I started a Daily Design Challenge where I spent 90 minutes each day, for 50 days creating an album cover for a range of fictitious bands and albums. Working within those time constraints allows me to run with an idea and experiment with different techniques, while also being able to really find my style and visual language.
Head over to my Instagram @graphcnoiiise for a look at the full booklet designs.
project type: personal
programs used: Photoshop
Throughout the challenge I kept pushing myself, working with analog as well as digital tools, playing around with different styles and layouts, always trying to create something I hadn't done before. I created a few illustrations / digital drawings to use within the covers. I played around with scanned papers, writing, and textures. I experimented with typography.
When I noticed myself using a certain element or aesthetic multiple times in a row, I consciously tried going down a different route for the next design. But I also managed to define my own, personal style much more precisely through this exercise.
These 50 days allowed me to become much more confident, not only within the programs I use daily for designing, but also within my own skills. From coming up with a concept to having a finished version of it on my screen within less than two hours – I could watch myself get quicker and better at bringing initial ideas onto paper and screen. This practice has helped me tremendously since, in brainstorming concepts for clients, and knowing that I can create viable work, even under tight time constraints.
