‘Breaking Bad’s’ creator tried to ignore fan reactions. This epic art broke through

Huang’s Digital Painting for the Cover Design of “99.1% Pure: Breaking Bad Art”

Huang, an artist, reflects on his creation of the digital painting titled “Study of Change.” The painting was chosen as the cover design for the book “99.1% Pure: Breaking Bad Art,” which features fan art inspired by the popular TV series “Breaking Bad.” The cover design pays homage to the show’s opening titles, which repurpose the symbols for chemical elements. Huang’s painting incorporates the symbols for “Br” and “Ba,” representing “Breaking Bad,” and adds the symbol for “Ar,” representing “Art.” The squares framing each letter pairing are textured strokes of color, resembling sinuous pools of green and amber.

Incorporating References to the Show’s Seasons

Upon closer inspection of Huang’s painting, one can see that each square is densely compacted with tiny references to the events and characters of each season of “Breaking Bad.” The concept for the cover design came from show creator Vince Gilligan, but it was Huang who spent hours realizing the idea. He found the task singularly absorbing and only had to stop because they were already past the deadline for the illustration. Huang contributed two other pieces to the book and looks back on the experience with gratitude.

Gilligan’s Appreciation for Fan Artists

Gilligan, in his introduction to “99.1% Pure,” frames the book as a form of recognition for the show’s global cohort of fan artists. He expresses his astonishment at the depth and breadth of their art and emphasizes his desire to celebrate these fans. Gilligan acknowledges the efforts of his collaborators and extends a similar courtesy to the many artists who were not included in the book’s 232 pages. He recognizes that there is much more talent out there in the world that they unfortunately couldn’t fit into the book.

The Curators and Authors of “99.1% Pure”

The book features art curated by Gilligan and several of his colleagues from the production of “Breaking Bad” and its spinoff, “Better Call Saul.” The curators include Jenn Carroll, Clementine Dunnell, Melissa Ng, and Melissa Bernstein. The accompanying text in the book is written by authors Claudia Azurmendi and Joanna Zhang.

Gilligan’s Surprising Encounter with Fan Art

Gilligan typically avoids online reactions to his work in order to protect his creative process. However, he found himself surrounded by the artistic statements of fans. Printouts of fan art now adorn the writers’ offices of “Better Call Saul,” another show created by Gilligan. He marvels at the fantastic degree of artistry displayed by the fans and describes how it breached his metaphorical firewall, leading to the idea of creating the art book “99.1% Pure.”

The Impact of “Breaking Bad” Fan Art on Artists’ Careers

The publication of “99.1% Pure” reinforces the connections between the show’s creators and fan artists and narrows the gap between them. Several fan artists share their experiences and the impact that “Breaking Bad” fan art has had on their careers.

Constance Harvey’s Confidence Boost

Constance Harvey, an artist based in Montréal, credits her “viral” illustrations of “Breaking Bad” for helping her gain confidence in her talent. She recalls the incredible boost in confidence when Gilligan mentioned her as a “talented young lady” in a podcast.

Beth Evans’ Launching Platform

Beth Evans from Chicago considers “Breaking Bad” fan art as a launching platform for her career. It was one of the first things that got her noticed online and helped her gain recognition as an artist.

Jake Giddens’ Sense of Fellowship

Jake Giddens from Portland, Oregon, sees fan art as a way of connecting with other fans who love the same thing. He believes that fan art is about the connection to the stories and the shared passion for the show.

Carlos Valarezo’s Excitement and Validation

Carlos Valarezo from Loja, Ecuador, recalls the excitement of being invited to contribute to “99.1% Pure.” He was thrilled when Jenn Carroll and Vince Gilligan recognized and appreciated his artwork inspired by the show.

Mariko Kumano’s Sympathy with Jane Margolis

Mariko Kumano from Tokyo found inspiration in the art of Jane Margolis, Jesse’s girlfriend from the second season of “Breaking Bad.” She sympathizes with Jane as an artistic person and combined her own style with Jane’s in her artwork titled “Apology Girl / Gomenne Girl.”

The Diverse Artistic Interpretations in “99.1% Pure”

The book showcases a wide range of artistic styles and interpretations of the show “Breaking Bad.” The artists featured in the book reconfigure the show’s dark themes in playful and unconventional ways.

Francesca Zingaretti’s Playful Variation

Francesca Zingaretti from Rome, also known as Ceci N’Est Pas Francesca, borrowed from René Magritte’s “The Son of Man” for her artwork titled “Breaking Bad – The Son of Heisenberg.” In her crayon and Ecoline piece, Walter’s glare is impishly covered by a Los Pollos Hermanos cup, adding a touch of levity to the depiction.

Unique and Unconventional Art Pieces

The book features a variety of unconventional art pieces, such as characters painted onto skateboards, Pez dispensers, and matryoshka dolls. The playfulness and creativity in these renderings bring joy to Gilligan, who appreciates the departure from traditional hagiography of the show’s characters.

Gilligan’s Reflection on Art and Creativity

The creation of “99.1% Pure” has prompted Gilligan to reflect on art and creativity in his own life. He recalls the exhilaration of art class during his school years and regrets not embracing it more fully. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying art and fulfilling one’s creative needs, regardless of talent or competitiveness.

The Importance of a Distinct Point of View

Gilligan believes that having a distinct point of view is paramount in art. He appreciates the unique lens through which each artist sees the world and the way they communicate it through their art. He expresses his admiration for the talented artists featured in “99.1% Pure” and their ability to create images that stick with viewers and resonate on a deep level.

Overall, “99.1% Pure: Breaking Bad Art” serves as a testament to the impact of “Breaking Bad” on fan artists and the creative community as a whole. The book showcases the diverse interpretations and talents of these artists, bridging the gap between the show’s creators and its passionate fans.