To kick off the new year in form, the kind folks over at the Tuts+ Network asked me to design a commemorative 2010 poster. I am always in support of those people and websites who help out designers and developers on all levels, and the team over at the Tuts+ camp constantly exhaust themselves. They run VectorTuts, NetTuts, AudioTuts, the mighty PsdTuts and a plethora of other art and tech sites. So of course, I jumped at the opportunity to help out such an admirable bunch.
Additionally, Tuts+ are having a giveaway on their site where you could win one of 10 copies of the 2010 poster. Swing over to the Tuts+ 2010 contest post to see all the information. I created a wallpaper set of the design to download for your computer or iPhone, all of which are available on their website.
I love having an open-ended ticket to create a design, which was exactly what the team requested of me so long as it said “2010” somewhere. After doing some research on sci-fi publications from the 70s and 80s I took some heavy inspiration from Omni magazine covers. Omni had a way of creating interesting yet vague imagery, something that left a lot to the imagination. I wanted to strike that vibe for the Tuts+ crew, I even modeled the type after Omni’s title treatment.
Initially, the design didn’t come together as quickly as I thought it would and the original attempts had me on a completely different course of action. Check out these early type-based versions:
I decided to ditch the entire concept and start from scratch, I wanted to do something more striking than a stylized number. I went back to the sketch phase and started working out another concept, and one involved an ‘exploding astronaut’ which later became the Abduzeedo anniversary poster. A big thanks to Sean Hodge over at the Tuts+ Network for being so cool as I fumbled about with my concepts in my search for the right one. You rule, man!
Swing on over to the post on Tuts+ for your chance to win one of the 2010 commemorative posters, and why not grab some wallpapers while you’re at it. Happy New Year!
I think this design is absolutely stunning. I want my next album cover to look like this. Any chance of a tutorial on how you did it? It’s just fab! I have it as my desktop :) Thank u for the gift!
Awesome work dude, i’m glad you decided to scrap the original concept, even though they are powerfully striking and wonderful to look at in there own right. But the final output is just breath taking! I’ve got it on my iphone and i can’t stop looking at it!
Cheers
Did you know Omni was an off-shoot of Penthouse? Both owned by the same dude, Bob Guccione. It’s true! I think he’s a pauper now.
Great job!
The top left of the early concepts look amazing too, any chance of a wallpaper of that?
I’m undecided James. To tell you the truth, I really love the type concepts as well. You are an amazing designer.
LOVE IT! Love the skin tone! Do you have a before pic of the girl? Looks amazing!
James did the model you used have the glasses on in the original shot or did you take glasses and add them in to the manipulation?
You’re SUCH a beast dude. Can’t wait for another decade of your work!
nice :D
please could we have the same wall but with no text of the “2010” that is only the colored lady in black
God i wish i could draw like that, really great work.
Hi,
I would like to know the technique used to put the skin so dark like your design ?
I’m very interessting by your technic.
THX
Amazing result. I have to confess, though, that the early type-based version on the bottom right has me thinking “Sinclair Spectrum”…