Case Study: Blink-182 Darien Lake (Buffalo, NY) Fan Concert Poster
Scroll down (or click here) to view the animated poster.
Role
Illustrator, Designer, & Animator
The Challenge
Capturing the spirit of Blink-182’s concert at Darien Lake Amphitheater meant blending their playful punk energy with my darker, drippy skull aesthetic. The design needed to grab attention instantly, appeal to fans of the band’s irreverent style, and stand out both as a static poster and as an animated piece for digital sharing.
Creative Direction
I developed the concept around a skeletal rabbit head rendered in my signature drippy style. The bunny imagery plays off Blink-182’s playful, mischievous reputation while the skull treatment grounds it in a punk edge. The design needed to be:
- Visually loud and high-contrast to reflect Blink-182’s chaotic, fun energy
- Playful enough to nod to the band’s humor and irreverence
- Consistent with my drippy skull aesthetic
- Adaptable for both print and motion graphics
Design Process
Concept Development
The skeletal rabbit skull became the centerpiece—quirky and unsettling at once—perfectly embodying Blink-182’s mix of humor and rebellion. The exaggerated drips add a sense of motion and chaos, echoing the energy of a live show.
Color Palette
- Vibrant Pink Background: Punchy, playful, and immediately eye-catching
- Teal Drips: Adds contrast and gives the design a surreal, cosmic feel
- Bone White Skull: Provides anatomical structure while keeping the focal point crisp
- Black Outlines & Shadows: Sharp contrast for bold readability
Typography Treatment
The “BLINK-182” text mirrors the dripping illustration style, creating cohesion between type and art. Supporting details for Alkaline Trio and Drug Church keep readability intact while staying consistent with the melting, distorted aesthetic.
Technical Execution
Illustration Phase (Procreate)
- Hand-drawn skeletal rabbit with dripping textures and layered detailing
- Inking and shading to achieve a dimensional skull effect
- Layered composition for motion prep
Layout Phase (Photoshop)
- Balanced type placement against chaotic illustration
- Finalized color palette and texture blending for maximum impact
- Ensured legibility of event details within a busy, high-energy design
Animation Phase (After Effects)
- Brought the static design to life with flowing drips and pulsing motion
- Created subtle texture shifts and depth for a dynamic, living poster
- Built a seamless looping animation optimized for social media
Results & Impact
This poster stands out as a bold, fan-driven tribute to Blink-182 while continuing to expand my drippy skull series. The design:
- Captures Blink-182’s playful yet chaotic identity
- Engages fans through both collectible print and motion formats
- Demonstrates growth in combining static poster design with animation
- Strengthens my evolving portfolio of concert and fan poster work
Key Takeaways
This project shows the value of blending fan culture with personal artistic style. By channeling Blink-182’s irreverent energy through my drippy skull aesthetic, I created a piece that resonates with fans while pushing my own creative boundaries in both illustration and motion graphics.
Interested in commissioning custom concert posters or animated designs? Contact me to discuss your next project.
