Case Study: Sunfyre - “PHG (Are You Ready?)” Album Art

For Sunfyre’s punk rock single PHG (Are You Ready?), I created an album cover that fuses photography, hand-drawn illustration, and digital design to reflect the song’s rebellious energy. I captured the main portrait her studio, enhancing it with a high-contrast black-and-white treatment on a gritty, urban background, while keeping the subject and poncho in full color for a striking visual effect. To amplify the raw, DIY aesthetic of punk, I illustrated a collection of bold, drippy doodles in Procreate, weaving them around the subject in a chaotic, free-flowing motion. These symbols—skulls, guitars, mixtapes, and flames—represent elements of punk culture and the song’s attitude. Additionally, the toucan, sloth, Costa Rican flag, Butterfly, crocodile, and Imperial beer symbols reflect the artist’s home country of Costa Rica.

The final composition was assembled in Photoshop, where I refined the textures, added subtle grain for a grunge feel, and integrated the punk-inspired typography in a minimal yet commanding placement. The artwork was adapted for streaming platforms and promotional materials, ensuring a consistent visual identity. With its blend of photography, illustration, and punk rock grit, the final design captures the spirit of the single and Sunfyre’s unapologetic sound.