A skeleton primed to catch a wave; a ghost racing a lowrider bike -- these are the types of juxtapositions you'll find in the illustrations of Shawn Dickinson. This series of cartoon art combines classic 1930s cartoon archetypes with scenes of classic Southern California rockabilly life. Hotrods and guitars feature prominently in Dickinson's work, while many of his characters look like they've traveled straight from vintage Archie or Betty Boop comic strips.
The artist describes his process as meshing "Imagery stylistically inspired by 1930′s cartoons (what I feel was the craziest era for cartoons), mixed with iconic imagery inspired by 1950′s & 1960′s rock n’ roll, cars, bikes, etc. (what I feel was the craziest era for all those things). And I still paint with watercolor and India ink."
Macabre Retro Renderings
Kustom Kulture Illustrations by Shawn Dickinson are a Blast from the Past
Trend Themes
1. Retro-revival Illustrations - Exploring the fusion of 1930s cartoon aesthetics with 1950s and 1960s rockabilly culture, creating a nostalgic and whimsical art style.
2. Kustom Kulture Art - Blending vintage Archie and Betty Boop comic strip characters with scenes of classic Southern California rockabilly life, capturing the essence of a bygone era in colorful illustrations.
3. Cartoon-inspired Meshing - Incorporating the craziest elements of 1930s cartoons and 1950s & 1960s rock n' roll, cars, and bikes, resulting in imaginative and visually captivating artworks.
Industry Implications
1. Graphic Design - Opportunity to create retro-themed illustrations for merchandise, apparel, and promotional materials, tapping into the nostalgia trend.
2. Entertainment - Potential to develop animated series or films inspired by the fusion of vintage cartoons and rockabilly culture, appealing to enthusiasts of both genres.
3. Automotive and Lifestyle Brands - Opportunity to collaborate with artists like Shawn Dickinson to create custom vehicle wraps, accessories, and apparel, reflecting the retro-urban aesthetic popular among car enthusiasts.