Aurora
Album/Vinyl Design
Aurora is a special edition vinyl package redesign exploring how image-making and visual storytelling can reinterpret an existing body of music. Inspired by the artist's experience of synesthesia and the emotional progression of the album, the project combines expressive imagery with editorial composition to create a cohesive collector's edition.
Challenge
The brief required the redesign of an existing album as a special edition vinyl package, encouraging original image-making while maintaining a meaningful connection to the artist, the music and its cultural context. The project explored how visual language could communicate themes beyond literal representation.
Concept
Research into Bea Miller's experience of synesthesia became the foundation of the concept, informing an abstract visual language inspired by colour, sound and emotion. Rather than illustrating individual songs, the imagery aimed to reflect the sensory and emotional journey experienced throughout the album.
Design Language
Image-making
Experimental compositions inspired by the relationship between colour, sound and perception.
Typography
Minimal typography allowing the imagery to remain the primary storytelling device.
Composition
Artwork extended seamlessly across the gatefold, creating a continuous visual narrative when opened.
Production
Deliverables
Gatefold sleeve, vinyl labels and collector's packaging.
Format
12-inch double LP special edition.
Application
Designed across all package surfaces to create a cohesive collector experience.
Result
Aurora demonstrates how image-making and editorial composition can transform research into a distinctive visual identity. The project balances expressive experimentation with considered packaging design to create a cohesive collector's edition that reflects the emotional qualities of the music.
Reflection
This project encouraged me to explore image-making as a communication tool rather than decoration. Looking back, it also marked an important stage in my development as a designer, highlighting the value of taking greater creative risks and pushing visual concepts beyond my initial comfort zone.