Experimental Design Project DDL1
Album cover and record design for "Blkswn" by hip-hip musician Smino
"Where there is woman there is light"
Smino’s breakout project blkjuptr did not contain any listed features aside from a verse from jay2aintshit, a fellow Zero Fatigue cohort. While blkjuptr was an enjoyable and well put together project, the standout beauty of blkswn is it’s cohesion.
In stark contrast to many of his peers in hip-hop, Smino’s sound isn’t overbearingly aggressive and is in many ways complementary. The allure of blkswn’s female features is that they act as an emulsifier: they gel together Smino’s verses and add stabilization to tracks that bake and create a sweet treat for the listener to enjoy.
2. Maraca
5. Spitshine
7. Anita
8. Lobby Kall
11. B Role
13. blkswn
15. Innamission
I explored two different artists, Brent Faiyez and Smino. Smino had a sound that I could dissect more in relation to the prior musical knowledge I have and the visual I could create from that.
Moodboards
Moodboard - Mark making examples, smooth and organic lines and shapes
Moodboard - type designs
Moodboard - Smino and his inspiration or influences, visuals for design direction
Mind Map - this was the discovery process in which I believed was the best creative direction for the design to go.
After making my decision, I did more research into Smino's artistic sound and his inspiration throughout all of his music. Women especially are influences in the making of his music. So I wanted to explore the complementary of the divine feminine with the divine masculine through organic shapes and and smooth, seamless visual transitions.
Mark Makings
Organic shapes and layers of lines using indian ink and a sponge brush on newsprint
Exploring words using my technique with ink and a sponge brush on newsprint
Sketches
Thumbnail sketches
I decided to use this sketch as the subject of my design for the cover
Watercolor media for cover
Record Design and Cover Jackets
Front and back cover jacket
Jacket sleeves with song title and lyrics and record disc.
Front Cover Jacket
Back Cover Jacket
Front Sleeve
Back Sleeve
