Since around 2017, I have had the great opportunity to create designs for Universal Music, particularly in the area of compilations and special packaging.
Depending on the release the album packaging can include box sets, books, picture discs, vinyl gatefolds, posters and postcards. We also often have the opportunity to use special print finishes such as varnishes.
For example, it was a honour to work on Roni Size & Reprazent – New Forms, 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, particularly with our own personal links to the Bristol music scene and being fans of the original packaging which was created by Intro. To update the original package – we used stills from the amazing live visuals Roni Size and Reprazent have become known for produced by the fantastic Bristol-based Limbic Cinema.
Deluxe packaging projects have included: Roni Size & Reprazent – New Forms, 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, Gomez – Bring It On & Liquid Skin, The Cranberries – Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, No Need to Argue & Stars & The Kooks – Inside In Inside Out.
In the world of reissues and repackaging is has been amazing to work with so many iconic album covers. In some cases the job has required sprucing up old images or remaking designs from scratch where artwork was created pre-Indesign.
Here are a few classic reissues that have either been faithful to the original such as Camel, B52’s, Third World or given a twist with spot colours, coloured vinyl and or extra graphics such as Sandie Shaw & Millie – My Boy Lollipop.