CD Package Design: The John Punch Band
I have been designing for almost 12 years, and some of the most rewarding work that I have produced have been for artists and musicians. They have also provided some of the most eye-stabbingly painful experiences as well. Artists are pretty particular people but in a strange twist of irony, some of the most talented artists have the worse design sensibilities. They can be a virtuoso on the piano or a visionary on the canvas but as soon as you give them a computer, imagery, fonts and colours, they behave like aesthetically retarded moles that were raised by a band of discount furniture flyer designers.
My friend and neighbour Chris Bradley approached me about helping out his band. I readily agreed since I had taken a long hiatus from freelancing my design services and I needed some distraction from my regular gig at MAD INC. Chris passed me a demo of their album, and I had it bumpin’ in our wagon for 2 weeks non-stop.
Design is a fluid and enjoyable process when you deal with a subject matter that you either like or believe in. I thoroughly enjoyed their tracks, I like the band and I enjoyed their music. This is going to be easy. I sent out an email asking some questions relating to their music, their concept as a band and the origin of their band name. Band leader Cory Thibodeau came back with quick answers, some images that they liked and the notion that they trusted my judgment. Always nice to hear, even better when it’s actually true.
Everything about the band, their name and their debut album, ‘Fences Have Been Planted, Thorns Have Been Built‘ gave a distinctive nod to history. My entire concept for the artwork centred around the beginning of the railroad industry. It was huge leap in communication, commerce and leisure; built on the broken backs of indentured workers, for the use of an elite few. It connected the coasts, cutting a swath of iron and wood across the country side, from up above it looked just like picket fences that surround the homes of that time. Pretty damn fitting if I say so myself.
I was quite pleased with the results (except for darker than expected print – but I am being picky), and the client was ecstatic. If all freelance projects went his smoothly, I may be reconsidering things. I wonder if any other neighbours are cutting an album soon.
Categorized as Design, Potpourri
Great work!