MN area band Firefight came back to me with the idea of putting together a cover image for their upcoming online only release. Since this was going to be their last release as a band, I figured we should go all out and do something fun. The title of a release is always a good place to start looking for the visual cues that direct a concept, and with this one being called “Ashes”, the direction seemed pretty obvious.

I started by printing up and cutting out a large image of their “phoenix” logo that I had previously designed for their “Natural Disaster” EP packaging. Then I went about burning some good ol’ wood and newspaper in the clay kiln out back and scooping the still hot embers into a big bowl. I then stuck the cut out of the logo on a piece of white poster board and sprayed all around it with some regular old spray adhesive. After the poster board was thoroughly sprayed, I proceeded to dump the ashes all around it, completely covering the logo. Then, I lifted away the cutout, and viola- instant logo reversal in wood ash. After a few well lit pics, some photoshop contrast adjustment, and some simple type treatment we have one (online) CD cover.

This was a great little project, and it’s always nice to get your hands dirty when making art. I kinda wish this was getting a full print run so I could do more with it, but if nothing else this was a fine way to put some punctuation on a the closing statement of a fun band’s short career. Here are some making of pics…

What’s up with my wonky wrist in that picture?

-marky

Anyway, the background was done in watercolor at 11 x 17″ and then typeset over in Illustrator. Rebeca suggested the brilliant quote that was used at the bottom.

Also, Geffen artist Charlotte Sometimes has a bunch of new apparel in her webstore based off of the “Charlotte Girl” illustration and Logo work that was done for her a while back by MWL.

-marky

I get the opportunity to write songs and play music with my wife Heather in a band called Venna. Our debut EP was just released on Common Cloud Records and some of the songs on this disc have been working their way towards a proper release for over 5 years. Needless to say we were extremely thrilled about this release and wanted to do something extra special with the packaging to celebrate it.

With the band’s aesthetic being very DIY and personable (shows are usually played in the corners of venues, off of the stage and away from amplification of any sort) we wanted to go that direction with the visual presentation of the music, right down to the recycled, eco-friendly packaging materials and rock ‘n roll zine-style photocopied insert. Here are some photos of the assembly process and the final pieces-

Heather took on the task of running each 8 page zine/insert through a sewing machine to give them a hand-bound look.

Every leaf and vine of the cover illustration was drawn in Illustrator and took about 5 days worth of non-consecutive work to finish.

VGKids in Ypsilanti, MI did a fantastic job of hand-printing the 1 color silk screen for the exterior illustration, as well as some complimentary promo stickers.

All the printed materials were assembled by Heather and myself and then lovingly wrapped in a coordinating green twine.

I can’t help but think that this is closer to how these things should be done more often…

Apple & Arrow spot illustration -

Background Painting -

Tray Card design -

I’ll post the entire project soon. Thanks!

-marky