The Challenge:
I challenged myself to create album covers for two of my favorite songs using ink blots made with India ink and paper. The compositions created explored the use of the midline and incorporated the edges of the piece to create depth and interest. The lyrics of the songs also helped to guide the direction of the imagery portrayed on each cover.
INKBLOT
EXPLORATION
Role:
Designer
Tools:
Illustrator | Photoshop
Category:
Album Cover
[ ONE LAST KISS ] HIKARU UTADA
"One Last Kiss" was composed for the anime movie Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time and explores a deep romance between a couple and their vulnerable first steps of letting their guard down.
WHAT IS THE SONG ABOUT?
[Pre-Chorus]
Oh, although you have given me a lot
But please give me one more
Can you give me one last kiss?
It's something that I don’t want to forget
This part of the composition highlights the importance of the kiss. The rectangle covers the lips with a passionate red, encapsulating the moment neither wants to forget.
[Bridge]
Oh, I really do understand
That even til' the end of time
That even when I grow old
[Refrain]
There's someone I won't be able to forget
(Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-woah, oh-oh-oh, oh-woah)
Someone I can't forget, someone I can't forget
(Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-woah, oh-oh-oh (Oh-oh))
Someone I can't forget
I love you more than you'll ever know
The red string surrounding both lovers signifies that fate binds their love together. Nothing can keep them apart.
THE INSPIRATION
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The inkblot's shape resembles the Eva mech's head, an essential part of the anime.
[ DIE FOR YOU ] THE WEEKND
THE INSPIRATION
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The inkblot's shape resembles the movement and look of blood splatter. Part of the inkblot also forms the shape of a heart, which fits perfectly with the song's theme of love.
"Die For You" is a song featured on the Weeknd's album Starboy. It draws inspiration from his turbulent romance with Bella Hadid and portrays his deep affection and willingness to go to extreme lengths for her, even die for her.
WHAT IS THE SONG ABOUT?
[Verse 1]
I'm findin' ways to articulate the feelin' I'm goin' through
I just can't say I don't love you (Yeah)
'Cause I love you, yeah
It's hard for me to communicate the thoughts that I hold
But tonight, I'm gon' let you know
Let me tell the truth
Baby, let me tell the truth, yeah
The blood bursting out of the man's chest represents his explosive and uncontainable emotions for the woman he loves and how he can no longer keep his feelings to himself.
[Chorus]
Even though we're goin' through it
And it makes you feel alone
Just know that I would die for you
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
The distance and the time between us
It'll never change my mind 'cause
Baby, I would die for you
Baby, I would die for you, yeah (Say)
The composition is a literal representation of the lyrics and portrays a man sacrificing his life in the name of love.
THE INSPIRATION
The inkblot's shape resembles the movement and look of blood splatter. Part of the inkblot also forms the shape of a heart, which fits perfectly with the song's theme of love.