Made in Surf City 
Dean O. Torrence & Kittyhawk Graphics

How did a surf music pop star become a thoughtful graphic designer?

Dean Torrence and Jan Berry, of the enormously popular music duo, Jan & Dean, racked up 26 chart hits over an eight year period. Their California, sun-drenched, surf vocal stylings helped establish the genre. However, in 1966, their pop careers ended when Jan Berry was nearly killed in a terrible automobile accident.

Dean Torrance, showing resilience and talent, emerged as a unique visual artist, synchronizing his arrival with a time of change among the big record companies. Having been a musical artist himself, Dean knew all about what the record companies were trying to pass off as album cover art. 

He established KittyHawk Graphics and began working with artists who wanted something different and who finally had the power to demand this from their record companies. 

Dean delivered a rich and varied array of expression incorporating photography, fine art, comic illustrations and brand development. 

This documentary looks at Dean’s focused creations as he worked with several musical artists, including, The Turtles, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Michael Nesmith, Nilsson, Steve Martin, Walter Egan and The Beach Boys. 

Take a ride along to see a time when an album cover meant something. 

Premiere at Tiki Oasis Sunday August 10th 2025 2 pm San Diego CA