Walk the Line - Nathan Lawson, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, AHL, 2008-2009
The story
Nathan had a clear vision of how he wanted his new mask design. He had seen and heard about David Gunnarsson's creation on masks all over the world and decided that David should create his new mask design. The mask was flown to David's studio and David got started.
Since he's playing in Sound Tigers, he wanted a realistic tiger going to attack. Maxxed size on the side to make it visible also from a long distance. The placement of the tiger is really important for maximum effect. David's experience solves that. In the background David has painted a dark blue glistening starry sky that gives depth to the whole.
Down below a graphic with the club logo is painted, with cool 3D effects and composite pattern painted between the layers of metallic.
On the chin his great nickname, with cool tiger
stripes in the background, of course!
On the other side the mask dramatically changes. Here it is a tribute painting to Nathan's big music idol, Mr Johnny Cash! David composed a painting with portrait of Cash from his young days. The motif is inspired by one of Cash's record sleeves, with much white! Weaved in is also picture of Cash walking alone with his guitar. This gives depth to the whole, and describes the loneliness of a goalie. Cash's name is also weaved in, written in same style as on his records.
The design is tied together by graphic lines below, taken from the team uniform. Graphic lines also around the cage opening, which gives nice contrasts and makes the cage a part of the design.
A design with tremendous detail work, as always, and lots of thoughts. A design to remember.