DESIGN PROMPT
It’s 2024, and you probably don’t own a CD player or a record player—maybe the latter is even more likely at this point. My guess is that you’ve never bought either of these items because you likely use a streaming music service, which is arguably one of the best things the tech industry has done for us.
So why design a CD package or a record sleeve? First and foremost, it’s an excellent and approachable introduction to designing a three-dimensional package for a physical object. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to have some fun and get creative with your design practice.
CREATE A MUSICAL PERSONA
For this assignment, you will develop a fictional musical persona. This persona can be based on yourself, your friends, or a combination of several music artists you admire or find interesting. Once you have created and defined your musical persona, develop a brand/identity for your artist. Then, leverage that identity into a package design for their next upcoming album release.
The finished product will include all of the following elements:
•Mood board
•Logo design
•CD package design (optional: include digital and/or vinyl version)
•Digital edition
Step 1
Create your artist’s persona. Research artists you admire, paying special attention to how they represent themselves visually and how these visual representations shape their identity in pop culture. Sketch out ideas and find imagery for your mood board. Also, think about what your artist might sound like, how you might describe it verbally, and then visually.
(Example: Sounds like: 3/8 Sex Pistols + 3/8 MGMT + 2/8 Billie Eilish = New Artist)
Step 2
Create your artist’s identity. Think about their logo—is it a symbol or icon? Or is it their name set in a particular typeface? Do they use a combination of both? Will your campaign include photographs of this artist? Also, consider what kind of additional artwork and imagery they use to represent themselves.
Step 3
Create your CD package design and booklet. Use the logo, images, and artwork from the previous two steps to complete these final elements of the assignment.
Step 4
•Create one 3D mockup of your package design.
•Create JPGs of your digital edition.
•Submit all of your final digital files to me in an organized manner (JPG, AI, and PSD files). We will discuss this more in class.
Final due date: September 26th
You will be graded on the following criteria:
1. Concept/Creativity
Original, creative, and unique concept. Effectively communicates the album’s theme and artist’s identity. Captivating and memorable.
2. Design Execution
Use of design elements (color, imagery, textures). Layout is balanced, visually engaging, and well-composed.
3. Technical Skills
Execution of production techniques (bleeds, resolution, folding lines). Print quality is professional.
4. Typography & Layout
Typography choices are innovative and align well with the overall theme. Text is legible and well-integrated into the design.
5. Presentation/Professionalism
Project is presented in a professional manner with attention to detail (mockups, packaging, documentation). Ready for critique and portfolio.