John Milton Cage Jr. (1912–1992) was an American composer and music theorist, recognized as a leading figure in the post-war avant-garde movement. A pioneer in experimental music, he introduced innovative approaches to composition and instrumentation, reshaping the boundaries of sound and musical expression.
Brief This project focuses on designing a concert poster and a vinyl record jacket for Cheap Imitation, reflecting both the complexity and emotional depth of John Cage’s work.
Ideation The design concept draws from the duality in Cage’s creative process— the tension between confusion and love that shaped the piece. The goal is to translate this contrast visually, ensuring each element conveys the emotions that influenced his work.
Solution The poster emphasizes a sense of disorientation, evoking the feeling of being lost in a dense forest through layered green tones and abstract organic shapes. In contrast, the vinyl jacket embodies the warmth and reassurance Cage found in the composition process, using deep red hues to symbolize love and passion. The interplay of green and red across the two designs reflects both the chaotic and intimate aspects of Cheap Imitation, creating a cohesive yet dynamic visual narrative.
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Made with Love, Iced Mocha and Chocolatines.