Each year, the Screenwave International Film Festival commissions artworks from local Coffs Coast artists to be the face of the festival – what audiences see, hear, and experience – ultimately enhancing the regional cultural identity of the region.

The designer of the upcoming SWIFF 2021 festival’s front cover artwork is local Coffs Harbour artist and gallery owner, Alyson Pearson, owner of Alykat Creative.

Alyson brings over fifteen years of graphic design experience working with brands all over the world and has developed a unique creative style, often combining digital imagery with her hand drawn biro and watercolour illustrations. Her signature surreal and whimsical concepts lend themselves to interesting and fun projects, SWIFF 2021 cover artwork being the latest.

For this year’s project, Alyson collaborated with a number of local artists and the SWIFF team to produce an image that speaks to the experience of being in the pulsing heart of the film festival atmosphere.

The image includes model Tigist Teressa, who also owns Mana Chita Ethiopian restaurant in Coffs Harbour, as the subject of a light-hearted surreal reflection of what happens when we experience films that push our boundaries and challenge our ideas.

The design utilised a photo of Tigist taken by Bellingen photographer Jay Black from And The Trees Photography, who designed last year’s front cover artwork, with the final concept design and artwork produced by Alyson Pearson.

“The opportunity to experiment with weird and wonderful ideas was encouraged throughout the entire design process, which helped shape a playful yet sophisticated final design.”

SWIFF 2021, presented again by Ashton Designs, will take place from April 14th to the 29th in Coffs Harbour. For more information visit www.swiff.com.au.