Ammo Magazine invited My Poor Brain to be one of 54 character designers to exhibit at their Poop Deck exhibition in the Coningsby Gallery, London. Each designer created a nautical themed character to adorn a playing card – combined to create a full deck.

 

I was given the task of designing the Undead Helmsman. I introduced a narrative to the character – a humorous way in which he became ‘undead’. As a pirate, a sword to the head would be an honourable way to go, however while he did die from a sword to the head, it’s not the kind of sword you might expect…

 

As the Helmsman, the ship's wheel is his wooden peg leg or hook hand.

 

How did his parrot die?

 

The Helmsman playing card.

 

The Helmsman playing card being printed.

 

The Helmsman was also hung at Ammo Magazine’s Poop Deck exhibition in the Coningsby Gallery, London.

 

Concept work from pencil sketch, to line work to finished piece.

 

The Helmsman features as part of a full deck of playing cards by 54 international character designers.