I designed the artwork for the promotional poster and a collectible print for the 2025 Oregon Country Fair. Additionally, I segmented elements of the artwork from my initial black-and-white artwork so they could be used on stickers, t-shirts, and other promotional materials.
The Oregon Country Fair is an annual three-day event, drawing a crowd of approximately 45,000 people. With its strong counter-culture origins, it is often seen as a close cousin to Burning Man and a significant precursor to many summer arts festivals.
Born from the back-to-the-land movement, early Grateful Dead performances, and groups like Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, the Fair has become a multi-generational cultural phenomenon characterized by whimsy, absurdity, dance, music, and crafts.
Hundreds of artisans showcase and sell their handcrafted items, including jewelry, clothing, pottery, leather goods, woodworking, and unique art pieces.
Workflow for the Project
My workflow for this project is shown in the following images. The first two sketches represent distinct concepts shared with the client. One featured an ancient oak tree integrated with typography, while the other showcased a collection of crafts alongside a guitar. At the client's request, these concepts were merged into the third sketch. The fourth image reveals the drawing and linework developed for the final piece. This stage is crucial for establishing the artwork's structure and ensuring the harmonious flow of decorative lines.
If you have an illustration project that you would like to discuss with me, you can contact me (Bart Bemus) at bbemus@mac.com
My portfolio can be viewed at BartBemus.com
