The Old Five CD and Case

Objective: The goal of designing the CD cover and case for The Old Five was to create a visually striking package that reflected Colin Hyden’s unique musical style and connected with his audience on a personal level. The design needed to capture the essence of Colin's sound, blending nostalgia with a modern edge, and appeal to both his loyal fans and new listeners.

Context: The Old Five is an album by solo performer Colin Hyden, known for his signature blend of classic and contemporary influences. The CD cover and case were essential in visually conveying Colin's artistic voice, setting the tone for the listening experience, and serving as a collectible item that represented his brand.

Challenges: One challenge was crafting a design that felt deeply personal and authentic to Colin’s style while also visually standing out. The cover had to convey his unique identity and reflect the themes of the album, resonating with listeners and working effectively in both physical and digital formats.

Process: I began by immersing myself in Colin’s music, drawing inspiration from his lyrics, tone, and overall mood. I developed initial concepts that visually interpreted the album’s themes, focusing on a vintage-inspired look with contemporary details to echo Colin’s sound. After sharing these ideas with Colin, I refined the final design digitally, carefully selecting typography, color schemes, and graphic elements that aligned with the album’s narrative. The design was crafted to work cohesively across the physical CD case and supporting promotional materials.

Takeaways: This project reinforced the value of visually aligning with a solo artist’s unique identity, creating an authentic representation of their music that enhances the audience’s connection. I gained experience in translating a performer’s style into visuals that resonate deeply with the themes of their work.