The creative visuals in music is just as important as the actual music it self. Whether it's colorful, chaotic, idealism or just plain innovative; an very well interpretation album cover draws you more to the coming of that album. Graphic arts designer Kilo has been working hard for the pas 4 years with his company Kilo Designs gave us his input on his top 5 album covers that influence him and his style of designs.
1. Outkast-Aquemini
I'm sure my passion for Outkast's music is what drove me to make them my number 1 pick, but I can honestly say that this album cover alone inspired me to become a better artist (not even as far as graphic design....just art in general). This is one of my all time favorite albums, and the cover is AMAZING. I know for a fact that Andre is a great artist, but I'm not sure if he did this particular cover or not, but I know he usually plays a big role in the art work for their albums (or at least he used to). I just simply think this is a great piece of art and does a good job defining the group.
2. Notorious B.I.G.-Ready to Die
I don't think theres a person alive who doesn't love this cover, haha. Not only do you get to see the late great Biggie as a baby, but its simplicity says so much. What it says to me is "This album is so great, it doesn't need a fancy cover........just his baby picture on a white background", which is 100% true. Honorable mention to Nas and Lil Wayne for being able to do the same thing with their classic albums.
3. Gym Class Heroes-As Cruel As School Children
This is one of my favorites because it features a hand drawn representation of Travis when he was in school. Most people may not know it but he was overweight as a child and was picked on from what I understand. I think this cover does a great job representing them because the band got started while they were in school, and whole album is based around that. Even the songs aren't numbered, they're called first period, second period, lunch, etc. Not only is this one of my favorite album COVERS, but also one of my favorite albums as well. I'm a huge GCH fan.
4. Lauryn Hill-Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
At first glance you may just think that this cover has a cool drawing of Lauryn Hill on it, but with closer inspection you can see that its actually her face carved into the top of a desk which I always thought was very creative given the name and content of the album.
5. Lupe Fiasco-Food and Liquor
I really liked this cover when I first saw it, but as I looked at it closer I realized that the artist really did a good job of representing Lupe. Not just the fact that they placed random things that he enjoys floating around his head, but the cover in its entirety just screams "Hey, Lupe is a nerd and he doesn't give a shit if you like it or not." which I'm sure is how he actually feels. The concept for the inside of the booklet is also very creative.
For all artist and non artist who are in need of a graphic designer check out Kilo's work at www.kilodesigns.blogspot.com or www.myspace.com/__kilo then hit him up!
