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Michael Gillette's illustrations turn our favourite musicians into their canine counterparts

If you didn't yet know it, today is International Dog Day. And to mark this joyous occasion, dog and culture magazine, Four&Sons, has announced it will launch its first book this October, featuring illustrations by Michael Gillette that depict famous musicians as pooches.

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From the book, Pack of Dogs by Michael Gillette, available via [Four&Sons](https://fourandsons.com/product/pack-of-dogs-amy/). All images courtesy of the artist and publisher.

From the book, Pack of Dogs by Michael Gillette, available via Four&Sons. All images courtesy of the artist and publisher.

Pack of Dogs by the San Francisco-based, Welsh-born artist allows you to imagine Amy Winehouse or Nick Cave as a chihuahua, Neil Young as a vizsla and PJ Harvey as an Afghan hound. The unique project was inspired by a box of 1960s dog cards and combines Michael's love of music, art and human's most loyal friend. From legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and Lemmy to more contemporary musicians such as Pharrell, Bjork and Lady Gaga, Michael has drawn 45 of his favourite artists into their compelling canine counterparts.

Of course, Michael's career is steeped in popular culture, having designed posters and album art for bands such as St Etienne, Elastica, Beck and The Beastie Boys to revamping the Penguin James Bond 007 book covers. "I've always been fascinated with the look of musicians and how they influence fashion and street style," he says. "I grew up in Britain in the early-80s where it was the high-water mark of youth culture revivals: mods, rockabillies, Ska, skinheads, punks, along with new wave, new romantics, heavy metal; all these tribes, led by musicians. First, I made a Bowie Chihuahua, and that dog led to other musicians. As I've gone on, it gets harder, and I set myself odd challenges: 'Can I turn one dog into all four of the Beatles?' It's a game."

Pack of Dogs is the first of many dog-centric titles to be published by Four&Sons. Marta Roca, its founder and creative director, said she first came across Michael's work in 2016 when scouting for artists who are inspired by dogs. "I recall seeing Kurt, Lemmy and Amy's dog counterparts first and falling in love with them immediately. The mash-up between the familiar and the otherworldly; the balance between the icons we all recognise, and these new creatures is mesmerising. Seeing our favourite musicians as dogs shines a new light, even if only imaginary."

Pack of Dogs is a joyful, quirky and uplifting book designed for music, pop culture and dog lovers alike. With a choice of four collectable covers, you can expect it to hit the shelves this October. Pre-order a copy at fourandsons.com.

Four illustrations from Michael Gillette's Pack of Dogs project showing famous musicians reimagined as different dog breeds in black and white sketches
Black and white illustration of Amy Winehouse reimagined as a chihuahua with her signature beehive hairstyle, by Michael Gillette
Open book spread showing Michael Gillette's black and white illustration of a musician as a dog wearing a cowboy hat on the left page, with text on the right page against a black background
Cover of Pack of Dogs book featuring Michael Gillette's black and white illustration of a musician reimagined as a dog wearing sunglasses and a scarf
Black and white sketch of a dog with long, shaggy hair and elongated snout wearing a jacket, drawn in Michael Gillette's illustration style
Open pages from Pack of Dogs book showing black page with text on left and illustration of long-haired dog in profile on right
Cover of Pack of Dogs book by Michael Gillette, featuring a sketch portrait of a musician illustrated as a dog wearing sunglasses, with text listing the contents on a cream background
Black and white pen illustration of a poodle with styled curled hair, wearing a studded collar and ruffled shirt, depicted as a musician character
Black and white pencil illustration of a dog wearing a top hat with a rose badge and studded jacket, styled as Amy Winehouse
Book cover for Pack of Dogs featuring a black and white illustration of a dog's head with wavy fur and refined features, with text listing musician names on the left side
Ink sketch of a person with a dog's head and snout, wearing a jacket, in profile against a cream background
Illustration of a musician depicted as a dog wearing a fedora hat, featured on the cover of Pack of Dogs by Michael Gillette
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