The day of the dead has a rich history of design around it, and this is my addition to the joyous holiday. I wanted to capture a piece of the levity and joy that the day represents for people who celebrate it.
This project was an example of research informing design. In order to be culturally real, the poster needed to pull from historic and contemporary traditions and symbols. Along with flexing my illustration muscles, I also got to really immerse myself in a deep and vast well of history and cultural symbolism that Día de Muertos has to offer.
The poster draws on the colorful and bright themes of traditional Day of the Dead works, with the central marigold being the most obvious piece of imagery. Thought to possess both cleansing and alluring properties, marigolds have been heavily associated with the holiday. The smokey background is inspired by the traditional Copalli incense that is burned on ofrendas to guide souls through it's aroma.
