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Heinz Y Pedro
DESCRIPTION:
Heinz y Pedro (Heinz ee Pedro) is a Western novel series aimed at teens and young adults, set in 1899 during the decline of the American frontier. It follows two pioneers, Heinz and Pedro, on their journey to sell Heinz Cola across various territories. Inspired by the vibrant commercial illustration styles of the 1950s, the design of Heinz y Pedro combines Western themes with the nostalgic, high-contrast aesthetics of vintage ads, particularly those from classic cola brands. Drawing influence from the work of Gil Elvgren, known for his exaggerated poses and expressive faces, I recreated this iconic 50s look without the overly sexualized elements. Instead, I focused on lively colours, meticulously shaded textures, and high contrast to capture an authentic retro feel. For the series branding, I drew on the iconic red, white, and blue colour scheme often used in vintage cola ads, integrating these colours into character designs, like Heinz’s red scarf and bow, which subtly reinforce the product theme. Posters and typography for the project borrow directly from these retro references, grounding the work in the era’s iconic cola culture. To further connect the narrative with visual style, I incorporated comic book elements—halftone shading, aged textures, and diner-style motifs—across the series. I extended this into 3D by creating stylized figurines of Heinz and Pedro, opting for simplified, caricatured forms for a charming, collectible look. This project has pushed me outside my comfort zone, but embracing these detailed techniques has deepened my understanding of 50s-era art and developed my skills in character and branding design.
