I love target shooting, archery, hunting, the whole bit, almost as much as designing and illustrating. I've bartered in the past for handguns, a rifle and various tactical equipment. I really enjoy concepting, designing and just talking advertising with any client in the sporting/outdoors industry. I rarely rent any guns at the range since I have a few firearms myself but ever since I rented a Springfield 1911 at the range, it's the one I have to have. Maybe it's due in part to the history of the 1911 or the overall design of the gun but for sure part of my obsession is the way it shoots. Truly everyday I am working out some new idea and new project in my head, typically when I am waiting in traffic, waiting to fall asleep or doing tasks around the house. I'm not going to lie and say they're all winners, most of the time they aren't and many times they have no purpose or even make sense. Advertising is what I do, it's my passion, and I love trying to combine my passion for advertising with creating artwork.
THE IDEA
I wanted to showcase the beauty of the Springfield MIL-SPEC .45ACP PARKERIZED 1911 by creating an original ink wash painting of the gun. The plan was to sketch and then paint the firearm all by brush as realistic as possible. For sure there would be some imperfections and some slightly crooked lines or shadows, but that's what makes a piece of art. I also sought out to create an interesting backdrop, that has an artsy feel and sets off the realism of the gun artwork. The final piece of the project would be to develop a spread ad/poster using the artwork to promote the Springfield 1911, which truly is a work of art. The artwork could also be turned into prints and posters to be given away at trade shows or given away as part of a social media campaign.
THE GOAL
Besides wanting to barter for firearms (of course the Springfield 1911 depicted), having the opportunity to design anything for an amazing brand like Springfield would be awesome. I love the Springfield XDM I already own and creating original artwork and posters for more Springfield products would be a blast. I totally get this isn't a traditional ad with a black background, a sleek beauty shot of the gun and some red text, but that's what makes it interesting. Whether the artwork and campaign goes anywhere, I have no idea. What I do know is that I love creating original artwork, starting on a new advertising idea and going out to the gun range. Next time I go, I hope to be shooting with my own Springfield MIL-SPEC .45 ACP Parkerized 1911.