A hafla is traditionally a gathering of bellydancers of all styles. Hosted by B3 Bellydance–a tribal fusion troupe out of Oneonta, NY–this year’s hafla doubles as a Day of the Dead celebration, thus the traditional Dio de los Muertos imagery.

The sugar skull is an iconic image, which presents a challenge in creating a fresh design. I researched the roots of Dia de los Muertos and found that the Aztecs incorporated the star-eating, skeletal goddess Mictecacihuatl into their festivities. Fascinated as I am with pre-Colombian cultures, I let her make a guest appearance in the ad.

Ink, Photoshop, InDesign
September 2013