WORKBRIEF
To creatively name a record store, establish its visual identity and subsequently use the logotype in business specific applications.
RICHARD PRINCE
BOOK DESIGN
BRIEF
To creatively name a record store, establish its visual identity and subsequently use the logotype in business specific applications.
CONTEXT
The record store is for a new generation of collectors and vinyl enthusiasts. Located in Montreal, the store buys and sells new and used records, and is particularly known for carrying a wide range of rock, from 90s to present day.
APPROACH
A catchy name, that intuitively suggested the nature of the business was essential. Shelf Life refers to the enduring quality of vinyl, and the place where collectors store their records. A square shape was used to establish the graphic element of the logo. Not only are record shelves cube-shaped, but records themselves are kept in square sleeves. Wanting to incorporate the type in a dynamic manner, I chose to arrange the characters in a way that mimicked the act of taking a record off of a shelf, and removing it from its sleeve.
OUTCOME
The design of the logo effectively communicates what Shelf Life is all about. The solid graphic approach reflects a contemporary record store focused on quality. The dynamic type adds an element of fun, reflecting the store’s friendly environment.
WORKI’m not going to change. I’m not going to ask for permission. I’m not going to do it.
BRIEF
To thoughtfully design the cover and inside spreads of a large format book by accurately reflecting the tone and character of creative artist, Richard Prince.
When I first saw my photograph in Prince’s body of work, I did a double take. The signature picture for his show was this image that I had made in New Mexico. And then I saw it all over town. At every bus stop. Finally I went to the exhibit itself and the first thing I wanted to do was photograph it. The guard said no no no, no photography please. And I said but this is my picture. And he said no it’s not, it’s by Richard Prince.
- Sam Abell
I’m not going to change. I’m not going to ask for permission. I’m not going to do it.
BRIEF
To creatively name a record store, establish its visual identity and subsequently use the logotype in business specific applications.
CONTEXT
The record store is for a new generation of collectors and vinyl enthusiasts. Located in Montreal, the store buys and sells new and used records, and is particularly known for carrying a wide range of rock, from 90s to present day.
CONTEXT
Richard Prince is a controversial contemporary artist who finds success through appropriation. By deliberately stealing and slightly transforming pre-existing works by other artists, Richard is constantly met with indignation, to which he defiantly disregards.
Prince rephotographed Marlboro cigarette ads, deliberately cropping out all text associated with the advertisements. This series of cowboys launched his career, unbeknown to original photographer Sam Abell.
APPROACH
A portrait of Richard Prince had to be on the cover of the book. It shows how transparent and unapologetic he is as an artist. As he stares you in the eye, he is asking you to look at him, for you to see him for who he is, without fear of retribution. The title - I Could Care Less - is Richard’s bold response to how others react to his work, a succinct one-liner that sums up his attitude.
Through extensive research, I found myself drawn to the things Richard would say. He always nonchalantly spoke his mind. An overall typographic approach for the book was a way to emphasize these words. The spine, composed of microtype, is the unique stream-of-consciousness writing style Richard developed. This ‘bird talk’ is comprised of random short sentences, which are absurd yet profound.
The large barcode reflects the exorbitant cost of Prince’s work. His untitled (cowboy) photographs are among the most expensive ever sold, the highest going for $3,749,000.
OUTCOME
Every creative decision I made was deliberate. It was important to present the artist authentically through design. The result is a bold, typographic, in-your-face portrayal of Richard Prince.
APPROACH
A catchy name, that intuitively suggested the nature of the business was essential. Shelf Life refers to the enduring quality of vinyl, and the place where collectors store their records. A square shape was used to establish the graphic element of the logo. Not only are record shelves cube-shaped, but records themselves are kept in square sleeves. Wanting to incorporate the type in a dynamic manner, I chose to arrange the characters in a way that mimicked the act of taking a record off of a shelf, and removing it from its sleeve.
OUTCOME
The design of the logo effectively communicates what Shelf Life is all about. The solid graphic approach reflects a contemporary record store focused on quality. The dynamic type adds an element of fun, reflecting the store’s friendly environment.
