This week we’re spotlighting the incredible Batman: Caped Crusader poster series by ‘Quenjinn’ Quentin Marroule, an Art Director, Illustrator, and Designer from France. We’ve interviewed Quentin on his series, getting some behind-the-scenes information, some words of wisdom for other designers hoping to undertake a similar project, and more.
Firstly, we love this series! Is there anything specific that inspired the project? Did it come from your admiration for the show, or something else?
Batman has been one of my favorite heroes in the DC universe since I was a child. With his dark past and tortured mind, Bruce Wayne is a man without powers who will become Gotham’s symbol of justice. He represents resilience and hope. Many of his stories are in my library today (The long Halloween, Killing Joke or The Court of Owls saga). Because I didn’t see the 92’ animated series directed by Bruce Timm, the Batman Caped Crusader series was an obvious choice for me – a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to my favorite bat.
The style choice used on this series look great, although it differs from your previous work. Is there any specific reason for this?
I’m in love with artists who have many different graphic styles. My actual style is very detailed with dark contrast and variant colors. And I love it so much. But sometimes, I want to change. For this collection, I would like to create something different, with an universe more elegant and light. I’m focused on the story and the narrative composition on each illustration. The palette was developed with new colors for better transition. I decided to work on typography and some texture testing. As you can see, this series was a testing ground and a beautiful opportunity to discover new graphic horizons!
What have you learned from working in this new style, and what challenges did do face, if any?
Creating ten posters about the same universe is a challenge for the mind. Each composition is a different exercise. Working under the constraint of limited time is a powerful driving force. That forces us to go straight to the point. That’s how I’ve been able to create some favorite compositions during this series. For the first time, I tried to work out the titles of each poster, with different effects and textures. The reflection effect on the first poster was strangely well-received. I look forward to proposing more in the future. Preparing Photoshop files with the right titles, frames and secondary information before drawing is a time saver not to be ignored..It’s a challenge I’d recommend to any poster lover. I’ve learned to create better contrasts, and colorimetries and to be consistent (even if it’s still a challenge for me).
We’ve noticed you released this series quickly. Did you have posters prepared already, or were
you releasing them as they were finished?
I set myself the challenge to complete all these illustrations in a limited time. The challenge was complex, but very gratifying when finished. I’ve watch an episode, then I work on the poster. Then I’d start again. The entire collection was published on the networks once
completed. I’m very proud of the result and the feedback I’ve received. An amazing experience!
If you were to do this series again, is there anything you would do differently?
If I had to do this series again, I think I’d trust myself more. In the beginning, the first step is often the most difficult. The first illustrations was complex and difficult but after the fourth poster, the
next ones were natural and obvious. I’m glad I’ve learned some things, and I can’t wait to go on and learn more!
Are there any artists that have inspired your work?
My work was influenced by Saul Bass, with the emergence of movie posters and great names like Mondo. The idea of being able to tell a story with an impactful picture was important
for me. My palette colors take their origins in Pop Art (with screenprint) and Gestalt (with negative space art) – movements that marked a major turning point in my artistic vision with the work
of Malika Favre and Olly Moss in particular. Today, artists such as Georges Caltsoudas, Doaly or Justin Erickson and Paige Reynolds (from Phantom City Creative studio) continue to build my
artistic vision, with their work on textures and grain, timeless negative space compositions and a narrative very present in the illustration. The PosterSpy community also inspires me, offering an
exchange and discovery perfect field for poster lovers. I’ve been on PosterSpy for two years, with The Mandalorian as my first publication. At the time, I was looking for artists to share my passion
for cinema and alternative posters. Julien Rico Jr’s and this work was a strong guide (many thanks to you!). Over time, I realized that the PosterSpy community (and the alternative poster community in general) was lovely and supportive. So I wanted to be part of it. I’m not particularly into social media and I don’t spend much time on it. So I’m reassured to know that there’s a bubble reserved for poster artists who want to vibrate and share their love of images and cinema.
For artists looking to do a similar series, is there anything you can recommend or advise?
Giving advice is a difficult way in creative business. It’s important to think the entire project to create graphic and narrative coherence. I make lots of notes in my sketchbook before I start.
Names, titles, colors, feelings, emotions, scenes, everything – This process helps me to visualize concepts and find news compositions. When I get stuck later, reading these notes helps me to find my way back. When I’m working on new illustration, I try to suggest what I’d like to see as a poster by representing the villains or an emblematic moment. To resume, I’d say you have to
draw, again and again, take your time and love what you do. Beautiful things come with time, patience and passion.
Do you have any other poster series planned for the future?
I’d love to work on the official Batman Caped Crusader season 2 posters. These ten posters have been a crazy experience and I still love this universe so much. Bruce Timm, Prime Video and Warner animation; this message is for you! I’m currently working on a series of Star Wars – The Mandalorian posters. This is my first poster published on PosterSpy and social networks! With a new season coming up next year. With everything I’ve learned, it’s time to pay tribute to the last three seasons.
Full poster series
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