Graphic Portfolio 2024 Michael Horncastle
SPITTING BLOOD ART DIRECTION With existing experience of the hardcore scene, I assumed the role of art director for South London’s ‘Spitting Blood’. This was a comprehensive project that encompassed all areas of design. I began by crafting the band’s visual brand – including the inception of a distinctive logo and emblem – and then strategised a cohesive identity that included t-shirts and other apparel, CD and Vinyl artworks (for the physical release), posters, digital album artwork and a range of dynamic social media assets; all in anticipation of their album launch and live showcase. The cohesive visual language I created for Spitting Blood encapsulates both the raw intensity and more delicate subjects of love and loss. Florals were an important motif throughout the project, and I was sure to reflect the complexity of the band’s subject matters through the juxtaposition in the imagery of roses with barbed wire stems.
The physical album features a matte finish exterior in black and white with full colour gloss finish to the interior. I continued cementing the harmony between the band’s visual and sonic identities by creating a striking, desolate outer appearance which then revealed a beautifully detailed, intricate inlay. I created the floral print repeat pattern for the inlay which I then also used in subsequent graphic work to ensure cohesion within all the promotional material.
To create the poster designs for both the album launch and accompanying show I ensured to research similar bands to strike a balance between familiarity and excitement in a sense of newness for the viewer. The floral print and stacked repeat text graphics became key visual identifiers, and general information was purposefully stark and concise to imbue a sense of mystery around the launch events.
NATURAGLOW BRANDING & PACKAGING DESIGN
This project was a branding and subsequent packaging for ecofriendly, organic skincare brand ‘NaturaGlow’. After researching similar brands, I found that the teardrop shape was a recognisable design trope with a rich history of positive connotations in skincare and beyond. I wanted to create an easily recognisable, clean and modern icon while making reference to monograms of luxury fashion ateliers. I started by combining the N and G in various arrangements and found that by using the teardrop shape I could hint at the G, while simultaneously completing one side of the N. Using circles I ensured the design was balanced while also finishing the serif to imitate the pump mechanism of the bottle of hand soap - one of the key and instantly recognisable products for the brand.
I then created a complimentary set of packaging designs for the four products the brand carries.
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I rotated between the primary corporate colours to ensure each product had an individual but cohesive design and that the set worked well together. As the brand is rooted very heavily in natural and organic products I was sure to use neutrals and soft colours that didn’t appear synthetic or artificial. Using the teardrop shape from the logo, I created natural curves in the packaging design to ensure there were no hard edges or corners. I then overlayed a filigree print I had created to further reinforce the themes and create more harmony in the branding.
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Essence of Nature Introducing NaturaGlow: where the essence of nature meets the science of beauty. Immerse yourself in the transformative power of our organic skincare line, meticulously crafted to rejuvenate and nourish your skin from within.
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We believe in harnessing the purest botanical ingredients to create a harmonious blend that enhances your natural radiance. Our formulations are a delicate dance of organic extracts, ethically sourced from lush landscapes around the globe.
another project or some nice posters idk