Presentation on British Graphic designer on the 6 steps to how he produces an album cover.

1. “I listen to the music, read the lyrics, speak
to the musicians as much as possible. I see
myself as a kind of translator, translating
an audio event - the music - into a visual
event - the cover.”

2. Background Information
• (February 28 1944- April 18 2013)
• British graphic designer, film maker and
tennis fiend
• Best known for his work with Rock Artists like
Pink Floyd , Led Zeppelin , Black Sabbath and
Scorpions.
• In memory of his work an exhibition was held
at Idea Generation Gallery in East London on
April 22nd until May 2nd . The admission was
free and showcased his ideas and work in the
last 40 years of his life.

3. The Step preview to his idea developments
1. The Brief
• “I listen to the music, read the lyrics, speak to
the musicians as much as possible. I see myself
as a kind of translator, translating an audio
event - the music - into a visual event - the
cover.”
• Here the designer connects with
the artists and creates a “brainy
soup”. From here the ideas then
start to form structure.
• Usually only demo’s
2. Roughs
• After a number of days band and
the designer meet again
• Attempt to find pinpoint a
concept/theme
• This stage is very creative with
scribbling, honest thoughts and
word play,
• Best ideas are converted into
illustrations “ the roughs”

4. The Step preview to his idea developments
3. Tests
• With the rough and budget
accepted and agreed a
prototype is created.
• Prototype can be created on a
physical small scale i.e clay,
polystyrene , paper
• Final model is created
4. Shooting
• Location is researched and
booked. If outdoors booking is
for a longer time to account
uncertain weather.
• Models are positioned and
dressed. Aid from volunteers
• Wide range of photographs are
taken under varying light
conditions and effects.

5. The Step preview to his idea developments
5. Editing
• Selection ; where each shot is
either chosen or put aside
• This can take several days to
months trying to reach the final
product.
• Hundreds of similar shots are
evaluated
6. Artwork
• The finally the best shots are
chosen
• Tidying up and the last computer
programming is done
• The final product is handed over.
WOW!

6. For more on the work and exhibition of Storm Thorgerson visit:
http://www.stormthorgerson.com/window.html