Re: (idm) illegible covers, graphic design etc.

From Tsog5000
Sent Sun, Nov 2nd 1997, 11:08

In a message dated 11/1/97 12 01 46 AM, xxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx wrote:

<<
ABSOLUTELY !!!  Tri Rep was 'minimal' but at least if you look
closely, it's all there somewhere.  But Chiastic Slide is just
contrived and doesn't even look good, *IMO*.>>

hmmm... I see where you come from, but I think it depends on how you see it.
as a graphic designer, the line between form and function and is something we
have to deal with all the time. Is the cover of an album supposed to serve a
function? Does copy on the sleeve really need to inform the viewer, or can it
work in a expressive context, where the written information is actually
irrellevent, and the objective is  to create a piece that doesn't necessarily
inform the viewer of the subjective details, but rather, create an image that
 coorolates the attitude of the material inbeded within the audio half?
Tri Repetae, in comparison to Chiastic Slide upon first listening is a much
more straight forward piece, with rather percussive elements which are
followable, mechanical sounds, and an absence of human characteristcs. Thus,
the metallic olive sleeve is almost perfect for the piece. However, upon
further listens, the dynamics within each of the songs, and the delicate
chaos within the orchestrations lean toward imagery that would fit the
postcards inside.
As for Chiastic Slide, we see an almost exact reversal in theme with the way
the music is created. Considerably harder to listen to (especially when
compared to Tri Repetae), filled unusual time signitures, and evolutions
within song structure that you can't really put your finger seem to corrolate
perfectly with the way the sleeve is designed. What illustrates the loosness
of this album best is the almost transparent grid system printed on the
sleeve. If you'll notice, the grid is not perfect.
Another example of form, function, and expression within graphic design would
be the latest Aphex Twin release. Earlier on the list, people debated as to
whether the ep was a "pisstake". If you could judge it strictly by the
sleeve, I would have to say that it is exactly that.  Instead of mind blowing
graphics, we get something that seems almost half-assed. No interesting
typographic work, just good ol' helvetica, left justified with really
horrible leading. Instead of a piece of art, we get something that looks like
a "product", uncared for, slapped together, and distributed for mass
consumption.
What this all winds down to is that my opinion in concerns of function in
graphic design, within the context of Album sleeves is that I don't find it
as important as the way the designer tries to illustrate the actual material
inside. What the Designers Republic seems to do best is taking the audio
material, wether it be the music or the manner or attitude it was created,
and expressing in visual context. 
After all, it's much funner to look at a weird album sleeve than a cereal
box.
 
anyways, I just thought that I would spew out my "2c".
Please don't get me started on Editorial, Advertising, and Packaging
design....

t.S.o.G.


np: Portishead- Portishead.
Hey, it's late, I want to relax, and it's music that satisfies my "design
sensibilites".