More Than a Mask
Postage Stamp Series | Digital Illustration
2022
Adobe Illustrator
This stamp series explores the layered identities of four iconic cinematic villains – Darth Vader, the Joker, Catwoman, and Maleficent – characters often reduced to their roles as antagonists but who, upon closer inspection, reveal depth, conflict, and even moments of redemption. The title More Than a Mask speaks to the emotional duality behind their facades – the pain, vulnerability, and humanity that exist beneath their dark exteriors. This piece merges graphic design with storytelling, reimagining villainy through a lens of empathy and nuance, delivered in a format traditionally reserved for national celebration and legacy.
Visual Direction
The visual direction began with research into the cultural impact and character development of iconic film villains who embody moral complexity. I focused on Anakin Skywalker, the Joker, Catwoman, and Maleficent – characters known not just for their darkness, but for their internal conflict and moments of redemption. This informed the decision to portray each figure with a stylized yet emotionally expressive vector illustration.
Digital Explorations
In the early stages, I explored a split portrait of Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader to reflect his transformation. While compelling, it didn’t align with the rest of the series, as I couldn’t create similar dual identities for the other villains. The concept felt inconsistent and visually out of place, so I revised the design to focus solely on Darth Vader—using color and expression to convey his inner conflict in a way that fit the overall narrative.
Fine Tuning
In the final phase, I refined the color palette to improve contrast and clarity. The original deep red and blue gradients overwhelmed the illustrations, causing them to appear muted and visually heavy. By shifting to lighter gradient tones, the portraits gained more definition and vibrancy, allowing the characters’ expressions and details to stand out. This adjustment helped unify the series and enhanced the emotional impact of each design.
The Reveal
In the final designs, I incorporated intentional typographic choices and personal touches to strengthen the visual narrative. “Iconic American Entertainers” is set in a serif typeface to give the title a classic, commemorative feel, while “forever” appears in a script font reminiscent of traditional postage stamps. To further individualize each piece, I added the actual signatures of each character, introducing a layer of authenticity and recognition. These thoughtful details brought cohesion, character, and a refined finish to the overall series.
