Badrak Identity System

The illustration work of my brilliant, extraordinary friend Oksana Badrak is breathtaking not only for its precise, elegant naturalism, but in the frank, fantastic playfulness that some of her more commercial work achieves. To represent the broad spectrum of her talent in a holistic identity system offered a daunting opportunity. Ultimately, I think this suite barely hints at Oksana’s skill and exuberance. But she likes it—win!

Most pieces in the system are letterpressed, allowing for a deep, rich charcoal grey, and a surprising shock of candy-apple red (which I love to use). Production was held up for several days on the notecard, due to the conscientious printer, who expressed concern about the bottom half of Oksana’s last name having mysteriously disappeared from the design. Good looking out! But it’s weird on purpose.