The art director of Phoenix New Times contacted me to create a cover that would capture the energy and heritage of Circus Mexicus, the iconic three-day music festival in Puerto Peñasco led by Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers. My task was to design artwork that felt like a tribute to both the desert landscape and the festival’s deep cultural roots.
To bring this to life, I centered the design on a rugged rendition of the eagle and snake symbol, representing both Mexican heritage and the festival’s branding. Surrounding it are desert elements, like cacti and beach accents, to reflect Puerto Peñasco’s unique vibe. I included a Telecaster guitar—the same model Roger Clyne plays—leaning against the cactus, and drew a “25” in the sand to mark the anniversary.
This cover is a celebration of Circus Mexicus—not just as a music event, but as a gathering that honors place, sound, and community in the desert. You can view the edition here.