Easy Chief

Cover art and animations for New Orleans-inspired blues band Easy Chief.

Concept development, 3D sculpting, modeling and rigging, 3D animation, final compositing and graphic design.

The client originally wanted a set of masks inspired by various facets of New Orleans Blues. Eventually we settled for just one. The mask draws inspiration from cajun culture and voodoo, and the main shapes are derived from the Mardi Gras Indians - which are African American carnival revelers in New Orleans, Louisiana, who dress up for Mardi Gras in suits influenced by the cultural practices of Native Americans, West Africans, and Afro-Caribbeans.

The gems shaped like French lilies are a nod to the city's French history and the skulls give the impression of a voodoo witch doctor. The star-studded eye patch is an ode to legendary blues musician James Booker, who wore a similar one.

The mask received an update in 2023 for the band's new releases, this time with a more Aztec vibe, and in a warm red colour scheme.