Frankenstein
Project Overview
This poster was created for Lincoln Center Theater, under the supervision of David A. Hylton. I focused on making the monster the center of attention, since Frankenstein is ultimately about the relationship between creator and creation. And it raises the question: Who is the real monster — Dr. Frankenstein or his creation?
Challenge
The challenge was to design an evocative poster without relying on popular media portrayals, like Boris Karloff’s iconic film version. The illustration needed to stay true to the novel’s original vision—balancing horror, sorrow, and humanity—while still feeling energetic and theatrical for a stage production. The goal was to captivate viewers and spark their curiosity without giving away the story, all while using an expressive style through color and brushwork.
Solution
I designed Frankenstein’s monster as accurately as possible by researching Mary Shelley’s original description: an 8-foot-tall, hideously ugly figure with "yellow skin scarcely covering the work of muscles and arteries beneath," watery eyes, flowing black hair, and prominent white teeth.
Since we were expected to use an expressionistic style, I created handwritten typography by working with a scratchboard before transferring it to digital paint. I used bold, sharp lettering to catch the viewer’s eye and positioned it to direct all visual energy toward the monster, framing the body and emphasizing the emotional weight of the figure.
Project Type: Poster Illustration
Client: Lincoln Center Theater (Academic Project, Instructor: David A. Hylton)
Industry: Performing Arts / Theater
Target Audience: Theatergoers, Literature Enthusiasts, All Ages
Role: Illustrator, Concept Artist, Visual Storyteller
Client: Lincoln Center Theater (Academic Project, Instructor: David A. Hylton)
Industry: Performing Arts / Theater
Target Audience: Theatergoers, Literature Enthusiasts, All Ages
Role: Illustrator, Concept Artist, Visual Storyteller
