Step into the twilight world of Heymoonly Dale – AKA Dale Lendl – the Filipino illustrator whose work is fuelled by Neon Pop palettes, anime heroines, Japanese legends and a large order of imagination. Posters, apparel designs, branding and more – Dale is the artist global brands turn to when they need artwork that zings.
A self-taught artist, Dale has made himself an expert using digital tools. The same get-up-and-go attitude brings energy to his work and has driven his career. Starting with emo t-shirt designs, today clients trust him with some of the biggest characters in the entertainment industry. He’s even illustrated a Dungeons & Dragons campaign following his own unique approach.
One curious fact from Dale’s eclectic universe is that all his images are set at dusk or nighttime, allowing his neon palettes to sing. His influences include the anime series Bleach and Naruto, the kitsune spirits of Japanese mythology, the Edo period and its samurai, as well as films with killer women in them like Kill Bill, Sucker Punch and the Hong Kong movie So Close.
Approach
Bringing together plenty of visual references, Dale begins a project in his imagination. Picturing the imagery in his head, he sketches with pen and paper, or on his tablet, until the ideas flow smoothly, and a composition takes form.
Key software
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Procreate
Style
Dale characterises his style as a contemporary Pop Art cocktail mixed with retro vapourware, cyberpunk and a neon Japanese city aesthetic. His palette is big on electric pinks, purples and blues. In addition to a monochrome style, Dale offers three variants which he describes as Cute Anime, Bad Ass Dark and Lofi Calm.
Languages
English, Filipino