Studio Output mixes up Wizard of Oz bar design twist

Nottingham design group Studio Output has designed a mural for Nottingham cocktail bar Brass Monkey, which is being installed this week.

The illustrations will be reproduced on to wallpaper, forming a 5m x 4m centrepiece for the bar area. The work was created by senior designer Steve Payne, who has just joined the design group.

Studio Output director Ian Hambleton says, ‘The client had very strong ideas of the kind of imagery he wanted to see – a twisted The Wizard of Oz with flying monkeys, an enchanted forest, a woodland “clash” and lots of stuffed animals. He wanted the eye to be drawn up the wall to emphasise the high ceilings and also encourage the viewer to explore the picture.’

Hambleton explains that the final illustration route was formulated from mood boards of ideas and illustration styles.

‘This theme carries on throughout the bar,’ he adds. Identity work, various promotional materials and signage for the bar are also due to follow, based around the concept of the initial illustration.

‘This project follows a number of recent identity, interior graphics and print campaigns for the retail and leisure sector, including Liverpool’s Tea Factory and footwear retailer Schuh,’ adds Hambleton.