Album Cover & Zoetrope
CHAOS NOW* - Jean Dawson
In showcasing Jean Dawson’s genre of experimental rap in design, many stylistic decisions were made. The album art and zoetrope aim to be a cohesive experience relating visual and musical arts. Guiding principles such as ambiguity, balance, motion, and format, helped to create a unique and immersive experience. Ambiguity is shown in the dominant monotone setting of the cover art with highlights of red to intrigue the viewer. Through proper layout, balance is achieved in the front and back cover typography, displaying unique ways to organize and display text to invoke further interpretation. The motion of the elements on the zoetrope helps create an experience that relates to the music as well as shows a deeper relation between the zoetrope and album cover design. Selecting materiality-inspired formats using charcoal/pencil inspirations and texture overlays helped further develop the meaning of the album creation. The concept highlights the impact of the musician's work along with how it can connect visually with an album and vinyl design.
Throughout the design process, a paramount objective was to ensure a seamless integration across all elements. This involved maintaining a harmonious monotone color palette aimed at evoking a contemplative setting with bursts of red. Setting the scene of the front cover with the image of an in-thought individual in their room played a vital role in shaping the identity of the design, anchoring the narrative that enhances reflection. This cohesive approach aimed to unify components in telling a compelling visual story.
The Design Process
Developing the cover art
During the creation of the cover art design, critiques were made to create breathing room within the composition. Relocating the text from the bottom to the top facilitated a smoother transition to the hand-drawn artwork. Transitioning from a line-sketch style to a blended depiction also emphasized the complexity of the individual on the bed. The adjustments enhanced both the visual impact and thematic depth of the artwork.
Making a Connected Design
A key objective was creating an interconnection between all elements to create an intriguing zoetrope design. This involved incorporating recurring elements that are shown across the design components. Drawing inspiration from the front cover, the crashing guitar emerged as a symbolic motif, while the imagery of the crumpling paper was pulled from the back cover. These elements were carefully selected to evoke the intense emotion portrayed in the art, adding visual impact and narrative depth.
