The Challenge

 

This project was about capturing energy, bold, loud, and alive. The client needed an 11x17 poster for Rrkade: Datheks 9th Annual Birthday Bash, an underground fusion of hip-hop and EDM. The client asked for cyberpunk and comic book aesthetics, including a Skeletor illustration. The poster had to grab attention while ensuring key event details were easy to read at a glance. It also had to speak to both hip-hop and EDM fans, standing out in a crowded space. The goal was to mix chaos and order, making something that felt alive and connected to the underground scene.

 

The Approach

 

I dove into cyberpunk and comic book design trends. I wanted the poster to feel electric, bringing the scene to life while also staying legible. I pulled branding elements like artist logos and key event details, then organized everything into a clear hierarchy so the important info stood out. I created a mood board to narrow down the look, drawing inspiration from gritty, neon-soaked cityscapes and high-impact comic layouts. The aim was to create something that felt immersive, grabbed attention, and told the story of the event’s energy.

 

What I Did

 

Once the direction was set, I focused on balancing strong visuals with a clean layout. The typography had to match the comic book aesthetic but also make the details easy to read. For the visuals, I created custom vector elements, layering in neon glows, dramatic lighting, and textures to bring that raw underground feeling. The color palette leaned into electric blues, deep purples, and bold yellow accents, capturing a futuristic, high-energy tone. I experimented with placement and effects, and refined the design to make sure everything flowed. After getting client feedback, I fine-tuned, double-checked for clarity, and delivered the final files ready to go for both print and digital.