2021 Adobe / Velocity Invitational
For Adobe's 2021 Velocity Invitational at Laguna Seca Raceway, I concepted three options for the event's charity art auction and sold the direction through: a custom-designed and painted helmet, a limited-edition signed print, or an original poster pairing Velocity Invitational graphics with historic race cars. The helmet concept won out, and I connected directly with Munich-based designer Andy Werner, whose clients include Adidas, Singer Vehicle Design, Mini, BMW, Toyota Motorsport, and Allianz, and who has designed helmets for drivers like Sergey Sirotkin, Kelvin van der Linde, and Valtteri Bottas, to brief him on the piece.
Andy took it from there, and my input on the final work stayed minimal: he nailed it. In his own words: "Graphic stripes paired with paint splatters and drips connect artistic creativity with the creativity F1 drivers exhibit on the raceway. The bear, star and color palette reference the flag of California where the event takes place, but I gave the bear a more aggressive attitude fitting for the roar of the cars as they speed around the track." Every detail was considered, down to how the graphics sweep around and point toward the bear, a light/dark duality across the two sides of the helmet, a custom-fit clear rear wing, and a white interior to complete the styling.
The finished piece, a one-of-a-kind art helmet, not intended for use, was commissioned by Adobe to support the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in San Jose, which has given artists a platform and the public a place to experience art since 1980. It went to auction as part of the Velocity Invitational's charity sale and ultimately sold for $5,000.
Credits
John Caponi / Creative Director / Concepted the auction options and sold the direction through; briefed Andy Werner directly; art directed the final piece
Andy Werner / Designer / Custom helmet design and paint
