Calyx Design

The “Dissolve-O-Matic” is the latest in the series of illustrations created for Havi Brooks’ self-work products, in the quirky style semi-officially dubbed “Steampunk meets Yellow Submarine”… »

My client calls me from the road, suddenly struck by a marketing vision. “Richard, I know what our next ad’s gotta be!” As he describes this revelation, I see that he’s on to something … »

Nothing says Harley-Davidson more than the eagle which has graced its corporate logo since the turn of the century. I borrowed that eagle’s wing, a stylized verson thereof, for the Santa Cruz dealership’s logo and business papers. »

Another full page ad developed for Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson’s prized inside-front-cover spot in Thunder Press, a position occupied since the turn of the most recent century. »

Roaring out of the Pacific Ocean into the pale light of a sickle moon — it’s the Night Rider (supply your own Santa Cruz folkloric explanation here) … »

Roxie! The second of Santa Cruz Harley’s two stylized pinup girls, and the tougher of the pair. These two vintage motorcycle lovers were created for the Santa Cruz Harley dealership. Like Veronica, Roxie was introduced through a print ad, then brought to T-shirts … »

Veronica! The first of a pair of stylized pinup girls astride vintage motorcycles, both created for the Santa Cruz Harley dealership. She made her debut in a print advertisement, but popular demand soon brought her to T-shirts … »

It’s a motorcycle poster. No, really! The begoggled beauty with a penetrating gaze rests artfully on a representation of a “Bomber Bike” — one of a series of custom Harleys created by Mike James … »

Thematic illustration of the vintage Harley Davidson dealership in Santa Cruz, California. The colors and layout reflect both the California coast and Roaring Twenties when the building was new. »

There’s been a Harley-Davidson dealership in Santa Cruz since 1921, but my association began with a phone call from the then-new owner in 1996. The brief was to capitalize on the historical strength of Harley-Davidson’s evocative but somewhat dark visual identity, while capturing the light and freshness of the dealership’s beachside home. »