Keep it Simple...

When creating a design for a band, or music artist.  Sometimes to make the music the star, it's important to go with simple.  You still want it to stand out on the shelf.  You want the cover to be noticed.

Sometimes in a world of bright colors and chaotic covers, it's the simple one that will stand out among them.

Keep it uncomplicated.  Start with a neutral color and use subtle variations of that color.

In this case whites and grays were used for the main background.  Clean shapes make it look effortless.

It's okay to add a little pop of color, like the red on the record, 

and combine contrast or textures like the black and white to make it pop just the way you want it to.  

Catching the eyes of the patrons, wondering to themselves "Do I want to listen to this band?"

Available on iTunes

Don't be afraid to put less.  Just say to yourself "edit, edit, edit."

When you think you have a finished product, close your eyes, then open them.  

Where is your eye drawn to first?  Is that what you wanted people to see?

Just have fun with your designs and be creative.

My New "Design" Obsession...

So, I bring to you my new obsession......drum roll please.....gardening!

This year has been full of cover designs, t-shirts, and finding cool stuff to share. Creativity and design isn't just on paper, or in the look of your home...it's in nature and the outdoors.  So what I did was start a garden this year.  Some have called this, "the year of the garden!"  To which, I must concur.  It is the year of the garden.  And since I am such a novice, I needed a little help from those that have gone before me.  Youtube became my friend.  The go-to for the how-to, and this is only a small list of videos that I found.  There are so many good and wonderful tips out there.  I decided to keep it simple, since my garden is simple.  And really according to my oldest child, I don't have any idea what I am doing.  But isn't that the fun of it all?  

I planted flowers, herbs, and vegetables...but my little pride and joy is the tiny

 watermelon plant that is happy and healthy, just like it should be.  

This is only the beginning.  With so many videos to view, so many plants to plants, so many prunings to prune, this watermelon is not the end for me.  Oh, no!  I have found the how-to mecca with simple solutions and easy growing tips.  I must continue my garden obsession for years to come.

Now I ask you, what will you be growing in your garden?

To the Future....Lollapalooza 2013!

A bold, energetic design? 

The next logo for the great music festival, Lollapalooza? 

 

When I found out about the opportunity to design a T-shirt and Merchandise Logo for Lollapalooza 2013, I was extatic!  I jumped for joy, then sat down to think.  How could I create something that thousands of people would say "Hey, I think I like that"?   I researched past festival logos, researched past performers, i asked for advice, and thought about how music brings people to together.  They play, they party, they rock out to their favorite single.  Some attempt to get that sought after rare opportunity for a photo op with the band.  That moment when they can say, "Can I get your autograph?  I love your music!"

 

All of these things helped me to create this design.  I was inspired by balance, energy, and color.  I wanted to bring the spirit of past festivals into the future with something upbeat and modern.  Something that would last for decades.

 

I used the way BB King holds his guitar when he plays those soulful blues.  I thought of how Buddha represents peace and harmony to so many and about music touching so many souls.  A "lightbulb moment" that sparked Buddha rockin' a guitar, wearing Perry Ferrall's classic black top hat. 

 

Nothing like a contest to make a person think deep thoughts of symbolism in design.  I enjoy creating.  Enjoy the blank canvas that, after many many hours, screams Lollapalooza! And makes people want to get up and dance. 

 

Does this design make you think "Hey, I think I like that?"

You too can be a part of this Lollapalooza history!  Click on the link and follow the other voters to victory.

 

VOTE RIGHT HERE

 

 

 

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From the Sun

There is something about "green" energy that is absolutely fascinating.   There are new innovations of using rain water to flush your toilet, flexible solar panels that can be applied to clothing and other accessories to power USB devices,  and methane digesters that use the waste from the animals to completely power the farm.  All of these things aiding in the quest for finding a different way to get the energy we need to power this electronic centered world.

I came across this pocket sized gadget by XDMoto.  The XD Design Solar Window Charger is slick, small, and takes 13 hours for full recharge time.  It's main purpose is to charge your USB device.  It's as easy as sticking it to a window and letting the gizmo harvest the energy from the sun.  It can be used while the sun's rays are being collected as well. 

Just another cool design to add to the list....of cool designs. Why not get a little power from your window instead of your wall. The price to own is between $60-$70 USD upfront, but saving you money on your electricity bill month after month, even from "phantom power." "Phantom Power" is the electricity that is used by any electronic device or appliance that is plugged in even though it is turned off. Keeping that charger plugged into the wall has an effect.

The "phantom power" in your home can use up to 10% of your household's electrical consumption.

This is according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Is it possible that this innovative design could be right for you?  Even if you haven't joined the "green" movement quite yet, you might just get this new gadget for the "cool" factor.

Either way, in my opinion, it's a good design.

Layers...

Sometimes when people think of interior design, they only think of throw pillows, knick knacks, and coffee tables.  It's more than that.  Just like in fashion, it's about adding layers to a space.  It's about creating a functional yet beautifully executed space.  You start with bare walls and add color.  Bare floors get hard wood or tile.  Light fixtures are added to add depth.  Shelves are installed for storage, or to break up a space creating a sense of seperation.  Then accessories to add a personal touch; to make the space yours. All of it working together to add comfort and peace.

"Get To You"...

Design is about being inspired.  Maybe it’s looking out the window on a rainy day and deciding to base a pattern idea on the puddles you see on the sidewalk.  Maybe it’s seeing someone riding a bike down the street and you decide to create a new bike rack design.  It could just be hearing a song, and having a grand epiphany to create the cover art for the band’s next single.  I recently had this opportunity. 

 I was approached by a band member from Dan & James, a band based in New York, who's music is  “rock and roll, rhythm and blues, with a twist of jive” as  James Miller would say.

CLICK HERE to LISTEN to DAN & JAMES single "GET TO YOU"


AVAILABLE NOW at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/danjames13

As I listened to the song, I started to envision what I wanted the cover to look like. I wanted the cover to not only represent the song, but represent the overall feeling of the song and band together. To me the song had a vintage feel, reminiscent of the day when music was more than just a beat in a club. The color was important. The lettering was important. The positioning of the figures was important. All things needed to coordinate and draw the listener in.  The song, the cover, all of it works together to create something enjoyable for you.

After you download the song, (which will soon be available on iTunes at www.apple.com/itunes) you can then listen to it on your mp3 player with your headphone beanie hat, while playing along on your electric guitar t-shirt. It's possible you may just want to sing along in your shower voice while using your microphone shaped sponge. 
"GET TO YOU" is a great song, and you won't be able to sit still for long.


For more info go to Andrea Lynn Design

Just A Little Something...

Today I found something that you might be interested in.  When designing an interior space, let's say the interior of your home, good design comes in layering.  One of the layers would be the equipment.  This is everything from lighting control, to sound control, to tempurature control.  Especially in the twenty first century, people have been trying to save the environment, conserve energy, and let's face it, saving some cash on our electrical bills in the process wouldn't hurt.  Today I saw this from a friend and decided to share.  This gadget would be part of the equipment layer of a design.  Enjoy.

http://www.nest.com/



CLICK HERE to LISTEN to the latest single by DAN & JAMES "GET TO YOU"

AVAILABLE  NOW at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/danjames13

and coming soon to iTUNES