Custom Guitar Build
Custom Object Design • Illustration • Hand-Painted Finish
Created in collaboration with my brother, this project began with a worn black-and-white strat-style guitar and a lot of time during quarantine. We reimagined the instrument as an illustrated object, drawing inspiration from Japanese gardens and koi ponds. Through experimentation, we developed a process for applying watercolor to the sanded wood base, resulting in a hand-painted front and back that feels organic, detailed, and one-of-a-kind.
Role
Designer + Illustrator/Painter
Partnered with my brother (body reshaping, sanding, hardware/electronics rebuild)
Tools
Sketching • Watercolor • Hand-finishing techniques • Iterative prototyping/testing
Visual Strategy
Transform a functional instrument into an illustrated centerpiece by grounding the concept in a single, cohesive theme and letting the artwork wrap the object like a narrative surface.
System Highlights
Theme-driven art direction inspired by koi ponds and Japanese gardens
Front/back continuity so the guitar reads as one complete visual story
Material testing + iteration to achieve reliable watercolor results on wood
Craft + function balance pairing a refined finish with a full rebuild for playability
A hands-on design build blending illustration, experimentation, and craftsmanship to turn an old guitar into a cohesive, playable art object.
