Project Overview
I have always been fascinated by the Latinx holiday, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and loved the way how people honored their ancestors in such a beautiful, meaningful way. Painted sugar skulls, tombs decorated with marigolds, and setting up ofrendas (alters). I knew I've always wanted to create a project centered around this holiday which is why when I heard about a local art convention that was taking place in Sacramento—the Creative Women's Mini Con (CWMC)—I got an idea! I thought this was the perfect opportunity to create something unique that was reminiscent of the holiday but with a modern twist. Therefore this project came to fruition: create Day of the Dead inspired character stickers!
Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Etsy E-commerce site
Skills: Print Design, Illustration
Skills: Print Design, Illustration
Research & Production
When first approaching this project, I knew I wanted to infuse different cultures and historical figures but in a respectable way. I researched various different cultures that seemed interesting and started drawing sugar skulls on them. I created a number of characters, six in total. I hand-drew these characters with the idea of transforming them into catrinas which is the female figurehead of the holiday. I did not intend to offend or appropriate any culture, these were created as a fun project.
Mood Boards
Note: These photos are courtesy of Google Images. These were just used for inspiration and reference.
Character Design
In order from top left to right are the following characters: an Aztec Warrior, an Indian Bride, a Japanese Geisha, Marie Antoinette, Cleopatra, and a Chicanx Pin-Up Model. I tried to keep the characters as diverse as possible and also included some historical figures to make an even more interesting fusion. These stickers are currently available on my Etsy store (which is located in the navigation bar above). These stickers are sized at 4" (height).
Initial Sketches
Aztec Warrior
Indian Bride
Japanese Geisha
Marie Antoinette
Cleopatra
Chicanx Pin-Up Model
Final Characters
Aztec Warrior
Indian Bride
Japanese Geisha
Marie Antoinette
Cleopatra
Chicanx Pin-Up Model
Final Product
Note: These stickers are currently available on my Etsy store. You can buy some under the tab, "Shop".