Visual Communications Document

VISUAL
COMMS
h e at he r p ax t o n
visual communications p1
CONTENTS
Research
Techniques
Experiments
Promotion
Page 4 - Epitaph Records

Page 5 - Epitaph Bands
Page 7 - Band Decision
Page 8 - The Weakerthans
Page 9 - Album Inspiration
Page 18 - Experiments
Page 22 - Technique
Decision
Page 23 - Lino
Page 24 - Experiments
Page 26 - Technique
Decision
Page 39 - Layout
Page 40 - Mix Media
Page 41- Template Research
Page 42 - Final Design
Page 44 - Inside Cover
Page 45 - Drawings
Page 46 - Stamps
Page 47 - Inside Designs
Page 48 - Inside
Development
Page 56 - Brainstorm
Page 57 - Poster Research
Page 58 - Tour Poster
Page 59 - Album Poster
Page 60 - Website
Page 61 - T-shirt
Page 62 - Stickers
Page 63 - Social Media
Page 64 - Bus Stop Ad
Page 65 - Give-away Ideas
Page 49 - Final Design

Page 50 - Final Design inc
Disc
Page 51 - Booklet
Page 52 - Vinyl
Page 53 - Vinyl Reverse
Page 54 - Single
Page 66 - Give-away
Development
Page 67 - Postcards
Page 68 - More Postcards
Page 69 - Bear
Page 70 - References
Inspiration
Page 11 - Album Ideas
Page 12 - Album Decisions
Page 13 - Album
Design
Development
Page 14 - Imagery
Page 15 - Watercolours
Page 16 - Illustration
Page 31 - Backgrounds
Page 32 - Typeface
Page 34 - Colour Scheme
Page 35 -Cover
Page 28 - Bears Everywhere
RESEARCH
epitaph records
With the task to create a
new release campaign for
an artist on the epitaph
record label, researh into
the company itself will help
in understanding its artists
and target markets.
Epitaph has an ideology of
made for the artist by an
artist. The guitarist from
Bad Religions own california
based punk label which has
various bands from all over
america. These bands also
range over various genres.
the punk scene is a strong

fashion trend that falls in
and out of mainstream view.
The fans that are interested
in the music, see themselves
as rebels or rejects.
With a diverse age group

of listeners between 16-40
and a who cares attitude,
Wearing band t-shirts and

badges bought from gigs,
fans also go to live gigs to
mosh. The fans are the type
to buy artists full albums.
Interested in music as
a hobby they imerse
themselves with magazines
or news on bands they like.
Kerrang, big cheese and
rolling stones are a few
to mention alongside the
recognised fanzines of the
related genre. Fanzines are
really interesting in how
they look and are made.
Looking into the bands already

on the label, there is a range in
genre, how they are promoted
and the varying designs of
their album art. Narrowing the
decision to 4 bands, with their
album art and their portrayed
identity it will be easier to
make a decision.
epitaph bands
epitaph bands
band decision
no1 The Weakerthans are

a band from Canada who
dont fit the stereotypical
epitaph artist but make up
in their lyrical and individual
sound. They have an
interesting album art work
style which uses illustrations
with a watercolour look this is something to explore.
The band dont use big
advertising or promotion
for new albums so therefore

would need something to
relate to for their fans.
no2 Motion City Soundtrack
are a loud rock band who
use their catchy lyrics
and riffs to create some
unforgettable songs. They
have a regular fan base
but arent as interesting in
their design work and dont
have much consistency

to it. Their website is very
similar to twitter and lacks a
connection to the band.
no3 The Menzingers
are an upcoming band
who use black and white
photography along with
tattoo-like designs to gain
both a consistent design
but also giving its fans a
relatable style. The design

work and logo works well.
no4 Weezer are well known
and an interesting band.
They use imagery of them all
and use humour within their
songs and designing. More
of a challenge due to their
imagery, Weezer art work
could be experimented with
by using mix media.
the weakerthans
The Weakerthans have

a strong style that is
consistent all over their
album art. When having
commissioned artists
involved in the creation
of an album they create a
design that is unique.
imagery. This idea allows

the album to be more
unique also; instead of being
covered in the bands faces
etc. Bands who lean to this
style may be shy but also
use their imagery to allow
the listener to escape to
another world.
The band has a style that

allows for my approach to
be all self made and without
reflects the songs within the

album itself.
Using washed out colours
and designs the covers tell a
story about the album which
is an interesting way to
design album art.
Working with the examples
Distinctive but muted, the

imagery which is used well,
fonts and artwork on all

albums. Following on from
what the design work has
at the moment - there is
possibilities that future
designs from the band
could involve Canadian
references, bears and
washed out colours and
artwork.
above, there is consistent

good design, use of colour,
album inspiration
no1 Punk-o-rama vol. 9 Various Artists has a stamp

effect that gives the cover
an imperfect design that
is visually interesting. The
design and use of the strong
green works well. Merging
imagery together and using
the same copier effect
is relatable to its target
audience.
no2 Menzingers - Rented

World uses a minimalistic
approach. The upcoming
band is being introduced
by the imagery but also by
using the black and white
effect gives off an attraction
to them. The lit up title
gives a quirk to the design
and contrasts well with the
minimalist design.
no3 Jamascis - Several

Shade of Whys design has
a gloomy appearance and
uses a pencil drawn style.
The design uses creatures
and an intriguing story to
what is happening. The
story is something that
could be used in the artwork
alongside the splatters
within the logo.
no4 They Might Be Giants

- Apollo 18 uses illustration
and characters to make an
entertaining and colourful
cover. The design reflects
its genre but mainly in its
typeface choice. The colours
complement each other but
also have a gloom to them.
This mixture of colour and
gloom reflects the genre.
INSPIRATION
album ideas
Thinking about different

themes for the album,
exploring similar ideas to
The Weakerthans previous
albums; there are various
routes that can be taken
inside a story-like scenario.
no1 Some Time Later
referencing the bear and
the lonely traveller from
previous albums the first
concept references these

by comically putting a bear
at a bus stop. This album
name suggesting the bear is
waiting and also connecting
to how films can fade to
later years.
no2 Were All Mammals
again focusing on animals,
the design refernces the
oscar selfie but with a twist
of replacing the actors with

animals. This idea relies
heavily on the illustration or
imagery found which wont
be as succesful or as good
quality.
no3 Modern Day
Technology reflects the
creation of more advance
technology that is becoming
more life-like but also how
they are interacting with by

people.
no4 Next Generation
compares the idea of how
the star trek glasses are
being realised through
googles version. The futures
caught up on us and with the
comparison works well.
The idea that will be most
suitable to explore is no1.
album decisions
Some Time Later uses
the simplicity of the
weakerthans style - keeping
the melancholy that the
weakerthans have, the
tone also being poetic and
referencing the beginning of
lots of stories
no1 The Bear at a Bus Stop
design is the original idea
and would be relatable
to other Weakerthans
albums. There is a mystery
to the bear and the unsual
scenario creates humour
and an interesting story. The
design would be simplistic
and could be explored
with various techniques
inc watercolours and

illustration.
would be inseresting and

Some Time Later would
also work but it would be
Potentially canadian
landscapes could be used
to inspire the visuals
no2 Exploring the album

name in a different way with
the bear but connecting
it more to their previous
album by putting him on ice.
By referencing the Reunion
Tour album there is more
connection but also less of
a uniqueness. The design
relying too heavily on the

previou design.
relating back to the band.

Landscapes could work from
cover to cover and also the
inside of an album.
no3 Exploring the album

name in a different
direction Somewhere
in the Distance using a
different style of illustration
to portray landscapes.
Each of these designs could be

developed but no1 and no3
have more potential towards a
design related to the band.
idea development
Thinking about the album

and similar ideas, campaigns
and thoughts around travel.
no1& 2 With strong
features the First Bus Bear
campaign uses humour
and replacing the fears
of bus travel with a bear this technique works well.
The art work with it also
is very inspirational to the
Some Time Later idea.

The London Underground
map is a very clever piece of
organised design and would
work within the travelling
sense of the album.
no3 Timetable layouts are
something to consider as it
could be a technique I use to
display my tracklisting etc.
The black and white design
is very clean and simple

which could fit in the tracks.
no4 When thinking about
travel, you relate to sending
postcards back home.
Stamps would be interesting
to make within the design
or promotion alongside
postcards from the tour.
different types of bus stops,

bears, canada and maps will
be essential in creating a well
designed cover.
Collecting imagery for
imagery
watercolours
With a very quirky look

watercolours have been
used in previous album art
without having to draw too

many.
no3 with realistic colours

and light strokes, the
mushrooms and leaves have
of the background colour

works well as it comes
through parts of the outlines
for The Weakerthans.
no2 using a lot harsher

tones and combines
illustration with the bold
painting strokes. Mixing
colours and using unrealistic
ones to portray the womans
face works really well and
makes the design visually
interesting.
been painted quickly. This

design could be explored
more through the natural
aspects of travelling and
forests.
creating an interesting
design.
no1 combining outlines and

blotchy watercolours; the
design is simple and light.
Using bright colours to
attract you to the cactus,
the artist uses dashed lines
to represent the spikes
no4 uses little colour,

patterns and illustration to
outline the features. The use
illustrations
The album design would

work well within an
informal and illustrated
state. Collecting different
illustration styles will help
in finding a style to take
forward.
no1 the shading is very
minimalistic and interesting
in this design. The hair in the
beard would be interesting
to work in the bears hair.

Using lines to get small
detail and shading will work
best by minimising the
colour used.
no2 Finding an illustration
of a bear; it has a quirky vibe
to it by dressing the bear
up but also in the design of
the face. Using different
tones to shade doesnt work
as well as no1 due to how

the bear is coloured in. The
shading is too sketchy and
doesnt look as nice as the
minimalist style.
no3 The penguins on
hills uses an interesting
technique of just single lines
representing hills. Thinking
about how the landscapes
could be portrayed, the line
work gives off distance due

to the penguins contrasting
well with the snowy
landscape.
This style is really interesting
and minimalistic but with
a lot of detail. Exploring
this technique along with
watercolour together could be
interesting.
techniques
techniques
experiments
Trying to create a
watercolour effect on
photoshop with brushes and
various effects.
no1 Creating brushes
helps give the effect that
the design would be made
analogue rather then
digitally. This effect gives the
design a less perfect look
that will be an interesting
design compared to straight
edges. When achieving a
watercolour or painted
design the brushes add to
the look and make it more
realistic.
brushes and using them as

masks. The rough smudge
effect works really well and
could merge with images
and help create texture.
By flipping the image over
and having the paint drip
the wrong way adds an
interesting effect.
no3 A washed out bus
stop would have to be built
up a lot more in its layers
or brushes as the image in
particular has a lot of sky
so seems very plain. The
sky being the opposite to
the road so harder to mesh
together.
no2 shows experiments with
experiments
no1 With a canvas
overlaying the bear there is
an interesting texture mixed
with the bright colouring.
The image needs less
detail to convey a painting
appearance.
by layering strips like

watercolour. This is techniqe
is outlining features on
the bear but also uses two
colours that are similar to
make the design have a
more exotic look.
no2 has less definition so

that the brushes blur into
the image. Using the same
colours as the bear the
messy blurred brushes
works well. Building up the
brushes has given the bear
a rough ouline giving the
effect or a painting.
The designs are ways that

the bear could be taken but
they do not have a close
enough effect to the original
Weakerthans covers. Less
detail and colour too would
work best, no3 shows how
illustration might suit the style
better.
no3 reducing complexity

and using colour to create
a more artistic bear design
experiments
Tracing over images on
illustrator drawing lines
forging the outlines and
shading areas with different
techniques.
no1 Drawing and forming
the main features of the
bear, the illustration uses
the concepts from the
research in using lines to
forge depth. The lines may
to be too long might work
better smaller to reflect the
original image more.
no2 uses different weights
of strokes to suggest
shading giving depth. The
bear itself looks bolder and
the style could be used with

other bears.
no3 This version was
inspired from a thicker lined
more built up design. The
bear itself was half worked
off an image and it shows.
The bear looks more like
a doll then a realistic bear.
Thinking about this, the
cover should feature a
realisitc bear.
The illustrated style is to
spacious and doesnt look
right with the length of lines it
has now. The outlining works
and could be developed in
various ways.
experiments
Focusing on landscapes,
taking inspiration from a
painting and experimenting
with its appearance by
minimalising it.
no1 The original image is
grungy and has too much
going on therefor being too
complicated for a cover.
and taking colours from the

original image and using
them, layering them as
shapes has created a simple
version of the painting.
Adding lines to represent
the lighter and darker parts
of the image breaks up the
colours and shapes. Using
this technique to subtle.
no2 Working in illustrator
no3 Changing the
saturation of the image

adds a fantasy look and also
uses colour paletes that are
similar to The Weakerthans
previous styles. The design
has a rougher look with the
lines new look. The design
still looks too flat.
no4 Working brushes
on top of the image adds
softness and texture. The
smudged lines break up

the shapes and lines well. A
more realistic style has been
created from how the image
seems more imperfected.
The forest image was harder
to develop into a succesful
design. Comining shapes and
brushes works well and could
be used in various ways and in
my final design.
technique decision
The watercolours arent
strong enough for the cover
and doesnt work alongside
previous album covers that
The Weakerthans have.
Illustration is stronger and
its bold lines could develop
into an inverted style similar
to lino print. Combining
colour and etched in lines to
outline designs would work
really well.
Lino works well with how
it looks stamped and
smudges (like the Punk-orama cover). Brush work in
photoshop could create this
effect well. This technique
was strong and was

interesting.
no1 Lino is a striking
technique that could
develop and work much
better in design. Here is an
example of how bears can be
portrayed in an unrealistic
style and work really well.
From the experiments so far,
its hard to see the final cover
- taking the stronger aspects
(illustration and brushes) the
cover could use a lino styled
design.
lino
Lino is an interesting
technique that uses inverted
etching and ink to create
both simple or complicated
designs.
no1,2&3 shows Thom
Yorkes album cover is
particularly compelling as it
folds out and stretches its
design across it. This design
shows how patterns can
shade and also how black

and white designs look
good. An effective cover
and very unique design. The
use of title and artist name
being within a different
colour works really well.
no4 is an example of a way
to create a bear through
this technique and design.
Cutting away light/ detailed
areas is how the portray

has worked. The bear is
recognisable from the
inverted technique.
Using the lino technique, I
will experiment with bears
and styles similar to the ones
here. The technique works
backwards by starting with a
background.
experiments
no1 When starting thinking
about lino, there was less
tools to use compared
with the previous brushes
created. Using a tutorial
to create lino-like lines,
there was various ways to
recreate the cover.
no2 Inverting the illustrated
bear from before to white
lines and filling in areas
no3 uses the lino style bear

from the previous page.
The design of using straight
lino etched white lines on
black worked really well.
The lines can be collected
to create interesting paths
on the bear. The lino is very
effective in this case.
Lino has worked well and will
be better with in keeping with
like the nose and paws,

previous covers. The effect
the design is much more
would need to be developed
effective. Using black is bold into a consistent look.
and is striking. The long lines
still make the bear look less
realistic. This is something
to consider changing.
experiments
Somewhere in the
Distance has been explored
very little. Finding an
interesting landscape to
work from in the lino style
was something to consider.
no1 shows how the etched
look is different take and
portrayl of the original.
Using the lollipop look
for trees works well in
minimalising the design. A

less realistic approach that
involves patterns is much
more striking. Using this
style would be interesting,
but would realte more
towards landscapes then
the bear.
no2 Keeping it simple
using lines to represent
texture and distance by
colour shows another way

how landscapes could
be represented. Not as
interesting as the detailed
lino design but using shades
of grey to represent the
distance works really well.
could work better. The focus

in lino would be more on
bears. Some Time Later is
definetely the direction the
cover wil go in.
The landscape isnt as

succesful in lino but does look
good. Working it with brushes
and a stamp appearance
technique decision
The lino technique works
really well and look striking.
The different appearances
of it could be explored,
especially the way that the
design is created.
no1&2 Basing bear designs
from these images will work
well and could be put into
scenarios easily. The bear
holding the tree could be
on a bus etc. The various
positions I can find of bears
- I can recreate them in
scenes that allow them to
look more immersed.
This design looks cuter

and would work well with
various bear versions. The
bear has a simple expression
and its nose works really
well against the black
background.
Some Time Later will involve
this look of bear and include
a bus stop in its design. This
technique will compliment the
concept.
no3 The lino effect here

has short fluffy looking hair.
DESIGN
bears everywhere
The first attempt of one of
the bears in this style of lino
as worked really well.
Similar to the illustrated

look, the bear works well
and is softer then the no1.
no1 shows the original

strokes against the black
outline. The bears face is
curious and engaging. The
middle-ground between
cartoon and the how it
looked in the image before.
The bears claws looks
no3 White on a colour

doesnt work as well as the
dark outlines on light grey
bear but is using less of
the lino effect. This would
depend on the background
of the cover.
too menacing so wouldnt

work as well. Overall the
bears shading and design is
successful.
The bear has worked really

well, the darker etchings has
worked better in this bear. The
bear himself is an excellent
portrayal of the original image.
no2 Using different colours

is important for later stages
in development of the cover.
bears everywhere
The bear in this image is
side on so has less detail to
convey but also has more
overlapping features (legs
and arms).
no2 Using the black

background has the same
effect as the other bear.
Helps in making the imafe
more striking.
no1 By working with the

image behind, tracing the it
makes the recreation easier
but also helps in capturing
the main features. Adapting
the face and how the feet
look is important. Using a
simplified version of the
image behind was another
experiment to see what the
shading of the fur could
look like in the background.
It looks different but too
complex and busy.
no3 Outlining shapes

with colour around the
bear works really well and
suggests a stamp effect. This
works really well.
The bear staring side on isnt
as engaging as the previous
bear but is another design that
might suit a scene of it facing a
bus etc.
bears everywhere
The third bear design
was experimenting with
another position. Including
the paws is different and
breaks up the hair. The
bears paw covering its face
is an interesting difference
and would work well in
portraying the story of a
bear waiting for the bus.
no1 shows how the
filled shapes look good
contrasting to the
background. Framing the
bear by including the fills
on the face and feet allows
the design to seem more
complete.
no2 A really nice looking

version of the bear has a
nice contrast of brown fur
outlines. The bear works
really well but woudnt be as
strong on a background.
no3 is a succesful
experiment of how the
darker colour with brown
strokes works really well.
Using no2 on a black
background creates a whole
different bar and design.
This bear has charm and I
could imagine working within
the story of the cover. All
three bears could work well
together.
backgrounds
The background of the

cover is related to the
concept of Some Time
Later therefore including
buses and travel.
no1 Using some of the
imagery collected earlier this version of a bus stop is
simplistic and uses a single
standing sign which could
get the story across.
no2 An angled view of a bus

stop (similar to the original
idea) which is simple and
would have the bus in front.
The design is rough and
shows minimal colours.
no3 Using the inside of
bus which would work well
with a bear standing up.
The design is simple with
colours and depth so far.
Progression in colour and

how the shapes and how
much detail is included is
important.
no4 With the bus driving
off towards hills relates to a
travelling bear. The design is
more complicated and may
need simplifying. Having the
bear getting on the bus or
running for it
The backgrounds are all

taking the cover in different
directions but depending on
how complex the design is
may be adapted along the
way.
typeface
Fonts are really important
in getting the message
and genre across. It must
compliment the imagery it is
with.
Thinking about how 1 or
more fonts could work
across all the new release
graphics so that there
is consistency relies on
complimenting fonts.
no1 Amatic has a relaxed
handwritten feel that
would work well with the
lino effect. The font looses
formality and could be
harder to read compared to
a serif font.
no2 In need of a serif font

Blondi is the perfect artistic
looking type. The type is
striking and a good title.
The both work well together
but neither are good enough
for being the main text for
something.
Amatic sc
30pt
Blondi72
Bold 30pt
Amatic Sc 18pt
Blondi72 Book 14pt
Amatic Sc 24pt
Amatic Sc 14pt
ABCDEFGHIJKLM
NOPQRSTUVWX
YZ1234567890
!@$%^&*()<>{}:;~
Blondi72 Book
18pt
ABCDEF
GHIJKLM
NOPQRSTU
VWXYZ
1234567890
abcdefghijklm
nopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890
typeface
The brand needs a general
font to be used for posters,
detail and large pieces
or writing. Universal and
complimenting to both
typefaces so far.
the hiegharcy would appear.

The complimenting typefaces
work well together and could
be used consistenly in the
branding, design of the cover
and the promotion material.
Kohinoor Blondi72
Devana Bold 30pt
Sc 24pt
Light 30pt Amatic
Kohinoor Devna
Kohinoor Deva
na Light 18pt
no1 Kohinoor Devana is a

good mixture of straight
and rounded characters.
Complimenting both Blondi
and Amatic. Being included
on the website and general
text from promotion and
info on the disc.
ABCDEFGHIJKLM
NOPQRSTUVWXYZ
1234567890
no2 All the fonts together

work really well and an
example of the varying sizes
that would be used and how
abcdefghijklm
nopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890
Light 14pt
Kohinoor Devna
Light 14pt
colour scheme
The previous covers from
The Weakerthans have
interesting ways of using
colour and also a nice
palette to work from.
no1 Civil Twilight is a
single from Reunion Tour
and shares the same
temperature as the it
collection. The two together
are complementing in
topic but with the palette
changing slightly, they are
not compatible. no1 and
no2 dont share the same
tones which isnt favourable
when creating new
promotions.
no2 is a favourite cover and

uses negative space and its
gradient colour scheme well.
The design uses cold colours
and lets the album name
become bolder. The gradient
style within the shapes are
what makes the design seem
less flat and is aesthetically
pleasing. The choice of
no3 has a more interesting

colour scheme. Using a
cream as the background
and plain colours for the
rest gives off how the cover
is in a different world. The
colours are realistic but
muted with a single striking
pink.
colours was made well a
The use of a striking colour

couple with more muted
colours works really well.

Alongside no3 the other
designs with realistic colours
are just as effective and the
combination of realistic
colours and striking single one
would work really well.
cover experiments
no1 Using a dark and simple
version of both the bus stop
and bear works well but is
too dark.
no2 Playing with opacity and
different shades of grey and
a different bear shows how
the original works best.
no3 Defining the bus stop
works much better then
how it was previously. The
other change is in the see
through quality of the bear.
no4 This experiment didnt
work as well but shows
the introduction of where
colour could be used.
some time later
some time later
some time later

t e ea ert a s
some time later

some time later
some time later
SOME TIME LATER
no5 The more simpler bus

stop isnt as striking as the
side on.
no7 Experimenting with

a strong colour and using
contrasting pastels
no6 Style works but isnt as

strong but uses consistent
style in bear and bus stop.
no8 I really like how the

white contrasts with the
turquoise.
some time later
The more successful designs

are no7 & 8. Using the
turquoises looks artistic and
the focus is on the foreground.
Again, no7 also uses a colour
scheme that works well.
cover experiments
no9 uses a different bear
but with the same colour
scheme as before. The
brown fur works much
better.
no10 A front facing bus
stop is much more similar to
the original idea. The bear
doesnt work as well in this
- it would need to be front
facing too.
no11 New placements
of the bear and with
less colours. The design
references time obviously
(maybe too obviously). The
bears detail is shown well
here.
some time later

the weakerthans
some time later

the weakerthans
SOME TIME LATER
some time later

the weakerthans
some time later

the weakerthans
no12 has the ears of the

bear very big - this was
to experimenting with
placement.
no13 The bear on the bus
fits well but the design
has too much going on.
Exploring different colours

might work better.
windows dont look right

plain.
no14&15 introduces
patterns for the chairs
which works really well.
The texture breaks up the
shapes and bus. The designs
no16 The bear and a bus

has the most interesting
design and needs more
development in its title and
to the background.
cover experiments
no17 Taking the box at the
bottom of the cover and
including the text in the
covers design works better.
The designs sketchy layers
contrasts well when the
bear is within the colour
palette.
no18 Working back to
basics, the reduction of
detail looks clean cut an
nice. This would be a good
way to change colours with
the basic background hills.
no19 Changing the bear
works much better. The
bear waiting for the bus is
much more believable.
...
(arising)
tunnel vision
breaking bear
not far enough
lonely explorer
(the sights)
forward facing
oblivious
some time later
sprinted finish
one far city
some time later

the weakerthans
some time later
the weakerthans
...
(arising)
tunnel vision
breaking bear
not far enough
lonely explorer
(the sights)
forward facing
oblivious
some time later
sprinted finish
one far city
some time later

the weakerthans
no20 Moving the text to

above doesnt work but may
do with more spacing. The
closer effect let the detail
of the bear be more visible.
The grey isnt interesting
enough.
no21 By eyedropping
colours from original
images the cover has had
life put into it. Colouring
the bear also in a brown
colour to complement with
the colours works too. The
simplified design
no22 The comparison

between the white strokes
and the black is how the
black works better within
the cover but the white
compliments the track
listing. The track listing uses
blondi nicely.
cover experiments
The combination of the
landscape and bear at the
bus stop works well in how
it spreads across the outside
of an album.
...
(arising)
tunnel vision
breaking bear
not far enough
lonely explorer
(the sights)
forward facing
oblivious
some time later
sprinted finish
one far city
...
(arising)
tunnel vision
breaking bear
not far enough
lonely explorer
(the sights)
forward facing
oblivious
some time later
sprinted finish
one far city
no23 Back to basic simple

outlining white style
(referencing the penguin
illustration) the cover looks
more like a Weakerthans
album. The snowy
appearance works really
well. The design works really The two work really well
well but looks unfinished.
together with the strong
pink as the bus stop and
no24 Taking colours from
break lights. The track listing
some previous Weakerthans also works mush better on
work of greens to mix with
the green.
the grey has a nice contrast.
...
(arising)
tunnel vision
breaking bear
not far enough
lonely explorer
(the sights)
forward facing
oblivious
some time later
sprinted finish
one far city
no25 By taking the bus

away the album completely
makes sense and the bear is
waiting again. The reduction
in action also makes the
design stronger.
The reduction in whats on

the cover alongside the colour
choices have developed
well. The album relates as a
narrative the design.
layout
...
(arising)
tunnel vision
breaking bear
not far enough
lonely explorer
(the sights)
forward facing
oblivious
some time later
sprinted finish
one far city
...
(arising)
tunnel vision
breaking bear
not far enough
lonely explorer
(the sights)
forward facing
oblivious
some time later
sprinted finish
one far city
Experimenting with titles

and their placements along
with various other features
(no25 is from the previous
page to compare to the
changes).
no2 The Devine

Proportion is reflected
in the cover from the
placement of the bear. This
technique ensures a well
created design.
to the botom of the album

where the bear will be.
Moving the bus stop closer
to the front of the cover
means that the bear can be
bigger with more detail.
no1 Moving the bear to

the otherside of the image
works much better in where
your eye is drawn to.
no3 The design looks very

different to before. The
change in text positioning
works really well, in the the
sky leaves the attention
Taking the outlines from the

hills has also let the design
breath and look more rough.
and by moving the titles and

bus stop gives the design a
much better and engaging
design.
The cover works really well
mix media
no1 Bringing the illustrator

file into photoshop, the
shapes look to flat and
needs to be built up with
brushes to create a more
artistic effect.
no2 Taking images and
creating patterns, the
design includes trees on
the separate hills and an
interesting road texture.
This makes the design look

much better and the chosen
textures work really well.
no3 Using brushes to create
the rough painted effect
works well but also bringing
it back using them as a mask
gives off the same effect.
The technique works really
well.
The other aspect that

has been incorporated is
a gradient from the bold
colour. The warming blend
works really well against the
texture and bringing out the
colour in the bus stop.
no4 The elusive bear now
has a hobo stick as he
is going travelling. This
decision was made as
the bears shape would

suit holding something
but also because it would
use another clich like
the title of the album.
Using illustrator to create
a homemade pattern
that would be used as in
photoshop for the shapes
works really well.
The gradient works really well.
template research
no1 The Weakerthans Reconstruction Site uses a

4 sided template with a disc
holder on the inside. The
design is interesting to look
at due to how the disc and
artwork is distributed. The
disc inside doesnt look as
smart as no2.
no2 The Kooks -Listen has a
very similar design to what
has been in mind. A simple

cardboard case (better
for the environment) that
has to inserts for a booklet
and disc. This design uses a
strong yellow and a typical
inside cover photograph of
the band.
no3 U2 - Songs of
Innocence includes lots of
extra parts to its album.
Two discs in sleeves that

uses the similar design to
vinyl alongisde booklets,
consistency works well. The

box template relates more to
special editions and has lots
lyrics and transcripts. The

clean look and extras is a
well manufactured give
away.
of room and isnt as smart.
no4 David Grey - Mutineers

The box includes two discs
and booklets which all use
the same font and style. The
The templates are all using

cardboard cases which are
lighter, cheaper and more eco
friendly. The templates give
more opportunity to include
interesting design. no2 is
simple and engaging enough.
final design
analysis on next page...
final design
no1 The cover needed less

gradient as it was distracting
to the texture so now there
is a hint of the pink. This
works much better.
no2 Including the typeface
Amatic alongside Blondi
works much better as they
compliment each other well.
The use of a handwritten
font works well with the
painted effect.
no3 The brown bear has
a nice light brown colour
that compliments the green
surrounding it. Another
change to the bear is to
create the lino effect, the
outline of the bears strokes
use the same colour as the
main body. This makes the
bear look a good mixture
between cartoon-like and

quirky.
4. The tracklisting follows ...
which is in reference to the
title of the album. This later
is used again in designs adn
promotion.
behind it. The design spread

onto the back is another
feature that works really well.
Similar to The Weakerthans
albums, the cover looks
professional and quirky
attracting the right fan base.
The final album design

is compelling and has an
interesting story and concept
inside cover
Carrying on the quirky
and painted look from the
outside, the inside needs to
reflect the story were telling
in both the cover and album.
no1 Designs that are similar
to the artwork on the
cover often are used on the
cd. Sometimes it s varied
slightly but this only works
if you can see the disc. The
template chosen would have
it hidden in the sleeve.
no2 Previous examples
of Weakerthan albums
include the band members
as animals. This design adds
story to the album but also
leaves mystery to the band.
Bands that are illusive can

use this technique and by
repeating it in each new
release it becomes another
quirky idea that fans look
forward to.
no3 Used reguarly ,
photographs feature inside
of album cases to give
introduce the band but. The
types of photographs could
contain shows, recording

studios and imagery related
to the album cover or
themes used.
The inside design will have
the band but replaced with
bears. The design will have
the various bears on one side
but then travel and drawings
related to the front cover and
travel. Experimenting with
layers and patterns could be

intersting also.
Imagery related to bears and
their adventure would work
well.
drawings
Focusing on travel, Canada
and bears the inside of the
album may feature drawings
similar to these.
The better designs are the
relatable and simplistic
examples. Paws and bus
passes would work well with
the story.
The designs can also be

used later on in promotions
and designs.
The drawings work nicely
and could be traced over in
illustrator but also used within
the album.
The rough and simple style

of the doodles would work
well inside the cover and
use a similar style to the
outside. Using the doodles
would contrast well with the
landscape and look like what
the bear might have done.
stamps
The stamps represent
travelling of the bear. As
he goes on tour, theyll be
postcards sent.
The different bears also
could be various band
members and potentially
could be posted on email
promos or fan mail with
whoever is replying. Quirky
ideas like this suit The
Weakerthans fan base and
genre they have.
row1 The original stamps

were experiments with
colour and layout.
row3 work the best
together and will contrast
well with the creams of the
design.
The stamps could be used
in various places and could
create a consistent brand by
using them on promotion etc.
Using both the now vector

developed doodles and
bears as stamps gives an
interesting variation.
inside designs
SOUTHERN STATION
TO
LONDON GBR
no1 The illustrations have

turned out really well and
the simple colouring and
shapes could be used in
various places and by having
vectors and shapes like this
- the promotion and other
branding can have more
interesting and individual
designs. The vectors also
could be used for singles
and the disc itself.
no2 The pattern using

the vectors works really
well and could be used all
over the promotion. The
repeated pattern could also
be used on the disc and
incorporate the designs
together.
no3 develops the stamps
from the previous page
to be actual stamps you
get from going on your

adventure. Having stamps
from places from the tour
would work really well and
interesting to the concept of
the album.
well and compliment the

cover. The inside could appear
like a passport with the ink
stamps but on the other side
introduce the band members
through the bear stamps.
The inside cover could

combine all of these features
to create a scrapbook
piece. The rough look of the
scrapbook idea would work
All this could be combined

together with extra doodles or
vectors.
inside development
The inside uses the same

background colour as the
cover.
no1 Using the bear stamps
as band members works
really well but to make the
design more interesting
one of the band members is
a shy bear or missed the
photo day and has a holding
paw image as he is elusive.
This gives the depth to the

story. The bear stamps drop
shadow gives a nice realistic
effect of how they are stuck
on.
The text complients the
design and appears to
capture the scrapbook
effect with its handwritten
style.
no2 Using different cities

and general appearances of
ink stamps, the mix of them
all together is interesting.
Beside the stamps are a
couple of the doodles and
the combination of the two
makes the design seem like
a passport with drawings
in which is pleasing to the
story.
Masking areas with brushes

so that the stamps look
more rough has worked
really well.
Adding a pink strip was
important to seperate the
disc pattern and inside one.
no3 uses the pattern on the
disc that compliments well
with the front cover.
final design
final design inc disc

The case and its design
work is cohesive and uses
running themes that ties the
album together.
Features like paint splatters
on the spins and edges
frames the imagery well.
Including small splatters and
detail adds to the character
of the album and makes it
artier and have the rougher
The inside captures a

scrapbook style collection
of things and designs. This
ties in the concept and story
nicely.
The album is very succesful
and memorable. The
designs together use
similar techniques but also
contrasting ones to create a
variety.
look.
The clean cut design on
the disc compliments the
the front cover really well.
The two use different
techniques but with their
bold colours and same
background layer up well.
By making more content the

album has more story and
an engaging feel. This was
important adn suits the fan
base.
booklet
Matching the disc the
booklet would be in the
opposite side of the case.
Images will highlight

different songs and will
break up the pages.
Containing photos and lyrics

the design would use the
same fonts and minimalist
style to compliment the rest
of the album.
Slight worry about using the

pattern too much as the dark
colour is striking. The design
would hold a simple and
consistent look to thre rest of
the album.
(arising)
instrumental piece
...
Composer, Band members, Where,
When, What, Off the new album
Details about recording, The studio,
Instruments Etc
Using the pattern as footer

and header designs ties
in the design altogether.
The booklet is an extra to
the album and within its
minamilist design - there is
lots of white space as there
will be less text included to
create this.
vinyl
Vinyl is a much more
appreciated and prized
version of an artists record.
Thinking about this, the
design needs to use this
but not without loosing the
original concept.
no2 With the original cover

from the cd enlarged to vinyl
size, the design looks better
with the border. The design
looks good but isnt as
effective as the new simple
version of the cover.
no1 Vinyl versions of albums

are normally considered as a
more valueable version of a
record and with the decision
to make the cover different,
the design resulted in a
more simplistic and reduced
style by taking the most
important parts of the cd
cover. The design now has
a more recognisable high
quality appearance.
The design chosen has

captured the high quality
of the vinyl style in its
memorable style. The toning
down in the background bu
also the colour of the pattern
on the record compliments the
vinyl well.
vinyl reverse
The back of the vinyl is
where a lot of information
is held. The design includes
information from both
the front and inside of the
album on cd.
no1 The minimalist style
continues and the centering
of text and everything on
the cover compliments its
simplicity. Using features
from the cd, the vinyl has
the information needed to
be standalone. The size of
features are much bigger on
vinyl also.
main focus. The design

includes important aspects
like the barcode and record
label logo.
The vinyl altogether works
really well and the back cover
carries on the high quality
from the front.
The Some Time Later album
works well on vinyl and has
transfered nicely.
no2 Reconstrution Sites

vinyl uses imagery fom
inside their album as the
single
Using the simplified design
of the bear or alsothe
doodle vectors, the singles
could explore various
themes and imagery.
vectors is how they all

relate to certain songs.
This inclusion and cross
over would make the work
curious,
The Not Far Enough single

references how the traveller
hasnt got away from what
he left behind.
The design isnt as strong

as the original album but
captures the essence of what
the single could be.
The album still has the

original road on it but with
masks and using lighten on
it over the vector - there is a
rough texture. The design is
very miniamilistic and could
be developed in other ways.
The various designs and

consistent style that could be
used across all singles is good
to have.
The idea behind using the
PROMOTION
brainstorm
Trying to be creative within

promotion is important so
that people are engaged.
Using techniques to include
the audience is important.
no1 Posters are essential in
promotion events and gigs.
They are also used in new
album promotions being
included in magazines etc.
no2 With new albums, for

some artists, a new website
look is created. At the
moment The Weakerthans
website reflects reunion
tour. Additional imagery
is used to make the design
more unique.
no3 Tour merchandise is
what fans want. Ordering
online or buying t-shirts at
gigs; they are a great way

of expanding the brand and
new release.
no4 Social media is essential
as everyone is using it.
Using album covers in their
cover photos and banners is
important in promotion.
To be different, things like
flyers at gigs or free hidden
material can be engaging

to the fan. Give aways and
having collectables would
work well within the artist
style of the release.
Campaigns that could be the
missing bear from imagery
included in the release and
then including him on stickers
and t-shirts to involve fans.
poster research
Trying to gage the right

layout of a poster is
important because you want
to get the message across.
no1 has an interesting
placement of dates which
resolves around its unique
illustration. Having a bold
title, this poster works
really well and has made its
illustration the main focus.
no2 Using the negative

space of the mountain image
gives this design compelling
focus. The striking typeface
attracts the eye and
compliments the mountain
imagery. The problems with
this design is how there is
too much texture and how it
looks grungy.
no3 The comparison
between tour posters and

new album releases is how
they both use a theme but
tours do not have to keep
to the original style of the
album. Florences album
cover is complimented by
the posters simple colour
scheme. The problem with
using the cd cover as a
square image on the poster,
the design lacks creativity
and individuality to the cd. It

also reduces what fits on the
poster as well.
no4 When thinking about
the giveaway idea and how
locations of the tour could
be the main focus, the
posters could be themed
to the city theyre in. This
being individual city posters
instead of one tour versio.n
tour poster
Experimenting with
different layouts and ideas,
the tour poster was to
follow from the cover and
be simple and within the
themes of the new release.
no1 Trying to use negative
space to hold the dates
didnt work so well as the
road turning into a waterfall
isnt as strong compared.
The layout doenst work as
well but the extended image
is more interesting.
no2 Bold, strong, using the
techniques from previous
strong designs works well.
Their is emphasis on the
pink in its use with the text.
The typical tour poster works

well and uses the fonts and
designs from the release and
also the promotion subtley.
The missing bear represents
how he is on tour and the
stamps are suggesting clues of
what to look out for.
album poster
Advertising the album using
an interesting layout with
a bold title works well to
attract the viewer.
no1 The placement of the
album name above the
image doesnt worka as well
as the later design due to
its comparison in size to the
bands name.
no2 The bigger type is
striking and works well
beside the framing of
the cover. The typeface
itself suits being that size.
Getting the right layout of
the imagery and titles is
essential in knowing where
to take your focus
With pastel colours,

consistent fonts the poster
does the job and leaves
curiosity to the band and
album. The main focus is the
album and its name and the
design incapsulates that.
website
The redesign of an artists
website is an additional way
to show that the their is a
story. The Weakerthans
album could all be in the
same world in which you are
being introduced to a new
part.
no1 The homepage works
well with The Weakerthans
original wooden
background. The original
homepage used some of its
additional imagery from its
album. For this design the
landscape would be seen as
the introduction to the new
story and would compliment
the home page itself.
no2 After entering the site

the change in appearance
(how they had it originally)
reduces details on the page
to create more white space.
Currently on the news
page, the highlighted and
contrasting pink is used
selectively to show what is
active and for the related
paw print. The Some
Time Later ... are used to
highlight the pages also
relating back to the title.
The website is very succesful
and the combination of
imagery fonts and colours
are complimenting especially
with the inherited wooden
background.
t-shirt
Merchandise is sold at gigs
and on websites and should
relate to the new release.
no1 Focusing on the title
and the bear, the t-shirt
suggests that the bear is
still travelling so that when
you wear the t-shirt you are
inclusive to the Some Time
Later title.
no2 Including the
landscape design as a t-shirt
is because it is artistic and
appeals
to the type of fan The
Weakerthans have.
no3 Bear at the bus stop
relates back to the focus of
the album cover.

The design also (as imagery
used in promotion wont
be using the bear) includes
him as it is part of the
enagement.
no4 Using the doodle art
from the inside cover has a
simple but bold appearance
which works well. The
cartoon effect is contrasting
to the other shirts.
Normally merchandise has 1
main t-shirt on sale and then
more on the online store, but
its important to appeal to
different types of fans and
also to pople who just like the
design of the shirt.
stickers
With lots of choice and
relating design to various
promotions and imagery the
stickers are a cheap way to
promote.
Including the stamps was

important as they coud
be used within promotion
campaigns but also are part
of the travelling concept.
The stickers would

appear across cities or on
stationary so would need
to be a good mix of designs.
Using different sizes and
shapes makes the various
Stickers are always a great

way to develop a less formal
promotion that is appealing
to fans. The designs reference
the brand and also include
the name of the band that is
stickres interesting.
important.
The landscape images were

cropped into circles which
has worked really well and
gives the imagery a new
frame.
social media
Social media is essential
for new releases as it is the
fastest way to access fans,
even more then email.
no1 The twitter design is
minamilist and uses the
same reduction as the
vinyl. The band use this
channel for alerts but also
referencing posters and arty
things. The design reflects
the audience.
from the profile picture. This

design could be re-used on
fan pages during release.
Important to include, the
varying social media designs
reflecting the audience it
has. The designs refernce the
original well and focus on the
essential information.
The bear is missing from these
images promotion the t-shirt
designs.
no2 Facebook is more of

a homely place for people
with a chatty vibe on band
pages. The warm hills
imagery works much better
with the hobo stick coming
bus stop ad
A bus stop ad would be a
great way to advertise the
new album. It also highlights
the travelling theme.
them in, it is also not to hard

to find the qr code if youre
waiting at the bus stop
either. The content would be
various things through the
tour. Music videos, behind
the scenes of recording and
on tour woud be accesable.
Stamps are included to

reference the different
places visited, postcards
sent and how theres more to
come as they havent been
Bringing all the release and
used yet.
promotion ideas together
the ad gives a bigger
A qr code is hidden within
audience to the band as it is
the stamps which has extra
in a public place.
content which makes the
ad a bigger promotion
The poster relates to the
itself. An email newsletter
album cover and new
to subscribed fans would
release. It uses humour in the
suggest that there is more
reference but also would fit
to the bus stop ads. Clueing well as an advertisement.
give-away ideas
Lots of the promotion and
imagery have used stamps
and focused on the theme of
travelling. Having postcards
as giveaways is using
humour and is a unique
promo idea.
no1 idea is to collect a
series of postcards for free
merchandise . The series
of postcards would be
different designs and would
become a collectables.
no2 Imagery of the bear
in each city of the tour
would be unique to the
fans at the gig but also be
a collectable. The idea is
quirky and would a lot more

work with bear designs.
stamp.
Combining some of the ideas
Idea no3 is to give out a free

song with the give away.
This is to, like the behind the
scenes content on the bus
stop - advertise the band to
people who might not have
heard them. Using qr code
technology, the post card
could use the scanner as the
together, with postcards

from gigs and also to be given
away to promote the band.
Combining all the cities, the
postcard could be worded to
apply to all tour cities.
introduces the band to new

people. This is a engaging and
quirky example of how the
promotion could have two
purposes.
With the postcard is a free

song which promotes and
give-away development
The postcard giveaway

needs to work for different
cities and also have a cover
the giveaway/ the fans could

personalise it too.
encourage that people go to

gigs but also for promotion.
promotions. The postcard and

its free single can be used in
various ways and is quirky
that is related to other

designs but also has a
collectable quality,
no2 Links to previous

designs; the front could
potentially include different
patterns or imagery.
no4 Using humour is

essential to this idea and
by using the paw doodle to
forge the bear signing off
the post card is complete.
enought for people to collect

and keep.
no1 For all the tour dates to

apply, the postcard needs to
be generalised. A technique
decided on was for the
venue to write on details for
no3 The qr code will be to

advertise the free single
release of Not Far Enough.
It being more important to
The new features of the

giveaway makes it unique
and different from other
postcards
The postcard design is
quirky and utilises the bold
pink which is a running
theme. The design has a
collectable feel to it.
The stamp works well and
adds belivability to the card
itself. It all compliments
each other and the qr code
is in visible and accesable
place.
The promotion of the tour is

also emphasised in how the
bear is travelling with them
etc.
The postcard uses references
to the design but also tells
the story of the release and
concept well.
The text uses topics

to do with the overall
tour but also mentions,
personalising, here.
Referencing the gig or place
that the person is at.
more postcards
Varying the designs of
postcards makes them more
collectable. These designs
change in imagery and
relates to the release and
other aspect of the album.
Th promotion references
the strong brand and quirky
nature of the bear. The
giveaway is something unique
adn is also well connected to
the album and themes.
references
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iDa45ub7tXU/UuETXMnzHEI/AAAAAAAADkA/2gHgNVuiEl4/w2048-h1365/
rios%2B18.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Mony53VK0MA/U9tbZr2SNdI/AAAAAAAA6yM/jbJ2C7nHOmA/w2048-h1365/
photo.jpg
http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/01/80/65/1806588_447e4b2d.jpg
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3149562
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/12092781703_
b785d02d9b.jpg
http://www.mappery.com/Winnipeg-Transit-System-Map
http://d1kcl3yiuixneo.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/
bus-bolivia-south-america-280833423.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mJ6Jc6F.jpg
http://static.businessinsider.com/image/52f141856bb3f7d53daad570/image.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r2wbBgoGeGo/VGVSTX8hsAI/AAAAAAAAdJo/t4xFp5uwCR0/w579-h869/
f926be054dbeece329f2af108f432c26.jpg
https://farotherworlds.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/
dsc08644.jpg
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d6/fa/ea/
d6faeade8bd9583baf6055ceadf768ec.jpg
http://www.blockprojekt.de/?m=200706
theweakerthans.org
http://ljmustore.co.uk/product_images/colourways/155_2_1.
jpg
http://www.designyourway.net/blog/inspiration/the-art-ofalbum-covers-design-43-prints/
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rUhUG52-O4/Tdg6xqewSWI/
AAAAAAAAAMg/q70dnFCNZOE/s1600/busstop.jpg
Research imagery not inc.

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VISUAL

Page 4 - Epitaph Records

Page 49 - Final Design

Page 28 - Bears Everywhere

the punk scene is a strong

With a diverse age group

Wearing band t-shirts and

Looking into the bands already

no1 The Weakerthans are

for new albums so therefore

have much consistency

relatable style. The design

The Weakerthans have

imagery. This idea allows

The band has a style that

reflects the songs within the

Distinctive but muted, the

fonts and artwork on all

above, there is consistent

no1 Punk-o-rama vol. 9 Various Artists has a stamp

no2 Menzingers - Rented

no3 Jamascis - Several

no4 They Might Be Giants

visual communications p10

Thinking about different

concept references these

of replacing the actors with

they are interacting with by

visual communications p11

inc watercolours and

would be inseresting and

no2 Exploring the album

relying too heavily on the

relating back to the band.

no3 Exploring the album

Each of these designs could be

visual communications p12

Thinking about the album

Some Time Later idea.

is very clean and simple

different types of bus stops,

Collecting imagery for

visual communications p13

visual communications p14

With a very quirky look

without having to draw too

no3 with realistic colours

of the background colour

for The Weakerthans.

no2 using a lot harsher

been painted quickly. This

no1 combining outlines and

no4 uses little colour,

visual communications p15

The album design would

to work in the bears hair.

as well as no1 due to how

work gives off distance due

visual communications p16

brushes and using them as

no2 shows experiments with

visual communications p18

by layering strips like

no2 has less definition so