JESSICA JOHNSON
MODULE 603 / BRIEF 6
SECRET 7 RESEARCH
From research of style to research of colour it was clear that there are many different designs on vinyl covers from really abstract to minimal and simple shapes or words. Using white space was often a common feature in some designs, however those that didn’t include any white space were completely the opposite in the way that they were really chaotic and overcrowded with colour and imagery. Doing some primary research
by visiting some record shops made it much easier to see how such designs could really influence an audience and convince them into purchasing this record. It was almost as though the front cover was a piece of design to be sold in itself and as much care, time and effort had been put into this as had been put into the actual content of the sleeve. Design for record sleeves is much more interesting than the modern CD covers today.
JESSICA JOHNSON
MODULE 603 / BRIEF 6
SECRET 7
INITIAL IDEAS
From looking at the song lyrics there is a clear divide between the reality of the world and the ideal of how we would live if the world was a more peaceful place. It talks of conflict throughout the song and so this will be visually represented in the design. In terms of what contrasts, ideas were formed around the idea of peace and protest and how these could be displayed in an abstract way. Alongside this the idea of structure
and chaos will also be worked with. As a loose idea these sketches show how the chaos can be represented by a multitude of colours and unconsidered patterns and forms. This will completely unpredictable and will be more of a colour experiment. Over the top of this on a layer will be a very structured and accurate design, this will consist of lines and angles to represent the strong form that will contrast the background designs.
JESSICA JOHNSON
MODULE 603 / BRIEF 6
SECRET 7 DEVELOPMENT
Development of Secret 7 is always a fun stage, it allows for unique and unusual experimentation with materials that are not always often used. In this case marbling inks were brought in at this point, it was engaging and interesting to actually start making things hands on and creating some physical pieces. Around 40 different marbling patterns were created because then there would be a wide range to choose
from and test with different designs over the top. Layers were used to build up depth and tell more of a story, the layers that contribute to the idea of the chaos versus the calm. Lines and shapes are used as inspiration for some strong visuals to give a strong and defined image, this image would be demonstrated in either black or white so as to stand out against the bright and bold colourful background and show clear separation.
JESSICA JOHNSON
MODULE 603 / BRIEF 6
SECRET 7 FINAL / CONTEXT
Having a physical pack meant that the design could be more adventurous and really allow for boundaries to be challenged. Following the chaos and structure theme I wanted to make a small 3D element to the design. The two four sided shapes at the forefront of the design were slightly elevated, they were placed parallel along the invisible grid lines to follow the structure aspect. The white lines across the flat piece
followed the grid in terms of where they began and ended. This format was entirely contrasted by the content itself, using the marbling inks I created a mass of colour and pattern on several different layers, this was created onto each element using the same colours but giving an unpredictable and range of different designs. The opposing features within this piece really reflect the song imagine and the message it sends.
JESSICA JOHNSON
MODULE 603 / BRIEF 6
SECRET 7 FINAL / CONTEXT
For the digital submission a similar take on the song ‘Imagine’ was taken in terms of looking at the contrast of reality and what would be ideal within the lyrics. The contrast of calm and chaotic was again replicated with a marbling technique, this were designs created on white 9 x 9 inch squares and scanned in at high resolution. On the first design an illusionary approach was taken, this was to reflect and be symbolic
of the confusion apparent in John Lennon’s song. The thin white outlined shape is more delicate and fragile, this allows for a significant difference and a lighter overlay so as not to overcrowd the design. When placed onto a vinyl sleeve colour it shows a professional looking design that accurately represents the song chosen, it is bright and eye catching and would really jump off the shelf to attract the target audience.