** Bronze Award Winner - Society of Illustrators of LA 58

WILLIE: LIFE & SONGS OF AN AMERICAN OUTLAW (Willie Nelson: American Outlaw)

I was humbled and honored to be asked by Blackbird to create the art and branding for this once in a lifetime concert event for one of my personal musical heroes, the legend, Willie Nelson. As a lifelong fan, I’ve drawn Willie many times over the years and was beyond stoked to dig in on this project. I really wanted to highlight the iconic nature of Willie’s braids, bandanna and hat in these pieces and use the negative space between the braids for concert info and art. Additionally I wanted to include Willie’s 50 year old guitar “Trigger” as a personification of Willie himself. The outer border was also hand drawn based on Willie’s actual guitar strap. The final art was created by a multi-step process, mixing traditional pencil and ink drawings and washes and then digitized and colored to create separations suitable for print. Type design and layout is then done digitally using Illustrator and Photoshop. 

Art Direction, Custom Art, Illustration, Graphic Design, Type Setting and layout for Key Art, Advertising, web and social media, motion, on-stage graphics, and merch (Including 2 Sold out posters, Bandana and T-shirts).

Client: Blackbird Presents
Additional Art Direction and thanks to: Rob Rauffer

Gig Posters beautifully printed by the amazing Half and Half

More from the Blackbird site and about the show here :
This once-in-a-lifetime concert event took place Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 7PM CT at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. This historic event honored living legend Willie Nelson and featured his greatest hits performed by today’s biggest superstars. Willie: Life & Songs Of An American Outlaw featured star-studded performances by Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, The Avett Brothers, Bobby Bare, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, Emmylou Harris, Eric Church, George Strait, Jack Johnson, Jamey Johnson, Jimmy Buffett, John Mellencamp, Kris Kristofferson, Lee Ann Womack, Lukas Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Margo Price, Micah Nelson, Nathaniel Rateliff, Norah Jones and The Little Willies, Ray Benson, Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks, and Vince Gill. This major event will was filmed and recorded for a major broadcast special slated to air on A&E Network in 2019.

Bottom Photo Credit: (Photo: Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)

Official Poster for Pearl Jam's show on May 28th and 30th, 2024 at Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Wa.
5 color silkscreen with 1 color sketch art on back with holographic seal of authenticity.

To say I’m ecstatic and humbled to have been asked to create the two night event poster for Pearl Jam’s run at Climate Pledge Arena here in my town this week, would be a massive understatement. If you told my 15 yr old self that I’d be doing art for such a pivotal band on my music journey and one I’ve seen live on many occasions over the years, I’d say you’re absolutely bonkers. But here we are, bucket list achievement unlocked. My favorite piece of feedback on the sketch for approval (shown below) was from Jeff, "can we look more happy or stoned?!"

Excited to share my second poster for Dirty Heads for their show at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, VA! For this one, I still wanted to integrate the band like I did last year but to do so in a more subtle way. In keeping with the general good vibes, pirate and ocean themes, I chose to put the band member’s faces on doubloons and adorn them on the edges of the piece. The main focus of this one is King Neptune, a tribute to the massive bronze statue that sits on Virginia Beach oceanfront park boardwalk. And as always, our tentacle octo-buddy makes an appearance weaving in and around Neptune amid the storm. I had a ton of fun making this one, hope the fans and community enjoys it as much as I did creating it!

So stoked to work on blink-182’s gig poster for their show in Vancouver, BC on June 27th, 2023.

As part of my series of Official Merchandise for Willie Nelson, this art parodies the original James Montgomery Flagg's Uncle Sam painting as well as my own updated spin on the 1983 Willie's 4th of July Picnic poster. I had a lot of fun painting this one and trying to pay homage to the loose watercolor style of the original while infusing my energy and style as well. A canvas poster and t-shirts were made for the official store.

I was honored to be asked to create a one of a kind “Specially commissioned artist posters (series)”, throwback poster for the beloved Canadian band The Tragically Hip commemorating their show at CBGB’s on Jan 4th, 1993. It was super cool to research and go back in time not only to the band’s history, songs and one of their most iconic albums, but also get to draw CBGB’s and the East Village in it’s heyday. A place I frequented often during my time living in NYC. This poster is littered with easter eggs and homages to the band and their lyrics. True fans should be able to spot them!

Limited and numbered edition of 175 designed and illustrated by me, inspired by the music of The Tragically Hip.

I was honored to be asked to create this event poster for the small and unique fund raising event for Jill and Eddie Vedder’s charity organization, the EB Research Partnership. This intimate concert featuring Post Malone joined by EBRP Co-Founder, Eddie Vedder, Jelly Roll, The War And Treaty, Ruby Amanfu (not featured on the poster as she was added after it was created), Jake Wesley Rogers, and Dan Spencer!

More info from the organization’s website:

“As a long time supporter and fierce advocate of many causes, including the EB community, the late, great entertainer Leslie Jordan coined the phrase Reportin’ for Duty to describe his personal calling to a life of service.

Last February, a diverse group of artists including Eddie Vedder, Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Lukas Nelson, Jelly Roll and more – came together on the Grand Ole Opry stage under that same flashing phrase to celebrate the light and love of Leslie Jordan and to support EB Research Partnership (EBRP).

What started as a tribute is now a tradition…On Saturday, February 17, 2024, we will host Reportin’ for Duty again.

This year it will be an intimate concert featuring Post Malone joined by EBRP Co-Founder, Eddie Vedder, Jelly Roll, The War And Treaty, Ruby Amanfu, Jake Wesley Rogers, and Dan Spencer!

The show will take place at the world's longest bar, Humble Baron at the Nearest Green Whiskey Distillery. This evening is guaranteed not only to deliver the ultimate, live event experience, but also to raise critical funds and awareness for children battling EB.

Will you be Reportin’ for Duty?

With just under 250 seats, this will be the hottest seat in town. Grab your spot before it sells out!”

Official Willie Nelson merch/shirt design.

Hopptopus, or Dissectopus is my second design for Blink-182 Bassist personal brand, Hi MY Name is Mark aka "HMNIM".

My friends at The Matador Restaurant asked me to create a unique stained glass inspired poster and shirt design to represent their 20 year anniversary and also double as the inspiration for an actual stained glass piece to be used in their newest location.

My art for the official merch (Hoodies and Tees) for my pals at The Avett Bros’ New Year’s Eve show at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC

Dirty Heads gig poster for their show at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre in Charlotte, NC on 08.03.23.

I had an absolute blast listening to the new Dirty Heads album Midnight Control on repeat (with old stuff interspersed of course) while making this poster for the band. I wanted to try and harness the joy, energy, and general vibes I get when listening to the music and of course get in the Shockto buddy and some smaller thematically appropriate doodles and icons scattered about. I even snuck a tiny Queen Charlotte Statue in there in homage to the show city! I also really wanted to get the band in here too, so tried to find a cool way to integrate them within the tentacles. I loved working on this one and making it as weird and fun as possible, I hope everyone digs the final as much as I do!

7 color silkscreen on white stock.

The poster was most excellently printed by the dudes over at Valhalla Studios!

Poster art and design for the Avett Brothers’ show at the White River Amphitheatre in an Auburn, WA on July 15th, 2023. This one is a tribute to my great state of Washington and old National Park posters, had a lot of fun making this one as always. The original show was cancelled due to Covid in May of 2020 and again in July 2022, so third time is a charm! I made this as a companion dyptic to last year’s poster.

I was stoked and honored when blink-182 co-frontman/singer and bassist, Mark Hoppus asked me to create a B movie themed Swamp Ape for his personal clothing brand “Hi My Name Is Mark”. I had a blast drawing this swampy, hairy dude. The final shirt had glow in the dark ink!

I was commissioned to do this official T-Shirt design for Goose in a classic caricature style.

Was an honor to get to do a shirt design for the hilarious and talented Ben Schwartz for his improv comedy show tour. Throwback caricature style tees are really in fashion this season and I’m here for it!

Poster design for the Avett Brothers’ show at the Ozark Amohitheatre in Camdenton, Mo. For this one I had a ton of fun drawing flowers(Ozarks Wild Crocus) and the Pileated Woodpecker native to the Ozarks and also capturing the band in old timey silhouettes.

Willie's Weed, Seed and Feed Tractor Supply - Official Design for Willie as part of a series in this style.

Always honored, stoked and grateful to create work for the Avett camp! This dyptic poster was created for The Avett Brothers 2 night run at the iconic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY. A rush job that turned into one of my favorite pieces, I really enjoyed visiting my more fine art approach to my work, involving collage, layering, graffiti and typography.

Virtual “Poster Art” for this year’s digital pass for The Avett Guilld.

Poster art and design for the Avett Brothers show at the White River Amphitheatre in a Auburn, WA on July 17th, 2022. This one is a tribute to my great state of Washington and old National Park posters, had a lot of fun making this one as always. Unfortunately this show was cancelled due to Covid and is be rescheduled for July 2023.

My poster art and design for the Avett Brothers show at the White Oak Music Hall in Houston, Texas on May 3rd 2022. I had a blast creating this one and hand drawing and inking each active member for this one.

Back in 2021 I had the privilege to create a once in a lifetime poster celebrating the centennial of the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The show was to be headlined by Garth Brooks. Unfortunately, due to Covid and the pandemic Garth cancelled all his Stadium shows including this show. Here’s the unfinished art for the show, hopefully someday it will get rescheduled and the poster will see the light of day.

Unused Jackson Browne poster that was officially commissioned but unfortunately not approved by management for his two night run at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery in Woodenville, WA Sept 16th and 17th, 2022. Here it is anyway for your viewing pleasure or perhaps displeasure!

Winner in the The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles 56th Annual Illustration Competition.

Verve Records (Universal Music Group) commissioned me to create a one of a kind promotional poster for David Crosby's latest album Lighthouse. Inspired by 60's psychedelic rock posters, this 6 color with silver ink silk-screened poster was displayed in record stores and at events around the launch of the album. 

Hand drawn and inked, digitally colored.

Branding and Key Art created for this one-night-only concert event that brought together fans, friends and music icons to celebrate Kenny Rogers’ final farewell to Nashville. All In For The Gambler will feature performances by Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton, Elle King, Idina Menzel, Jamey Johnson, Lady Antebellum, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, The Flaming Lips, Don Henley, The Judds, Wynonna and Kenny Rogers and other special guests.

Art Direction, Branding, Merch and Poster design for this once in a lifetime tribute to the late great Jerry Garcia.

On Thursday, May 14, an extraordinary collection of music stars came together at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, for the concert event of a lifetime, DEAR JERRY: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF JERRY GARCIA, to honor one of the most influential musicians and cultural icons of our time. The concert event featured performances by: Phil Lesh & Communion, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann’s Billy & the Kids, Buddy Miller, David Grisman, Eric Church, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Frampton, Jorma Kaukonen, Los Lobos, moe., O.A.R., Grace Potter, The Disco Biscuits, Trampled By Turtles, Widespread Panic, and Yonder Mountain String Band

More info here

Art Direction, Branding, Merch and Poster design for this once in a lifetime tribute to the late great Jerry Garcia.

Dear Jerry: Let’s Play 2, two epic concert events that honored the diverse musical talents of Jerry Garcia which took place on Friday, October 14, 2016 and Saturday, October 15, 2016 in the MD/DC/VA metropolitan area. The milestone events paid tribute to the iconic musician with two-nights of unprecedented performances by an extraordinary lineup of musicians. Dear Jerry: Let’s Play 2 follows Blackbird Presents’ and the Jerry Garcia family’s acclaimed 2015 concert, Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia, which was released on Friday, October 14, 2016.

More info here>

Was a true honor to create the brand identity system and art for this once in lifetime concert event celebrating the music of the Blues legend, B.B. King!

From the Blackbird presents website:

Blackbird Presents and The Capitol Theatre in partnership with the B.B. King Estate present an incredible night celebrating the music of B.B. King and featuring some of music’s greatest Blues and Rock legends celebrating the legendary king of Blues, B.B. King.

Art Direction, branding, design and Illustration for this all star celebration of the late great Merle Haggard. 

Silver Award Winner in The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles 56th Annual Illustration Competition.

Sing Me Back Home: The Music Of Merle Haggard, an all-star concert event taping at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee took place on Thursday, April 6, 2017 in honor of what would have been Merle’s 80th birthday and the one-year anniversary of his passing.

This one-night-only concert event taping brought together fans, friends, and music icons to honor the life and songs of music legend Merle Haggard. Sing Me Back Home: The Music Of Merle Haggard featured performances by Willie Nelson, Keith Richards, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, John Mellencamp, Dierks Bentley, Sheryl Crow, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Jr., Toby Keith, The Avett Brothers, Alison Krauss, Ronnie Dunn, Alabama, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Rodney Crowell, Lucinda Williams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Buddy Miller, Jake Owen, Chris Janson, Aaron Lewis, John Anderson, Bobby Bare, Tanya Tucker, Connie Smith, Ben Haggard.

More info here>

Art Direction, branding, design for this once in a lifetime concert event from Blackbird Productions and AMC.

In honor of what would have been John Lennon’s 75th birthday, Blackbird Presents and AMC brings you Imagine: John Lennon 75th Birthday Concert, an all-star concert event celebrating the music and message of the legendary music icon. The one-night-only concert event taping was held at the Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, December 5th, and aired exclusively on AMC on Saturday, December 19th at 9:00pm ET/PT.

Along with a stellar lineup, the show included very special video appearances by the remaining members of The Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. Golden Globe® and Screen Actors Guild® Award-winner Kevin Bacon was the special guest host of this star-filled event.

“It’s beautiful to see so many wonderful and talented musicians come together for this special show to celebrate John’s birthday,” said Yoko Ono. “John’s art continues to give hope, light and happiness to generations of people everywhere. His belief that each of us can change the world continues to inspire the human race to believe in themselves, and his influence is everlasting in everyone’s hearts as we all share in the possibilities and power of music.”

More info here>

The Avett Brothers asked me to create a poster for their Seattle show in May of 2020, which was unfortunately postponed and eventually canceled due to the global pandemic. I held out hope for the show to be rescheduled and eventually it was but for Whitewater Amphitheater in Auburn Washington and not Seattle. So this Seattle themed poster was no longer thematically appropriate but I still really like how it came out!

Winner in the AMERICAN ILLUSTRATION 41 annual competition and featured in the yearly printed book.

It was a great honor to create these official poster designs for the Avett Brother’s two night run at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA. A fin parody of the old magnetic hair toy that pokes fun at the many many various hair styles of the brothers. Every time I have done art for them, they seem to change their hair and beard style, so I thought this would be a fun concept.

Printed by Broken Press - 6 Color Silkscreen on Manila Tag Stock.

18”x24”

 I was honored to be asked by Scott Avett to create a one off unique gig poster for the musical opening event for his Art show at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The show featured an intimate performance from Scott and Seth Avett and Louden Wainwright III with a special DJ set from Valient Himslef (of Valient Thorr). Printed by the always amazing Half and Half - 7 color silkscreen on Domtar Paper cougar natural 100#c. (Also photos shown here courtesy of the Half and Half, thanks!)    

13’x20” - 5 color silkscreen on French Tile Green Paper.

Was a great honor to create this official poster design for the Avett Brother’s show at the Gorge Amphitheatre in gorgeous George, WA on August 10, 2019. Since the Gorge is in majestic George, Washington I thought it would be fun to make the poster feel like currency in tribute to the One Dollar Bill and George Washington himself.

It was a great honor to create this official poster design for the Avett Brother’s show at Barclays Center in my old hood in Brooklyn, NY.

Printed by The Half and Half - 6 Color Silkscreen on Manila Tag Stock. 

14.75”x24.25”

(Additional photos shown here by the Half and Half)

Gig Poster for MIGS Fest III in Seattle on Oct 12th, 2019. Featuring Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction, Peter DiStefano of Porno for Pyros and Zak Melang of Super Sonic Souls Pimps.

Unofficial Billy Strings fan poster I did for fun!

It was a true honor to create this poster commemorating this unique online concert event. “Peace Through Music”, a global event for social justice, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund to celebrate the United Nations' 75th anniversary and support organizations striving to eradicate poverty, inequality, and systemic racial and gender discrimination.

18” x 24” - 4 Color Silkscreened Poster

Info from the Playing for Change website:

“In 2020 we premiered Peace Through Music, a global event for social justice, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund to celebrate the United Nations' 75th anniversary and support organizations striving to eradicate poverty, inequality, and systemic racial and gender discrimination. This limited edition poster, created by the great designer Garrett Morlan, commemorates this event with 75 special numbered units honoring 75 years of the United Nations.

Through the universal language of music and the art of storytelling, Peace Through Music will call for equality, racial justice, and an end to discrimination, spotlighting people of African descent and championing the full protection and promotion of all of their human rights. It will embody the unity and common purpose that beat in the heart of humanity.

Proceeds from every purchase of Peace Through Music merchandise will support organizations around the world striving to eradicate poverty, inequality, and systemic racial and gender discrimination.“

It featured performances from some of the world’s most iconic artists, including: Aloe Blacc, Angélique Kidjo, Annie Lennox, Becky G, Brandi Carlile with Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Carlos Santana and Cindy Blackman Santana, Gabi Melim, Gary Clark Jr., Jack Johnson, Jim James, Keb’ Mo’, Keith Richards, Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff, Peter Gabriel, Rhiannon Giddens, Ringo Starr, Robbie Robertson, Robert Randolph, Run The Jewels with Josh Homme, Sheila E., Skip Marley and Cedella Marley, The War and Treaty, Yo-Yo Ma and many more. Special appearances include Billie Eilish, Ellie Goulding, Killer Mike, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, Norman Lear, Prince Ea and Sara Bareilles.

Asbury Park’s infamous music venue The Stone Pony asked me to create a poster in celebration of their 45th anniversary.

Unofficial Ween fan poster I created for fun as a lifelong Ween fan. Hoping to do an official poster one of these days!

Gig Poster for UK Punk band, Shame. Live at The Crocodile in Seattle, WA. Oct 1oth 2018

5 color silkscreen on Heavy Cougar Natural White Stock.
13”x19”

Limited Edition of 50. For Sale here>

Design, Art Direction, and Illustration for Blackbird Productions all star Tribute to EmmyLou Harris.

From Blackbird's site:

On January 10, 2015, a remarkable and diverse assemblage of artists, including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Chris Coleman, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow, Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, Vince Gill, Patty Griffin, Chris Hillman, Iron & Wine, Alison Krauss, Kris Kristofferson, Daniel Lanois, Martina McBride, the Milk Carton Kids, Buddy Miller, Conor Oberst, Herb Pedersen, Shovels & Rope, Mavis Staples, John Starling, Trampled by Turtles, Sara Watkins, Holly Williams, Lucinda Williams, Lee Ann Womack, and Emmylou Harris herself gathered together at Washington, DC’s DAR Constitution Hall to honor one of the most distinctive and deeply-admired musicians of our time. The house band, led by co-musical directors Buddy Miller (guitars) and Don Was (bass), featured Sam Bush (mandolin, banjo, fiddle), Audley Freed (guitars), Fred Eltringham (drums), Matt Rollings (keyboards), Greg Leisz (pedal steel, lap steel), and Sara Watkins (fiddle, harmony vocals).

More info here>

Client: Blackbird Presents

Text from Blackbird Presents website:
More info

On October 3, 2012, music stars and friends joined together to celebrate the life and music of Levon Helm at “Love for Levon: Benefit To Save The Barn”. The star-studded benefit concert took place at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey and featured once-in-a-lifetime collaborations by friends and admirers gathered together to celebrate and honor Levon Helm. Performances included GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, Americana and Dove Award-winning musicians. An all-star band was led by GRAMMY Award-winners Don Was and Larry Campbell who served as co-musical directors. Larry was Levon’s musical director for the last several years of his life.

Was stoked to create this T-shirt design for my friend and super incredibly talented musician, singer/songwriter Paul McDonald

Gig Poster and Album art for the Seattle based band Super Sonic Soul Pimps. CD release gig poster for Seattle veteran space rock/funk band Super Sonic Soul Pimps. Posters were hung up and distributed throughout Seattle as well as featured on the venue's and band's official websites and social media. This piece was featured in The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles 51st Annual Illustration Exhibition.

See it here>

Excited to do some work for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and create this shirt design for their weekend at Domefest at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio in May of 2022. The dinosaur theme is a familiar visual at Legend Valley so I wanted to tie a dino into the usual pigeons visual without being to specific to the festival.

Yet another Gig Poster for my friends in the 3SP. This one was hand drawn and inked then digitally colored.

Seattle veteran funk/rock/rap band Super Sonic Soul Pimps (3SP) approached me to create the album art for their fourth studio album. The typography was custom designed, hand drawn and digitally painted to resemble an elegant and ornate Rococo-style 3SP emblem that captures the regal yet ridiculous nature of the Pimps. 

Featured in the Communication Arts Magazine Typgraphy Annual 3

See it here>

A fun T-shirt design I did for my friends over at Blackbird Presents.

Buy one here!