“College is like a fountain of knowledge and the students are there to drink” – Chuck Palahniuk
The Cruces Coitus Crusaders project and experience came about many moons ago with a group of college friends wanting to keep their bond intact ever since it was forged a decade ago.
I was fortunate enough to come up with the idea that any group gathering loves to do, matching shirts.
With a deep understanding of who the group consisted of, an eclectic bunch that plays Dungeons & Dragons, studied Engineering, Math and Science and have an infinity for random trivia, especially Pop-Culture and movie references and loved the great outdoors, this was going to be a ever-evolving project.
I thought it would be a great idea to tie everything into one concept, a comic book series that would showcase the years gathering location, reference a movie and sprinkle in a little National Lampoon college humor. At the end of the day, it really is an excuse to express classic "boy humor".
From the early conception, I had the idea to have a few characters that would go on silly adventures throughout the Southwest. It started with A Knight, a Green Chile Pepper and a Drunken Lizard.
From concept I would typically try to find a movie that would resonate with the whole group within the geographical location of that year’s gathering.
For instance: I referenced “Dazed and Confused” for the Austin Texas, or a "Hot Tub Time Machine" for our Colorado location and so on.
1st Comic Design
2nd Comic Design
Inking for 4th Design
Inking for 5th Design
Inking for 6th Design
From there, I would sketch the design and then ink.
I always loved Stan Lee and his formidable artist, Jack Kirby. So, I took that approach and used color pencil instead of color inking. I liked how it felt more analog, rather than a digital inking or design.
Next, I would scan the drawing and use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for the digital design portion.
3rd Year Colored
4th Year Colored
5th Year Colored
6th Year Colored
At the end of the day, moments spent with friends, family and loved ones is key in life.
"Friendship is so weird. You pick a human you've met and you're like, "Yep, I like this one,"and you just do stuff with them" - Bill Murray
We as humans tie memories to trinkets and forever, this family of lifelong friends will have a series of shirts that will allow them to remember the moments shared for years to come.
Year 1 Original Concept
Year 2 Final
Year 3 Final
Year 4 Final
Year 5 Final
