Joey valence & Brae:
Poster Design Project
How It Started
This project came about a few months ago, and honestly, I was really excited. Getting to design a poster for one of my favorite duo groups felt like a full-circle moment. I’ve been listening to Joey & Brae for a few years now, and it’s been amazing watching their success and growth.
When I found out they were performing in Orange County, it hit close to home. I grew up here, so capturing the local look and energy felt personal. I wanted this poster to feel like something made by someone who truly knows and loves the OC.
Early Sketches and Ideas
I started with three main concepts, all based around Joey & Brae’s devil-style characater that they often use in their artwork.
The Monster in the City – The devil reimagined as a giant monster walking through Santa Ana, surrounded by familiar buildings and streets.
The Tagged Tower – The Santa Ana water tower covered in graffiti, with the group’s logo and show details.
The Ice Cream Truck – A fun and nostalgic idea featuring an ice cream truck painted with the duo’s branding, giving it a playful street vibe.
One thing I knew from the start was that I wanted a pink and purple sunset sky. That time of day has always been my favorite. There’s something about the way the sky turns soft and warm over the OC that feels special and familiar.
The Chosen
concept
I ended up going with the water tower concept because it felt like the best way to represent Santa Ana and Orange County. It’s a landmark that locals recognize right away, and it made the perfect spot to feature Joey & Brae’s graffiti devil logo in a way that felt real and connected to their brand.
I added other graffiti details like “JVB” and a few of their song lyrics on the tower itself. The apink and purple background gave the piece that perfect evening glow that reminded me of home. When it all came together, it looked exactly how I imagined — a bold, colorful poster that celebrates both the artists and the city.
Final thoughts
This project meant a lot to me — not just because I’m a fan of Joey & Brae, but because it tied my personal roots to my design work. It was a way to merge my love for music, community, and creativity into one piece.
As a designer who came up through the local music scene, these kinds of projects remind me why I started: to tell stories, amplify artists, and design work that makes people feel something