Raven Album Redesign

Ever since it was released in February of 2023, I have returned again and again to Kelela’s second studio album Raven. I was inspired by its lush sonic landscape to redesign the album art and tour poster.

While listening to the album, I made note of the themes of water, renewal and rebirth and cycles, and desire. I drew from existing visuals which featured hazy color grading, dim lighting, and expressive and intimate camerawork.

Initial designs experimenting with texture and color; I kept the image I used of the artist but wanted it to be more legible and less harsh.

Initial designs experimenting with texture and color; I kept the image I used of the artist but wanted it to be more legible and less harsh.

raven_2.png
The water texture that I used here remains in the final design. This direction was more effective in communicating the theme of water but I still wanted a softer, more nuanced design.

The water texture that I used here remains in the final design. This direction was more effective in communicating the theme of water but I still wanted a softer, more nuanced design.