THE BASTARD SON & THE DEVIL HIMSELF (HALF BAD) — Netflix (2022)
Graphic Designer
Custom illustrations and props in service of a darkly magical world
The Project
Half Bad – The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself follows a young man caught between two warring witch clans as he searches for his identity and powers. I worked as a Graphic Designer on the show from June to November 2021, creating custom illustrations and props that grounded the world while supporting narrative and character development.
The graphics blend realism with stylised, magical elements, helping to communicate tone, history, and emotion across the series. Each object — whether a children’s book, sketch, card, or poster — was designed to integrate seamlessly into the story and the actors’ performances.
IMDb Page
Mockup of the cover of Gabriel’s Book.
The boy and the girl found themselves standing in the dark. They could not see the little boat. They could not see the shore at all. All that they could see was the earth beneath them, and the stars above them.
“We are lost and alone” said the boy, “how ever will we find our way home?”
The girl took his hand. “We are not alone,” she said. “Not while we have each other.” Then she pointed at the stars. “Do you see the brightest star?” She asked him. “That is the Star that will guide us home. So you see; we are not lost, either”
“But I still feel afraid” said the little boy.
“That’s Okay,” said the girl. “When I feel afraid you can squeeze my hand, and when you feel afraid I will squeeze your hand. And we will be brave together.”
“What if I forget that I am brave?” Said the little boy.
“It’s okay” the little girl said. “I will remind you.”
French Children’s Book
Gabriel’s Lifeline
I designed the cover and three interior spreads by hand on paper, then digitised them using Illustrator. The book is Gabriel’s last connection to his parents and contains the names of loved ones now forgotten. Each illustration had to feel authentic to a classic French children’s book while conveying warmth and nostalgia, underscoring its emotional significance as a prop and storytelling device.
Narrative function: The book is a lifeline, a tangible connection to Gabriel’s past and the people he has lost.
Mockup of an inside page from the book.
Gabriel with his book, both in the present and an inside page from the story.
Clean digital version to produce repeat props from.
Annalise Sketch
Representation of Longing
The charcoal sketch of Annalise was started on paper, then scanned and completed in Photoshop to allow multiple perfect copies throughout production. As the drawing appears folded, tucked in books or pockets, and eventually burned, it needed to withstand repeated handling and reproduce consistently on camera.
Narrative function: The sketch embodies Nathan’s feelings for Annalise and his longing for normalcy, giving the audience insight into his inner life.
Ceelia finding the sketch of Annalise.