GIG POSTER DESIGN
Afraid of Everyone
The National is an American indie rock band known for their dark, atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics, carried by Matt Berninger’s distinct baritone. With the success of Alligator (2005) and Boxer (2007), they built a reputation for blending layered instrumentation with emotionally resonant storytelling, a foundation that has led into the release of High Violet (2010).
I set out to design a fictional tour poster for the release of High Violet, drawing inspiration directly from the mood and sound of the album.
Solution
This illustration was inspired by the song Afraid of Everyone on the album, where the lyric “I’ll defend my family with my orange umbrella” sparked the concept. The artwork visualises a sense of isolation, with the umbrella symbolising the character’s only form of protection. In this interpretation, “family” refers to the self, emphasising solitude.
The figure is deliberately separated from the falling rain to heighten the feeling of disconnection. Stylistically, the piece draws influence from Saul Bass, but is rendered in a looser, more textured manner with rough ink lines. A monotone palette of blues creates a subdued atmosphere, allowing the vibrant orange umbrella to become the focal point.
