#46 - The Difference Between Medicine and Posion is the dose (Circa Survive)

Introduction

Music has an incredible way of shaping how we see the world, especially for those of us who create art. Circa Survive, one of the most genre-defying post-hardcore and indie rock bands, has always inspired me with their abstract, emotionally charged lyrics. Their song The Difference Between Medicine and Poison Is the Dose struck me deeply—so much so that I decided to illustrate its themes visually.

The Evolution of the Concept

Originally, my idea for this piece focused heavily on writer’s block and creative fatigue—a theme that I believe runs through the song. My initial sketches depicted a brain trapped in a cage, symbolizing the frustration of feeling stuck in your own creativity, unable to break free.

But as I continued working, I became enamored with a single line from the song:

"Do you ever wish you were somebody else?"

That question lingered with me, reshaping the entire direction of the illustration. Instead of focusing solely on creative burnout, I wanted to explore the shifting nature of identity—how we sometimes feel like different versions of ourselves, fragmented and unstable.

Bringing the Concept to Life

This shift in perspective led to the final illustration, where overlapping faces represent different emotions and personas. There’s a tension between these expressions—frustration, numbness, and a forced, almost unsettling grin. They all blend into one another, reflecting the fluidity of self-identity and the internal conflict of feeling like you’re not enough, or that you should be someone else entirely.

If you watch my Instagram reel, you’ll even catch glimpses of my earlier sketches, where the brain-in-a-cage concept was still present. But ultimately, the raw power of that lyric took over, pushing me toward this multi-faced imagery.

How Circa Survive’s Music Influences Art

Bands like Circa Survive, Thrice, and Coheed and Cambria have always blended poetic storytelling with haunting instrumentals, making them a goldmine for artistic inspiration. Their music often explores existential themes, identity shifts, and personal battles, which naturally lend themselves to visual storytelling.

Conclusion

This illustration was my way of translating music into a visual language, and I’d love to hear from others who connect with Circa Survive’s music in a similar way. If this piece speaks to you, drop a comment below!