20 initial sketched ideas.

I have sketched these initial 20 ideas based on my research and ideas so far relating to this project. I have really tried to push my design ideas and come up with a completely different idea for each design. This would then allow me to chose the most appropriate selection of ideas based on this. I have looked at different levels of ambiguity and clarity within each design to see how experimenting with these will effect the overall aesthetics of the record cover.

1. Using simplistic cut out shapes and lines to express visually the simplistic of the song 'Dream 3' the different shapes showing each instrument and its context in the music.

2. Inspired by the work of ECM records using a abstract photography composed in the rectangular space along side subtle text with a calming plain background using a single colour.


3. Creating a dream like landscape that seems to follow right to the horizon line. The emphasis on the contrast of colours of the sky and ground. The distribution of horizontal and vertical lines creating a real focal point in the center of the page.

4. A more modernist Bauhaus style graphics, the overlapping lines and shapes creating a network of lines that creates an alluring geometric designs. 

5. Using the quote I found in the 'Sleeves of Desire' book displaying it in large hand drawn type that stands out from the background. This design allows the quote itself to be the main focus of the designs. 

6. Creating a textured back drop of tactile lines and colours in mixed media, then in the center using another quote from the 'Sleeves of Desire' book and either letter press or hand painted type to create a more personal response.


7. A play on this idea of an far horizon often seen in dreams and creating a very simple background for some small detailed lines emphasizing this idea of a warped space. Then on the top left some abstract poetry or quotes relating to dreams.

8. Either using a build up of line or tone creating a focal point on one side of the page to form the backdrop for text creating an ambiguous message relating to the 'Dream 3' track I have chosen.


9. Using obscured or warped text to displaying some of the leading artists names related to the surrealism movement that had a focus on dreams and the subconscious within their own work.

10. Using a picture of some graffiti removal that could be seen as art influenced by the film 'The Art of Graffiti Removal' by Matt McCormick. Having this photograph large along side some text and simple tones.


11. Creating a collage of different paper stocks and colours to try and convey dream like imagery.

12. Looking at the surrealists Automatic drawing, (creating a free and unplanned drawing in a unconscious state.) then using type and line along side this to create artwork that is spontaneous and impromptu.


13. Looking at classic masks that relate to dreams and sleep from around the world. Using either photographs of my own drawings/painting/collage of the images. Displaying a dynamic and engaging design that has a extra level of culture and context.

14. A much more abstract design using simple coloured line and shape influenced by David Hockney's Swimming Pool paintings. This along side some more expressive and interesting type as the focal point. (Again using quotes and poetry relating to dreams).


15. Using Salvador Dali's Elephant image with long extended legs by in my own drawing style showing again this dream like imagery that is obscure and ambiguous.

16. Using very large type spreading across the page to display another of the quotes on album cover design. Experimenting with size scale and the different relationship between the type. A much more direct and less ambiguous design that communicated directly to the viewer.


17. Once again influenced by the Surrealists work and Dali in particular to create a kind of whirlwind of broken shapes that appears to be caught in motion. Denoting this theme of a pensive, imaginary images that appear in dreams.

18. Creating a cracked or broken window design that shows very slightly an obscure dream like world on the other side. Playing on the idea that there is much more to the image than meets the eye. The use of fast dynamic lines creates an eye-catching and engaging record cover.


19. Looking at the idea of falling within dreams and how this is a very common thing, showing a person that appears to be falling from a window captured in motion. Trying to evoke the emotions that a person goes through having this particular dream. Again using strong dynamic lines that flow off the page to create an alluring and interesting record cover.

20. Looking at shape and how it can evoke emotions and feelings in there simplest forms. Thinking about this concept of vivid dreams that can not be explained as they are so abstract and cryptic at times.

 After creating these 20 design ideas I will analyze which I feel are the most successful and relevant through, feedback and self refection. To try and pick a few ideas to continue to work with moving on within this project.