Screenprints
Absinthe is a band I created for my hypothetical company PHREIK! Records. The band's merchandise is very tactile with special edition vinyls and vinyl jackets being curated for a unique experiece for their fans. I created examples of each for the project.
The vinyl jackets are screenprinted and then bookbinded using thread and bookcloth to create a gatefold jacket. There are two versions; one utilizing black cloth with gold and white ink, and another utilizing red cloth and white ink.
The B side of disc 2 has a screenprinted design.
The B side of disc 2 has a screenprinted design.
Yellow Layer
Red Layer
Blue Layer
Red Text Layer
This print of my original character Danny is based on the song I'm Scum by IDLES. Each piece is screenprinted by hand, so each has its own effects and defects that enhance the grungy, punk aesthetic of the piece. A1 series is printed on the smoother side of the paper, making the print more even and clear. B2 series is printed on the rougher side, giving it more grungy and uneven elements.
I wasn't sure what to do for my next print in screenprinting class, so I forced myself to just experiment with photography as I had been doing on my own prior. I overlaid a condom wrap, stairway railing, and mural pattern to create all the imagery. I added the words "PISS FREAK" on top in blackletter, the wording of which I found when doing research on gay hanky code. I separated the RGB layers in Photoshop and chose to keep only two of the channels so I could focus on two stark colors when I printed. I also converted the images into halftones, as I hadn't utilized it prior. I chose the colors purple and yellow since I love how the two opposites look together, and I also wanted to utilize my leftover purple ink. As I printed, I found the purple ink was far from opaque, but it created an interesting color and texture that almost looks retro. I then tried black since it was a top color option for me when considering them. I ended up liking the stark contrast between the bright yellow and black. Although they ended up with off-registration, I actually liked how I got to see the colors on their own at the edges, so some of the bright purple showed through on its own. I had a few clean-cut prints, and the rest I experimented with ragged edges.
I screenprinted on some mailers to mail out my prints. I digitally made my logo but used cut paper for the Thank You message and attached it to tape. The tape got caught on some other paper but the grungy effect it made when pulled off was interesting so I decided to use it. I think of it as an art piece on its own, even if it's being used on mailers. The grunge and punk aesthetic speaks to my personal brand and the handlettering was something I've always wanted to try.