UP Music
Magazine Cover
Project type
Illustration
Date
2021
For this edition of UP Music Magazine, I developed a digital illustration for the cover, inspired by Mark Hoppus’s battle with cancer and his therapeutic journey through cultivating a cactus garden.
The cover reflects the resilience symbolized by the cacti, with Hoppus depicted in soft pink hues, contrasting vividly with the vibrant green plants surrounding him—representing strength and vulnerability simultaneously.
Development Process
01.
Analog sketch
02.
Digital lineart
03.
Color exploration
04.
Final illustration
05.
Full cover design
The importance of the references
The process began with analog sketches using simple lines to structure the composition.
I used real-life references, such as photos of various cacti and Hoppus himself, to ensure accuracy in both character portrayal and botanical details.
After scanning, I transitioned to a digital workflow using Photoshop and a drawing tablet, which allowed me to work with layers and organize the illustration elements smoothly.
One of the main challenges was balancing the composition to account for text placement on the cover. I carefully structured areas where the title and article headers could be superimposed without disrupting the visual flow of the illustration. This required thoughtful use of negative space, ensuring that the artwork remained the focal point.
This project aimed to capture Hoppus’s emotional journey while maintaining an engaging visual narrative that resonated with the magazine’s audience.
