Logos and Pathos
I’m almost ashamed to admit it, but I’m shamelessly infiltrating my friends’ bands. Not in a priggish way; I’m not trying to become a member or even an honorary member. I’m no musician. No, I want to design merch for them.
My brother and three other mutual friends comprise Hell’s Orphans. For them, I’ve created a few 80’s comics-inspired designs. I’d like to print these logos on some shot glasses and matchbooks…
Then, my friend Derek plays bass for a band titled Jim Jones Jr. My brainchild for them is a multi-hued, geometric logo of their name. Akin to an old 3-D image; I want it to have an intro to hallucinogenics vibe.
I can’t decide whether this desire to contribute is born of my friendship or a creative contagion or if I simply want to dabble in genres I’d never pursue on my own (I’m more of a folk gothic, myself.)
Whatever the case, I’m treading another delicate line. Firstly, I don’t want to be a dick. But also, my gender puts an iffy aspect into play. The first time I suggest any of these ideas or offer finished products, those boys may regard me as though I’m some desperate groupie. Or worse, I may receive the feminist’s bane: the “oh you had a cute idea” look. Maybe not. Maybe it’s more likely I’ll get the “we just want to hang out jam and you made more work for us” look.
Being friends with boys is difficult sometimes. Being friends with musicians is difficult regardless. But, I’m an artist, so I can’t resist.
I’ll design the logos, consequences be damned.