Chrome & Chroma, A Motorcycle Exhibit

The concept behind Chrome and Chroma came out of a conversation with a few of my riding buddies who also were artists. We were amazed that there were no art exhibits or shows that featured motorcycle artists creating motorcycle art. So, after running the idea by another friend of mine who had been doing the Art in the City exhibits, we decided to promote a biker themed art show. It was decided to have it in the heart of the summer so we could get a larger turnout of bikers riding to the exhibit and to look similar to a mini rally.

The first Chrome and Chroma, held in August of 2008, attracted around 300 people with around 75 motorcycles parked outside. It was held in a photo studio in the northern section of downtown Denver. The artists featured were David Uhl, Dan Stuckensneider (Danial James), Lory Lockwood, Ronnie Cramer, Jeremy Potts, Peter Kirk, Eric Trujillo, and myself (Steve Schader). The event was sponsored by Art in the City, American Throttle, Trion Promotions, Total Beverage, and was catered by Great Divide Brewery and Jim ‘N’ Nick’s BBQ. The local band, Emilio Emilio, also performed their brand of rock and roll with sets including songs from Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. The event not only had wonderful artwork on display but included a few vendors such as True Kustom Paint, one of the premiere local custom motorcycle paint shops.

Rough conceptual sketches as ideas for promoting the event. I decided to go with the front end of the motorcycle with a rainbow of color coming out from the headlight.

Sketch 1 – This pencil sketch, which was more of a logo look, features wrenches, a pencil, a paint brush, and flames, was eventually used on t-shirts that were sold at the event.
Sketch 2 – This pencil sketch, which I eventually chose to use, was more poster like and would feature my illustration style.
Sketch 3 – This pencil sketch, which was more of a logo look, features chrome flames, a chrome air cleaner, a paint brush with paint splattering down.
Sketch 4 – This pencil sketch, which also was more of a logo, features two pistons, a spade (from cards), a chrome air cleaner, two chrome pipes with flames off the left, and a chrome pencil and paint brush with a paint splatter off the right.

Rough Sketch for the illustration used on all promotional materials including the art poster, promotional poster, postcard, legal sized flyer and email blast.

4×6 Promotional Postcard – Featuring a graphic motorcycle illustration where the headlight is shining a rainbow of color. The main type was made to look like chrome and the background was designed to have paint splatters. The back of the card was printed black only and was designed to be mailed if need be.

Promotional Email Image – Featuring a graphic motorcycle illustration where the headlight is shining a rainbow of color. The main type was made to look like chrome and the background was designed to have paint splatters.

Promotional Flyer – Featuring a graphic motorcycle illustration where the headlight is shining a rainbow of color. The main type was made to look like chrome and the background was designed to have paint splatters. These flyers were used in shop windows, placed in motorcycle dealerships, and were handed out on the streets and at previous events to get people to attend.

Poster – Featuring a graphic motorcycle illustration where the headlight is shining a rainbow of color. The main type was made to look like chrome and the background was designed to have paint splatters. These posters were used in shop windows and placed in motorcycle dealerships to provide awareness of the event.

Poster (Art Print) – Featuring a graphic motorcycle illustration where the headlight is shining a rainbow of color. The main type was made to look like chrome and the background was designed to have paint splatters. These posters were sold at the function to raise money to pay for the band, the catering and the beer and alcohol.

T-shirt – Featuring the logo illustration from Sketch 1 and was printed with a silver ink on black to be sold at the event. Trion Promotions printed the shirt and had a booth with the shirts for sale.