Illustration
James Dean produces illustration grounded in precision, clarity, and a disciplined approach to line and form.
Working primarily by hand, his process focuses on strong composition and controlled linework, resulting in images that are both visually distinct and structurally sound.
His work is developed with real-world application in mind, translating effectively across print, product, and campaign environments. Whether for commercial or commissioned projects, the focus remains on creating work that is clear, balanced, and built to hold its integrity across different formats.
Commercial Campaign Illustration
Likeness-Based Tattoo Illustration
Commissioned to create a highly realistic tattoo illustration for a national advertising campaign for a globally recognised brand.
Designed for close-up application on skin, the work required precise line control, tonal balance, and a convincing sense of realism under studio lighting.
Executed entirely by hand, the final artwork translated seamlessly from illustration to physical application.
Selected artwork shown. Created for use within a commercial campaign. Client and campaign details withheld.Packaging Illustration
Beer Can Artwork — Urbanaut Brewing Co.
Commissioned to create a custom illustrated label for a beer release, designed to wrap seamlessly across the can format.
The artwork balances strong visual impact with clear hierarchy, integrating illustration and product information within a compact space.
Built for real-world application, the final design translates effectively from concept to shelf, maintaining clarity both up close and at distance.
Client work shown with permission.
Destination Illustration — Tāmaki Makaurau
A self-initiated illustration exploring destination-led visual storytelling for tourism.
Designed as a campaign-style artwork, the piece focuses on clarity, composition, and immediate readability at scale.
The final work translates effectively across print and promotional formats, capturing a strong sense of place while maintaining visual impact.
Self-initiated project.