Overview
Design Process
A Fall 2025 student project focused on redesigning a vinyl LP package The goal of the project was to analyze the themes and emotional tone of the music and translate them into a cohesive visual identity across physical music packaging.
I chose the album Actual Life (April 14 – December 17 2020) by Fred again..
The final outcome is a vinyl LP package that includes a front and back cover, dust sleeve, and center label, along with additional branded assets that extend the visual language of the project.
The project began with selecting an album and conducting a thematic analysis of its lyrics, tone, and emotional themes. This research informed a one-page moodboard and concept brief that explored possible visual directions inspired by the music’s themes of vulnerability, connection, and lived experience. From there, rough sketches and early design directions were developed for the LP packaging, including the album cover, dust sleeve, and record label.
I expanded into a larger brand system by developing additional assets that extended the visual language beyond the packaging. These included promotional and merchandise concepts such as a billboard, apparel, and graphic elements that could support the album’s identity.
The final stage focused on refining typography, composition, and overall visual consistency. The completed project presents a cohesive set of packaging and branded materials that communicate the emotional tone and narrative of the album through visual design.
Front & Back Cover
DUST SLEEVE
I wanted to pay homage to Fred again..’s unique style of making music. He is known for taking samples of people, artists, poems, or anything he finds inspiration from into his songs. In his three albums called Actual Life, the title of each song is the name of the person who inspired the song. In this first album and redesign, I included real pictures of the people who were featured and titled after.
It also includes slogans that are repeatedly used throughout not only the first album, but all his Actual Life albums.