BLOG 7 – ALBUM COVER RESEARCH

In order for me and Alex to gain an idea into the area we would like to take this EP cover, I firstly researched and looked into album covers from a variety of artists. I also wanted to look into only illustrated album covers to see what has been created in industry. Below are some examples that caught my eye –

PHOTOGRAPHS + ILLUSTRATION:

The album covers above, have been created with both photography and illustration, demonstrating two areas of media that have been combined to form something unique and eye catching. The Shawn Mendes cover (second cover) most especially caught my eye, mainly due to the illustrated flowers, something that I could possibly incorporate in my cover.

MAINLY ILLUSTRATION:

Now that I have gained an insight into varying album cover designs, I am mainly interested in the aspect of illustration, in this case, without the photograph element. I am particularly intrigued by the last one (Disclosure Ft. Lorde) whereby the illustrator has drawn the singer Lorde. Although I will be eliminating the idea of using photography, I believe a photograph can be still involved through Alex illustrating an image of me.

CREATING A MOCK UP

Below is a ‘mock up’ I have created with Alex in order to gain an idea of the style I am hoping to achieve. I have also used the Lorde illustration as a reference. This will help us both in the process when creating the cover.

In order to make this album cover unique, especially to me as an artist and wanting to stand out, I wanted to incorporate some form of Greek elements. By doing this, we have included a Greek patterned border and will further explore Greek style fonts in the process of creating previews/drafts.

COLLABORATIVE CHECK:

Because we will be collaborating through Facebook and Skype, it is important that we are still able to work together on this project effectively. Although it may not be as effective working online rather than face-to-face (as me and Connor are doing), Hutt (2017) states the positives that may be achieved through collaboration online, this has also been adapted with my own ideas:

1. Easier managing the project
2. Quick messages – can message with ideas at any time, with quick responses
3. Easily able to send links, videos, share picture, any ideas
4. Screen sharing via Facebook – Able to see progress, have input
5. Complete project quickly – Finish by May 7th
6. Save money – Don’t have to travel to where Alex

Adapted from: Hutt, 2017

From this session and producing a mock up with Alex, I am very pleased and believe that this will create something very positive! Alex has also shown his interest in this project and has a very professional attitude when collaborating with other individuals.

What Next?

1. Continue working with Alex on the ideas – Create previews/drafts and discuss
2. Work with Connor now to form varying ideas for different tracks – Could relate to the ideas that have been made for the EP cover? – Look into this.

Reference List:

Hutt, M. (2017). Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Collaboration. eZTalks. Available at: https://www.eztalks.com/video-conference/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-collaboration.html [Accessed February 25th, 2020]

Raye. (n.d.). Raye Official Website. Available at: https://www.raye-music.com/music/ [Accessed May 5th, 2020].

Amazon. (n.d.). Shawn Mendes Album Cover. Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shawn-Mendes-VINYL/dp/B07CPMYRKF [Accessed May 5th, 2020].

All Music. (n.d.). Arlo Album Cover. Available at: https://www.allmusic.com/album/safe-mw0003127791/credits [Accessed May 5th, 2020].

Pitchfork. (2019). Taylor Swift Announces New Album Lover, Releasing New Song Tonight. Available at: https://pitchfork.com/news/taylor-swift-announces-new-album-lover-releasing-new-song-tonight/ [Accessed May 5th, 2020].

Discogs. (n.d.). Snoh Aalegra ‎– There Will Be Sunshine. Available at: https://www.discogs.com/Snoh-Aalegra-There-Will-Be-Sunshine/release/14134336 [Accessed May 5th, 2020].

Bandcamp. (n.d.). Amogh Symphony. Available at: https://amoghsymphony.bandcamp.com/ [Accessed May 5th, 2020].

Behance. (n.d.). Mooroo Album Cover. Available at: https://www.behance.net/gallery/45362059/Mooroo-Album-Cover-Art [Acessed May 5th, 2020].

Amazon. (n.d.). Flower Boy by Tyler the Creator. Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flower-Boy-Creator-Tyler/dp/B073PWFBT6 [Accessed May 5th, 2020].

Amazon. (n.d.). Music is My Therapy by Jayball. Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Music-Is-My-Therapy/dp/B078HHKD8G [Accessed May 5th, 2020].

Disclosure. (2015). Disclosure – Magnets (A-Trak Remix) ft. Lorde. (Online Video). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBIE8waeHCI [Accessed May 5th, 2020].