Working with Mountain Equipment Co-op is always a bonus, the projects are well organized and more often then not represent an active healthy way of life in Canada and around the globe. This project was to design the graphics that would do just that – take you across Canada and ultimately around the globe on 2 wheels
The MEC National.
In predictable fashion, this bike was always out on a tour when I want to take it for a ride or to shoot it for my records. Hard to complain about that really.
Those that follow my illustration and design process know that I am about a character and a story, the rest of course tends to follow when you get those in place.
First a look at a couple main characters.
They are gentlemen (sorry ladies, the bike only comes in a mens frame option) and they are ready for touring, one guy even has a TV on board and his pet fish – this guy ended up on the cutting room floor. I am sure we will see him again somewhere else.
Next I created a sign for each province and territory – it is a National after all.
The signs set the stage for the Tour, and essentially are the plot for the story. Here is the main graphic.
The side illustrations on the frame are where your main character is in motion and a flowing signs add movement to the adventure. The story of touring is all about places, roads, road maps, and sign posts. If it’s the organized straight lines of the main drawing or the intertwined speed of the side view – its about the journey.
Processhaus 