See ya

So sorry for missing last class, I worked all night Friday and went to bed at 4:00 so I just didn't manage to wake up. Anyway, I always wanted to share something just for fun for those of you who are into and/or appreciate production stuff. This one is pretty fun. Thanks for the good term, see ya.

Neurosonics Audiomedical Labs Inc. from Chris Cairns on Vimeo.

[Posted by Sergio]

Goodnight and good luck.

Thanks for another great term! We will return next spring beginning early February.

Cheers,

Neal Peterson

Dressing Down

I was thinking today about the fact that generic brands tend to do better in hard economic times, and wondering about the consumer mindset while purchasing them. Does more complicated or "nicer" looking design always equate to a higher price? Does generic (generally sparser, simpler design) equate to better value? And where does quality enter into the picture? (You can read a good article on this here.)

We need to think about the consumer in all of our designs, as we are designing for an audience. Though we may be thinking of the latter, however, does not mean we'll always be on target. Take, for example, the Tropicana rebrand (now reverted back to the original design). The new design pushed a modern, clean feel of the juice to broaden its audience and gain share. To a lot of people, the new package looked like a generic, which did the reverse of differentiating the brand. If there hadn't been such a backlash to the new design - from customers fiercely loyal to the old brand - perhaps we'd see how the generic-looking new model would be doing more long-term in midst of the recession.

Just something to think about while browsing the supermarket.

(Post by E. Noelle)

Websites per classroom conversation...

http://www.maggietaylor.com/

http://morningbreathinc.com/

http://www.wired.com/listening_post/2007/03/interview_jadon/

Posted by Neal.

Designers Work to Rescue a Dying Art Form -- the Album Cover

Some ideas on where album art is headed in the digital age.

http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/commentary/listeningpost/2007/03/listeningpost_0402

post by Scott

Memorable cd art

Whenever I think of cd art, I always get taken back to the day that I bought Radiohead's Kid A. Opening the case and flipping through the booklet, I remember thinking this is kind of cool, but weird at the same time. Referencing there previous albums' (Ok Computer, The Bends) sounds in my head, I was perplexed about how this art fit with their music. Then listening to the accompanying cd, it clicked. I think Kid A, at that time, was a new direction for Radiohead and the cd art was the first thing that showcased that. The geometric planes, cold colors, solid yet haunting feelings expressed by the cd art were also found in the music of the cd. Years later, I still love that cd, and have come to love the art that came in association with it. I guess it's just something to think about...is the cd art going to make as much of an impact as the music? Is it supposed to?

• posted by Greg

Print is Dead

"Print is Dead" ... this title, the hand-drawn look of the type all made me take notice. This cd was designed for a band named "Yourcodenameis:Milo." The typeface looks hand-drawn on the paper insert found inside the jewel case... very minimalistic. You can see images of the back cover and cd contents on this page: http://sleevage.com/yourcodenameismilo-print-is-dead/. Those images help convey the idea that everything on this cd was handrawn and not printed, which makes the title all the more real.

Elise

A few classic album covers...

Notice the Andy Warhol design for the Velvet Underground and the use of cooper black (typeface) on the Beach Boys album cover. Posted by Neal.

The Bad Plus Cover Art

Every since I started listening to The Bad Plus I've enjoyed their covers as much as their music.
[Posted by Sergio]

Les Savy Fav - 3/5

I think this album cover illustrates the influence of hierarchy on an album cover very well. Were there not a sticker that says "Les Savy Fav - 3/5" you might think the "Shower Caps" had just released an album called "Bonus Pack."

That's not to say, however, that this is a "bad" cover. I think the layout choice fits the tone and themes of the music within, making it an effective piece of the album.

[Posted by Jon]

Urban Cursor

Not totally related to design, but Urban Cursor is eerily close to the concept I used for my poster and I thought it might be of interest. Found it here. Enjoy...

[Posted by Jon]

CD cover

Mott the Hoople were an English rock band well known for being a part of the popular glam rock scene of the mid-70's. The lead singer/songwriter, Ian Hunter, continued on for many years as a solo artist. The record company asked for an illustrated solution, and because Ian's hair and glasses are so iconic, that's where we started. This 2-CD set features Mott the Hoople's notorious hit, "All the Young Dudes" written by their fan and friend, David Bowie - which was also featured in the soundtrack of "Juno"

Posted by Scott

"BRLSQOTHEQUE is the music-related division of Burlesque of North America. Since 2003, the Minneapolis-based Burlesque has been designing and screenprinting concert posters for Arcade Fire, Mad Decent, Stones Throw, and MGMT, creating artwork for Nike, T&A Records, and Mass Appeal Magazine, organizing the annual Dre Day parties in Minneapolis and New York, and exhibiting the artwork of their peers in their own First Amendment gallery."

check it out in this place

posted by Tony

Art is Music is Art

Some inspiration for great album covers paired with great music - check out this post on Music is Art about the best album art of 2008. Like this one, for The Notwist.

(Post by E. Noelle)