MODEST MOUSE ALBUM

Time length:

4 weeks

Tools:

InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator

Roles/Skills:

Solo project - Design Layout, Production, Art Direction, Microtypography

OVERVIEW

Modest Mouse formed in 1992. Since their origin, they’ve produced seven studio albums with many mainstream hits. However, they do not have an album devoted to their hidden gems. To fix this, I created a compilation album that focuses on little-known songs and other cult favorites. In addition, the visuals on the album cover needed to embody the band’s personality and style with a clear hierarchy of information.

PROCESS

For this four week project, I started by listening to the playlist for the Modest Mouse compilation album. This allowed me to brainstorm ideas and become familiar with the sound of the album. I determined the songs were gritty, rough, and unconventional so I needed to find a way to portray this tone in the visuals. 

PROCESS CONTINUED

After brainstorming, I created a style board that included colors, graphics, textures, and other inspiration that would help represent the mood of the album. Next, I decided on a concept for the album. Since the album featured little-known favorites, I wanted to focus on the idea of discovering hidden gems within the songwriter, Issac Brock.

Click here for playlist.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Since I also selected the songs in the playlist of this compilation album, I became very attached to this project. The process involved a mixture of analog and digital design to create the collage style. The end result captures the gritty and unconventional sound of Modest Mouse through a dynamic layout. It features visuals and typography that helps emphasize the concept of the album.