has a promo code for a downloadable poster. Currently the series is a limited run and we have two volumes available.

Selected Prints

Selling limited edition prints is another great way to get the work into the wild. Everything is signed and numbered by Mark Boehly. On occasion the most popular designs make their way onto clothing and accessories.

 

Selected Prints

Selling limited edition prints is another great way to get the work into the wild. Everything is signed and numbered by Mark Boehly. On occasion the most popular designs make their way onto clothing and accessories.

See something you like? We have Creature Collection prints available in our shop!

See something you like? We have Creature Collection prints available in our shop!

Siempre La Guitarra Concert Series

Siempre La Guitarra Posters designed by Mark Sheldon Boehly from Graphicsbyte Creative

Siempre La Guitarra

Music Festival Designs

Siempre La Guitarra is a classical guitar concert series featuring performers from around the world.

Music Festival Designs

Siempre La Guitarra is a classical guitar concert series featuring performers from around the world.

Origins of the event

Siempre La Guitarra,  meaning “Always the guitar” is a classical guitar concert series presented by David Tutmark and Oregon Guitar Studio. Each season will feature a series of concerts showcasing some of the finest guitarists of today.

David has been a friend of Graphicsbyte for many years. Over a business meeting we hashed out different ideas for the project. Unique illustration with a Pacific Northwest Lumberjack mascot was chosen to represent the brand. Our vision was to create a hip theme that would attract a younger audience to get interested in classical guitar.

Siempre La Guitarra Patch by Graphicsbyte
Siempre La Guitarra Patch by Graphicsbyte

Custom Typeface

The artwork for the concert poster is designed around negative space and round edges. To complement the design, we created a custom condensed sans-serif typeface. Currently, there are two weights being used in the campaign, regular and bold. The typeface was inspired by futuristic fonts from the 1920’s. The full alphabet has been made but it’s not available for the general public to use.

Custom Typeface

The artwork for the concert poster is designed around negative space and round edges. To complement the design, we created a custom condensed sans-serif typeface. Currently, there are two weights being used in the campaign, regular and bold. The typeface was inspired by futuristic fonts from the 1920’s. The full alphabet has been made but it’s not available for the general public to use.

2018–19 Siempre La Guitrarra Tour Poster designed by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphcisbyte Creative

2018–19 Tour Poster

Late 2018 to early 2019 was when the event started. Our mission was to build a collectable poster we could sell at the merchandise table that represented the series. A lot of illustration work coming out of the Graphicsbyte studio during this time was geometric with lots of rounded corners. It only made since to introduce those practices into the poster. The poster size was 16 x 24 inches.

We created a fictional landscape with Mt. Hood as the focal point. The lumberjack was placed on a hill and was playing a tune while surrounded by nature. The concept was drawn on paper, scanned into Adobe Illustrator and textured in Adobe Photoshop. This was the first design the series had ever seen. It required maintenance. We swapped the dates and artist info at the bottom of each poster and printed a limited run to sell for each show.

2018–19 Tour Poster

Late 2018 to early 2019 was when the event started. Our mission was to build a collectable poster we could sell at the merchandise table that represented the series. A lot of illustration work coming out of the Graphicsbyte studio during this time was geometric with lots of rounded corners. It only made since to introduce those practices into the poster. The poster size was 16 x 24 inches.

We created a fictional landscape with Mt. Hood as the focal point. The lumberjack was placed on a hill and was playing a tune while surrounded by nature. The concept was drawn on paper, scanned into Adobe Illustrator and textured in Adobe Photoshop. This was the first design the series had ever seen. It required maintenance. We swapped the dates and artist info at the bottom of each poster and printed a limited run to sell for each show.

2018–19 Siempre La Guitrarra Alternative Poster designed by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphcisbyte Creative

2018–19 Alternative Poster

We created a secondary design that would complement the tour poster. This featured the same lumberjack pose but in a different composition. The design played with negative space and was also used in a small run of t-shirts. This was a popular choice at the event merchandise table.

2018–19 Alternative Poster

We created a secondary design that would complement the tour poster. This featured the same lumberjack pose but in a different composition. The design played with negative space and was also used in a small run of t-shirts. This was a popular choice at the event merchandise table.

2020 Siempre La Guitrarra Tour Poster designed by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphcisbyte Creative

2020 Tour Poster

A new tour poster was designed for the 2020 lineup. We kept the mountain theme from the previous year but introduced a new bearded character. The reason behind this is to expand on the lumberjack universe. The new design is masked into the shape of an eighth note. The design also features an Easter egg. The bird singing in the tree is using a real segment of music that David wrote.

We learned our lesson from the previous two years and this time added the entire lineup for the season on one poster. An icon system was introduced to help save space. This was because a lot of the performers were playing at the same locations on different dates. The key at the bottom of the poster corresponds to the icons and tells viewers where the event is held.

The design process of this new poster was created entirely in Adobe Illustrator. Due to Covid-19 the event was canceled and the 2020 poster only saw one show. This poster design may get recycled for a future date.

2020 Tour Poster

A new tour poster was designed for the 2020 lineup. We kept the mountain theme from the previous year but introduced a new bearded character. The reason behind this is to expand on the lumberjack universe. The new design is masked into the shape of an eighth note. The design also features an Easter egg. The bird singing in the tree is using a real segment of music that David wrote.

We learned our lesson from the previous two years and this time added the entire lineup for the season on one poster. An icon system was introduced to help save space. This was because a lot of the performers were playing at the same locations on different dates. The key at the bottom of the poster corresponds to the icons and tells viewers where the event is held.

The design process of this new poster was created entirely in Adobe Illustrator. Due to Covid-19 the event was canceled and the 2020 poster only saw one show. This poster design may get recycled for a future date.

Individual Musician Posters

During mid 2019 we received a request to create additional posters that focused on the musician performing that night. This added another layer to the event and made each show more personable. Graphics were recycled from the illustrated series and the performers were photoshopped into the new designs.

Individual Musician Posters

During mid 2019 we received a request to create additional posters that focused on the musician performing that night. This added another layer to the event and made each show more personable. Graphics were recycled from the illustrated series and the performers were photoshopped into the new designs.

The Merchandise Table

Mark and David have been friends for many years. One of the best perks from designing the graphics for the event was participating at the shows. Graphicsbyte was invited to run the merchandise table. Each show had two event posters available. One was the white alternative poster and the other was the tour poster. Guitar picks with event branding and stickers were also available. Eventually these two items were combined into guitar pick packs that included x3 picks and x1 sticker. The packaging told a backstory of why the lumberjack plays in the forest.

In 2020 a limited run of nail files was created. These were mostly gifts for the performers but the extras would be sold at the table. The files were made of glass and had a wood handle with the event branding burnt in. T-Shirts and Trucker hat designs were also available as online order exclusives. We wanted to encourage the audience to explore the Siempre La Guitarra website and shop online. The booth had several other goodies available. Graphicsbyte was allowed to sell their own merchandise.

The Merchandise Table

Mark and David have been friends for many years. One of the best perks from designing the graphics for the event was participating at the shows. Graphicsbyte was invited to run the merchandise table. Each show had two event posters available. One was the white alternative poster and the other was the tour poster. Guitar picks with event branding and stickers were also available. Eventually these two items were combined into guitar pick packs that included x3 picks and x1 sticker. The packaging told a backstory of why the lumberjack plays in the forest.

In 2020 a limited run of nail files was created. These were mostly gifts for the performers but the extras would be sold at the table. The files were made of glass and had a wood handle with the event branding burnt in. T-Shirts and Trucker hat designs were also available as online order exclusives. We wanted to encourage the audience to explore the Siempre La Guitarra website and shop online. The booth had several other goodies available. Graphicsbyte was allowed to sell their own merchandise.

The Website

The most rememberable websites have good branding and are easy to use. Luckily we already created eye-catching graphics for the posters. That language was carried into the website. The site currently uses the same color palette and illustrative imagery from the 2018­–19 posters. The site was designed in WordPress and allows fans to buy tickets, learn about their favorite performer, and walk away with some new merchandise. We also added a section where companies can sign up to be a sponsor.

The Website

The most rememberable websites have good branding and are easy to use. Luckily we already created eye-catching graphics for the posters. That language was carried into the website. The site currently uses the same color palette and illustrative imagery from the 2018­–19 posters. The site was designed in WordPress and allows fans to buy tickets, learn about their favorite performer, and walk away with some new merchandise. We also added a section where companies can sign up to be a sponsor.

Centered Water

CBD Cantaloupe Flavor by Centered Water - label design by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative

Centered Water

CBD Infused Water

It Sounds as good as it tastes!

CBD Infused Water

It sounds as good as it tastes!

How The Brand Formed

Centered Water is a start-up CBD brand out of the Pacific Northwest. Their lineup features +99% CBD isolate, doggy treats, and massage oil. But their most popular item is CBD water. In 2018 the client reached out and was looking for a label redesign. They gave us full creative control and they were open to many new ideas. 

After pitching the idea of creating an illustrated label one of the co-owners said he has Hawaiian heritage and thought it would be funny if the brand had a Hawaiian mascot. We decided to run with this idea and Joe the cartoon was born.

How The Brand Formed

Centered Water is a start-up CBD brand out of the Pacific Northwest. Their lineup features +99% CBD isolate, doggy treats, and massage oil. But their most popular item is CBD water. In 2018 the client reached out and was looking for a label redesign. They gave us full creative control and they were open to many new ideas. 

After pitching the idea of creating an illustrated label one of the co-owners said he has Hawaiian heritage and thought it would be funny if the brand had a Hawaiian mascot. We decided to run with this idea and Joe the cartoon was born.

 

Centered Water Logo Edited by Graphicsbyte - Mark Sheldon Boehly
Centered Water Logo Edited by Graphicsbyte - Mark Sheldon Boehly

The Logo

One of the owners from Centered Water drew a raindrop icon. This was used on the old labels. The logo didn’t have a designated font and the brand needed some touch-ups. After some cleanup work and a critique, the font Chalet London Nineteen Seventy was chosen to represent the brand. The icon was recreated and for the first time the client now owns a vector copy of their brand.

The Logo

One of the owners from Centered Water drew a raindrop icon. This was used on the old labels. The logo didn’t have a designated font and the brand needed some touch-ups. After some cleanup work and a critique, the font Chalet London Nineteen Seventy was chosen to represent the brand. The icon was recreated and for the first time the client now owns a vector copy of their brand.

Centered Water CBD Labels designed by Graphicsbyte - Mark Sheldon Boehly
Centered Water CBD Labels designed by Graphicsbyte - Mark Sheldon Boehly

A Look At The Labels

The starting lineup features three flavors. Each flavor has a different illustrated scene. We thought this would be a fun opportunity to tell the story of Joe living in the PNW. The first label we designed was the Cantaloupe flavor. We added a series of trees to fill the landscape and created a custom texture for the background. This paved a path for all future designs. The next thing we did was illustrate the character. After several different attempts we found something everyone was happy with. The client mentioned they wanted to see Joe in a hammock. We felt the cantaloupe flavor would be the perfect opportunity for this.

A Look At The Labels

The starting lineup features three flavors. Each flavor has a different illustrated scene. We thought this would be a fun opportunity to tell the story of Joe living in the PNW. The first label we designed was the Cantaloupe flavor. We added a series of trees to fill the landscape and created a custom texture for the background. This paved a path for all future designs. The next thing we did was illustrate the character. After several different attempts we found something everyone was happy with. The client mentioned they wanted to see Joe in a hammock. We felt the cantaloupe flavor would be the perfect opportunity for this.

CBD Cantaloupe Flavor by Centered Water - label design by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative
CBD Cantaloupe Flavor by Centered Water - label design by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative
CBD Pear Flavor by Centered Water - label design by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative

The next label we designed was Pear. We continued the tree landscape and created a different background texture to resemble clouds. This was another opportunity to add humor to the product. This scene shows a fruit stand where Joe is sharing his pears with the community of forest animals.

The next label we designed was Pear. We continued the tree landscape and created a different background texture to resemble clouds. This was another opportunity to add humor to the product. This scene shows a fruit stand where Joe is sharing his pears with the community of forest animals.

CBD Pear Flavor by Centered Water - label design by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative
CBD Original Flavor by Centered Water - label design by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative

The old CBD water labels featured a mountain so we wanted to bring some of that language into the third label. We created a background texture that resembles part of a mountain. Then we added an A-frame at the base. The flavor is called Original and the scene is where Joe lives. We felt that the label need a little more variety so this scene takes place at night.

The old CBD water labels featured a mountain so we wanted to bring some of that language into the third label. We created a background texture that resembles part of a mountain. Then we added an A-frame at the base. The flavor is called Original and the scene is where Joe lives. We felt that the label need a little more variety so this scene takes place at night.

 

 

CBD Original Flavor by Centered Water - label design by Mark Sheldon Boehly - Graphicsbyte Creative