christianmeinke.com » vinyl artwork

Tessera Double 12inch’s

CM — Sat, 16 May 2009 23:51:58 +0000

Typography and handdrawn illustrations for Sushitech’s anniversary release celebrating three years of the record labels existence. Splitted into two double 12inch releases, this artwork wasone of the most work intensive sleeve designs I did in recent years.

The various artists compilation was released on both – the main label Sushitech, as well as on it’s “Purple” subdivision and while a coherent look and feel was the main target, both records where meant to feature their own unique style and appearance.

While the Sushitech sleeve is covered by ‘classic’ typography and digital, yet organic line compositions (meticulously drawn using a graphic tablet) – the 2nd part features the more analogue and handcrafted design. Hand-drawn and scanned type for title and tracklistings are melting seamlessly into overprinted two-tone layers of separated paper textures, while overall coloring and typographic background is continuing the line of the first part.

Another aspect is the reversible sleeve concept, which gives a more fluid feel to the single record, but also enables multiple ways to organize both records/sleeves to each other.

More high-res photos are available at Flickr.

Sushitech Vinyl Artwork

CM — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:35:16 +0000

Since early 2006 I’m doing design work for the label originally hailing from London. Since then I created a wide palette of Vinyl artworks for the main label and it’s subdivisions. All of the three ‘branches’ of the label are visually (and musically ) following a different style and aesthetic direction, ranging from pure b/w typographic compositions and handlettered / handdrawn illustrations up to abstract patterns based on generative forms.

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The vinyl artworks showcased here are featuring graphic forms based on simple geometric shapes arranged by fractal patterns. Underlying algorhythms (see Fractal And Lindenmeyer Systems) are forming the generative compositions.

Used software was built with Processing

More high-res photos and stills can be found at Flickr.

Synket

CM — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:15:28 +0000

Working together with the people of Synket (a.k.a. producer duo Liebe Ist Cool) was really prolific in a charming and complementary way, as the labels visions and personal aesthetic appreciation (on both sides) almost perfectly coincided in several aspects. From the early beginning there was a keen interest in working with generative forms based on natural occuring patterns and after some research and first scribbles on paper and using Processing, Andereas Körberle’s Surface Library instantly caught the attention of involved parties.

Based on Paul Bourke’s Mathematical Shell (created in May 1989) a stripped down generative form was developed, more supposed to be a supplementing design element rather than a sign to shape the labels visual identity. In a second step a reduced logotype based on classy Helvetica lettering was created to form a contrast to the round and seamlessly flowing generative shapes. The creation process behind was following grid-based rules and a concept of steady reduction and simplification to form an abstract, yet memorable Logo.

Cautious and systematic reduction and transformation of classic Helvetica lettering

Both elements of the labels identity are based on cautious deconstruction and simplification of underlying structures and original forms to create a unique visual representation. Various aspects of music production and the labels output (i.e. iteration, patterns, rhythm and changes in tempo) where working as reference points and influencing factors during the design process.

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Logotype and generative form where introduced through the labels first vinyl record releases and continuously implemented in various digital and print media.

Synket Vinyl Artwork

CM — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:55:06 +0000

Phew… Almost a year passed by since my last post. Time to bring this tiny little white space back to life. To continue the line of bloggings filed under ‘Designing With Code’, I’ll upload some documenting pictures of artworks for a 12″ vinyl series I did some months ago. Graphics are based on sketches that utilize Andreas Koeberle’s Surface Library for Processing.

Besides designing the logo for Berlin based label Synket, I did numerous experiements and sketches to find a visual aesthetic that fits the approach and style of the musical projects. I ended up with a really stripped down version based on rotating horizontal and vertical strips of a shell surface that feels simple, yet complex in it’s own unique way.

Below you’ll find a few more pictures of the final products. High-res versions are available at Flickr.

Read more about concept and idea behind at the project page.