For this graphic design project, I reimagined the traditional Sicilian playing card kings as original illustrated characters, bringing them to life with a fresh visual language that blends folklore, symbolism, and contemporary aesthetics.
These unique reinterpretations were created specifically for a series of craft beer labels, each one designed to capture the personality and spirit of its corresponding beer. The result is a collection that pays homage to Sicilian iconography while transforming it into something bold, expressive, and unexpected—an intersection of tradition and modern storytelling through illustration.
The King of Cups, strong but clumsy, inspired by the giant cyclops Polyphemus.
The King of Swords, proud and bold in his pose... somewhere between a warrior and a superhero.
The four original kings of the Sicilian cards, directly derived from the Spanish baraja.
The King of Clubs is an old jester, always ready to fool you with his clever tricks.
The King of Gold, half man half... merman! The ruler of the underwater world.
Detail of the texture of the illustrations: too grungy in the original versions!
In one of the original concept the Golden King was holding a thunderbolt (eliminated in later versions).
