Matt Baltay's Portfolio

Philidor Position: Mab's Drawlloween Club 2022

Client: Self-Initiated

As the world emerges from digital hibernation, Mabs’ Drawlloween sets the stage for a grand Halloween chess match of creativity. This hand-drawn prompt list serves as a chessboard of imagination, where artists become grandmasters, moving their illustrated pieces across squares of paper with renewed appreciation for tactile artistry.

Each prompt transforms into a unique chess piece on this spooky board. Whimsical witches glide diagonally like bishops, while lurking monsters advance steadily as pawns. Haunted houses stand tall as rooks, and ghostly figures float unpredictably, mirroring the knight’s L-shaped movements.

This year’s challenge invites participants to step away from the digital realm, trading pixels for pencils in a strategic game of Halloween expression. It’s a creative gambit that opens up new possibilities, allowing artists to rediscover the joy of traditional media after long months of screen-based interactions.As players in this artistic tournament, illustrators maneuver their ideas across the prompt list, capturing the essence of Halloween with each stroke. The resulting gallery becomes a chessboard of diverse styles and interpretations, where every piece contributes to a larger, visually stunning game.

Hosted by Mabs (@mabgraves on Instagram), this event encourages artists to make bold moves in their creative play, checkmate creative blocks, and ultimately crown themselves kings and queens of Halloween illustration.

Silent Moves: Band Poster

Client: Lakota Ridge

This poster is a vibrant celebration of the band’s musical identity, skillfully combining typography and imagery. At the center of the design, I loosely drew each instrument played by the band members, cresting around the letters of their name. This creative integration not only highlights their unique sound but also adds a dynamic visual element that draws the viewer in.

To enhance the atmosphere, the top of the poster is adorned with stylized stage lights, evoking the excitement and energy of live performances. These lights symbolize the electrifying experience that audiences can expect when they see Lakota Ridge in concert. At the bottom, I illustrated the outstretched arms of adoring fans, capturing the deep connection between the band and their audience. This element conveys the passion and enthusiasm that Lakota Ridge inspires in their listeners, making it clear that their music resonates on a personal level.

The minimal color scheme of black, brown, and yellow further enriches the design. These earthy tones not only enhance the visual impact but also reflect the band’s roots and musical influences.