Album Cover & Zoetrope
CHAOS NOW* - Jean Dawson
Overview
The project explored visual storytelling for the allbum Chaos Now*, by jean Dawson. Blending cover art and a zoetrope design into a cohesive experience. The goal was to translate the experimental nature of Dawson’s music into equally experimental design choices.
Role
My focus was on creating a cohesive visual identity that connected the tactile feel of the artwork with the motion of the zoetrope. I led the creative direction and execution of both the cover art and zoetrope, focusing on principles of ambiguity, balance, and motion.
Process
I used a muted palette with bursts of red to create intrigue, paired with unconventional typography layouts for balance and interpretation. Motifs from the cover art—like the crashing guitar and crumpled paper—became recurring elements in the zoetrope, tying the designs together through motion. Texture overlays inspired by charcoal and pencil sketches emphasized rawness and reflection. Along the way, I refined the composition by relocating text for better breathing room and shifting from sketch to blended illustration to highlight complexity.
Outcome
The result was a visual system that blurred the line between music and design, giving the album cover and zoetrope a shared language of ambiguity, motion, and emotion.
