Birds of Empire — jonathan marshall portfolio

11171986—38 CA

Birds of Empire

Role: Logo/Key Art

Client: QCode Media

Set thousands of years after the fall of modern civilization, Birds of Empire imagines a world where Earth has reclaimed the remnants of the past, and humanity thrives in tribal societies reminiscent of advanced ancient civilizations. The story centers on four heroes from the great tribes of what was once South Dakota.

For the launch of this cinematic fantasy podcast, I was tasked with developing both the logo and key art to reflect the tone and themes of this richly imagined world. With no modern technology in the story’s universe, I approached the logo with a tactile mindset—hand-drawing multiple variations to capture a raw, ancient aesthetic that felt true to the setting.

In developing the key art, my goal was to create visual “snapshots” of life within this world. Each piece is designed to spotlight different aspects—be it the characters and tribes, the broader environment, or pivotal story moments—offering a series of glimpses into the larger narrative.

Although my concept was ultimately not selected, this project pushed me to expand my creative toolkit. It deepened my understanding of how design can support world-building, and sharpened my ability to convey narrative through visual storytelling.

These logo explorations showcase different approaches to form and texture, all aimed at capturing the spirit of the story.

Unused sketches for cover art.