Parallax album
The objective of this project was to create a packaging design system for a made-up solo album called PARALLAX by Tendex, an original character of mine that’s a music artist, consisting of a lyrics/photobook design, CD design, CD case design, photo cards, poster and the box that the album elements come in.
This project was created using InDesign, Illustrator and Procreate.
!NOTICE!
The ONLY use of Generative AI was for text within the lyrics/photobook. All designs are created and owned by me.
Initial idea
For this project in particular, I knew I wanted to make an album that was more than just a CD. I wanted to make something that reflected Tendex (an original character also featured in GQ magazine). So I started by writing different ideas down in my sketchbook, ranging from concepts like Tendex’s childhood, his experience in fame and even mental health. Originally, I went with the name “Crash Out.” To portray that more rebellious side that refuses to change for fame, but also show how fame can affect someone’s mental health and change the person without them noticing.
improved idea
After reflecting and getting feedback from peers to change the name, I decided to do some research. I wanted a name that would encapsulate not just the negative and angry side of Tendex. But, an album that will touch into his childhood, the more sensitive and gentle side of him. I did research to see different words that meant seeing an item or thing from different points of view, and found “Parallax.” Parallax means “the apparent shift in an object's position when viewed from two different locations.” (Definition found on astro.unl.edu)
Notes, rough sketches and type trials
Moodboards
The moodboard on the left is the general aesthetic I want the album to have. The main visuals were inspired by broken mirrors, while the colours, black and red, are used since they’re the main colours Tendex is associated with. On the right are some of the items I want within the album package. Items like photocards, a poster, a CD with design work on it and other items not shown, like a CD case with artwork, along with a lyrics/photobook.
sketches 1/2
With the first and third sketch, I liked the idea of having Tendex look at himself in a mirror. The idea was to have Tendex in his relaxed state look in a mirror, to see his reflection, but instead sees a reflection of himself in his idol state. But I fell in love with the idea of sketch two, which is similar to the first one. But, instead of Tendex looking at himself, it’s the viewer. The reason for this is that Tendex always shows that more confident, over-the-top, idol version of himself and how others always perceive him as this. Despite the almost perfect image, though, the mirror is cracked and damaged. To represent that even the people who seem put together have their moments of challenge. Letting viewers see themselves in this album and Tendex.
sketches 2/2
For these sketches, I was more focused on how to translate the broken mirror pattern into the actual design of the lyrics book and the CD design. For the lyrics book, I liked the idea of having certain songs be white on black, while the rest were black on white. Only certain songs would be white on black to visually show the intensity and vulnerability within them, rather than just relying on the lyrics. Same with the CD, the goal wasn’t to have this perfect and super clean design. I wanted to have the mix of a clean layout and visual disorder with cracks. Again demonstrating the “perfect” yet damaged visual aesthetic.
Nameplates
Originally, I was going to use an already existing font for Tende’x’s nameplate, wanting to go for a more graffiti style. But then I decided to make one of my own, in order to make it more original, even if it’s simpler. As for the Parallax nameplate, I wanted to make it simple so as not to distract from the illustrated cover. So, I used a font that was bold, simple and complemented the general aesthetic.
cover illustration
For the main illustration, I had a bit of a struggle, not in the sketch or the line art part. But with the lighting and how it would cast shadows across the face. In order to capture the right lighting I found a helpful website for reference. Once I was abble to figure out the lighting situation, it was pretty easy to do the rest of the design.
Reference for lighting: jonathanpatterson.com
Lyrics book
For the lyrics part of the book, I wanted there to be a small crack that would grow with each song until reaching the final song. I thought of this idea because I wanted it to feel as though the viewer was breaking through to the final song called “Dex”, titled after his nickname.
CD Design
Instead of having a part in the lyrics book that holds the CD, as most K-pop albums do, I decided to have the CD alone in its own case. I did this so that the CD can be displayed on its own if the cover art gets taken off.
Photocards
I wanted the featured photocards to reflect Tendex's two sides. To do this, I illustrated Tendex in a more relaxed and natural state (the left illustration). Then, illustrated him as his idol persona, with a more confident, bolder pose (on the right side). For the back, I wanted to keep it simple but keep the consistent pattern of cracks.
Photocards speedpaint
I approached the colouring process a little differently this time when creating these two illustrations. I used a method called gradient mapping. I use a medium grey as a base, then use darker and lighter greys for the different hues. I then create a gradient map and adjust the colours accordingly.
Album box
For the album box, I wanted to continue including the main drawing on the cover of the box. To give a small peek into what the full design is, I made the design zoomed in on Tendex’s eyes. The intention of this is so that viewers get a peek into Tendex’s true self. This is inspired by the saying “the eyes are the window to someone’s soul.” While the cracks around the album show those “imperfections,” but also used to enhance the design to not be so simple.
completed design
After creating each design, I made a mockup with all the assets side by side, making sure the designs are their correct size in order to give a better overview of what they would all look like together. For the poster on the left side, I decided to just use the illustration I made, especially considering how proud I am of that drawing.
Final thoughts
Overall, this project felt more like a passion project, especially considering the deep love I have for both music and drawing. Additionally, I wanted to make an album concept project for a while, especially tying into the world of the characters I’ve created.
