My new album is called Some Things Are Like Other Things.
It’s time to sign off the artwork. Lynn Hatzius, an absolute master illustrator, has designed some wonderful visuals. But we’re going back and forth with which approach is best. Can you help?
Which of these makes you want to listen to this record more?
Idea #1:
No doubting this is more beautiful.
Idea #2:
Less beautiful, but elegant, simple, readable at a small size.
Go with your instinct. #1 or #2. Which approach is best? Share your pick in the comments.
This is a dilemma. I love #1 but share concern that the detail would be lost on a CD case. Similarly I love the free birds flying through contours be it of height or air pressure. There might be a compromise - produce the album on vinyl, design #1, and use design #2 for CD cases.
I’ve been hesitant to submit a final verdict here…my wife and I keep going back and forth on these. They only proper solution is to do both and have a two-parter album! No pressure, of course…
In all seriousness, With the songs you’ve shared thus far, option 1 seems like the better fit: it’s a little more expressive and goes with the title, plus I feel a bit more ‘soul’ connection to that one somehow. It’s a top, a volcano, and world of wonder within. The imagination within the object, type of thing.
Whatever the decision, both are really fantastic designs!
2. I go with the simplicity. It feels light and breezy and chill. 1 is slick but has a lot of information. If you had a song about a top or a volcano, then maybe 1. But it feels to me quite specific in direction. If there is a hook that has prosody with the image, then go for it.
I agree Jake, number one is the more beautiful design. But from following you for so many years now, I'd have to say number 2 fits in more with your usual "branding"
The title in itself is a huge sign that we're about to dive into your wonderful mind. Let the music stand out.
Although, as you say no1 is beautiful, for me it’s the simplicity of 2 which will leave the great creative side of you to come out in the content. You’ve come a long way since making your own personal covers to your music.👌
Fancy 1 with the beautiful spinning top slightly smaller and the writing slightly bigger may be? I reckon if you're the type of creative genius that can get to release a 3rd album go big and visual!! No 2 bit too plain for me!!
Apr 27, 2022·edited Apr 27, 2022Liked by Jake Morley
Idea 1, intruding and memorable. In the way that you could describe it to friends and they’d know the album you’re talking about even when the name escapes you.
But as others have said, nudge the title font up a couple of points.
The simple type of idea 2 is bookish, certainly not a bad thing but following the same process as above; the album that’s like a book, is already The Manual.
I was initially drawn to #1 (the art is so beautiful, and full of depth- like your music!), but #2 is really growing on me… Maybe because the design layout is similar to The Manual, and it’s more legible. It’s really pleasing to look at.
Is there any way to have design #2 on the front cover, and #1 as the back? 😂
Number 1 if only for the fact that it says something as a piece of memorable art and in this economy we need all the things we can to be memorable and different.
Number 1. Number 1 pulls you in and maintains interest. The composition of Number 2 drags your eyes diagonally top right and then to drift off to other things. It doesn't maintain interest.
Both are beautiful, My preference would go to #2 for its simplicity... Although I would have gone with a #1 with a bigger title and smaller spinning top... choices......
Both gorgeous but probably #1. Although I really also like the principle of two but with a smaller spinning top as the design at the bottom left instead of the birds top right. Trust me to find an option 3! xx
#1 - elegant but not dull - the colours, the nature picture inside the spinning top, maybe signifying life's balance, draws me in and makes me curious to hear the songs
For me it’s #2. 1 is beautiful but there’s something about the simple elegance of 2 that drew me in. It actually made me breathe out when I saw it and i think maybe the world needs more things that make them breathe out right now
This is a dilemma. I love #1 but share concern that the detail would be lost on a CD case. Similarly I love the free birds flying through contours be it of height or air pressure. There might be a compromise - produce the album on vinyl, design #1, and use design #2 for CD cases.
I’ve been hesitant to submit a final verdict here…my wife and I keep going back and forth on these. They only proper solution is to do both and have a two-parter album! No pressure, of course…
In all seriousness, With the songs you’ve shared thus far, option 1 seems like the better fit: it’s a little more expressive and goes with the title, plus I feel a bit more ‘soul’ connection to that one somehow. It’s a top, a volcano, and world of wonder within. The imagination within the object, type of thing.
Whatever the decision, both are really fantastic designs!
Idea One for me, though Jo said Two...!
Two!
I like one . Not sure why - more interesting I think
2. I go with the simplicity. It feels light and breezy and chill. 1 is slick but has a lot of information. If you had a song about a top or a volcano, then maybe 1. But it feels to me quite specific in direction. If there is a hook that has prosody with the image, then go for it.
#1
1 for me. Rushing out………..
I agree Jake, number one is the more beautiful design. But from following you for so many years now, I'd have to say number 2 fits in more with your usual "branding"
The title in itself is a huge sign that we're about to dive into your wonderful mind. Let the music stand out.
Although, as you say no1 is beautiful, for me it’s the simplicity of 2 which will leave the great creative side of you to come out in the content. You’ve come a long way since making your own personal covers to your music.👌
Fancy 1 with the beautiful spinning top slightly smaller and the writing slightly bigger may be? I reckon if you're the type of creative genius that can get to release a 3rd album go big and visual!! No 2 bit too plain for me!!
Thank you so much everyone for your comments. Some strong preferences both ways!
Was a little hesitant to do this, like it's not meant to be done this way. But really glad I did.
Idea 1, intruding and memorable. In the way that you could describe it to friends and they’d know the album you’re talking about even when the name escapes you.
But as others have said, nudge the title font up a couple of points.
The simple type of idea 2 is bookish, certainly not a bad thing but following the same process as above; the album that’s like a book, is already The Manual.
Idea 2 - Simplicity always wins -
Looking forward to hearing the new LP👍🧐
I was initially drawn to #1 (the art is so beautiful, and full of depth- like your music!), but #2 is really growing on me… Maybe because the design layout is similar to The Manual, and it’s more legible. It’s really pleasing to look at.
Is there any way to have design #2 on the front cover, and #1 as the back? 😂
Defo no 1 but agree with other posters about a bigger font.
No.1 with a larger font
Personally I love number 1
#2 because why the dreidel?
Number 1- yes, more beautiful, and, in what way is a spinning top like a volcano? Intriguing.
At first #1 was my first due to the colour and art work but then i actually prefer the big title in #2. Maybe put the #1 art work inside?
Number 1 is intriguing and more memorable.
Number 1 if only for the fact that it says something as a piece of memorable art and in this economy we need all the things we can to be memorable and different.
Clear and simple 2 for me.
#1 please! I love me some pretty visuals on my album sleeve!
#1 is like an Isakov t shirt. Love it.
Number 1, number 2 would work better as a book cover
Love no.1 it's beautiful but no.2 should be the cover your name and title stands out
1. More intriguing and beautiful artwork
1 is definitely better. 2 looks like a self-help book.
Idea no. 1 looks great!
I love number 1… go with that!
#1 for no other reason than i don't like #2
Number 1. Gorgeous...like your music!
number 1. just love the multi-layered beautiful spinning top which in its depth seems to echo your music and words so well.
Number 1. Number 1 pulls you in and maintains interest. The composition of Number 2 drags your eyes diagonally top right and then to drift off to other things. It doesn't maintain interest.
#1 is beautiful. My gut says go with that as it juxtaposes the simple style of The Manual artwork too. Can’t wait to hear it!
#1, perhaps with larger writing. I wouldn't expect the record or CD in #2 to sound like you!
2, like the simplicity, and the spinning top confuses me a bit
Both are beautiful, My preference would go to #2 for its simplicity... Although I would have gone with a #1 with a bigger title and smaller spinning top... choices......
definitely #1, love the design!
For me, idea 1. It makes you think.
For me it's #2. #1 confuses me - why a spinning top, why are there mountains in an area of no contour lines. All a bit odd.
#2 Clear. Simple. Elegant. The birds are flying over a flat plain or water. Why? What's so good ahead or so bad behind...
Both gorgeous but probably #1. Although I really also like the principle of two but with a smaller spinning top as the design at the bottom left instead of the birds top right. Trust me to find an option 3! xx
Idea 1 for sure! Replace the spinning top with a bird though?
#1 but with larger text :)
#1 - elegant but not dull - the colours, the nature picture inside the spinning top, maybe signifying life's balance, draws me in and makes me curious to hear the songs
2, but both are beautiful
2
For me it’s #2. 1 is beautiful but there’s something about the simple elegance of 2 that drew me in. It actually made me breathe out when I saw it and i think maybe the world needs more things that make them breathe out right now