Every artist/designer reaches a pivotal point in their development, when they are exposed to something that forever changes their artistic style. Many designers would say someone like Paul Rand, Joseph-Muller Brockman or even David Carson brought them to their artistic senses. For me it happened about 7 years ago and it was Reid Miles. I not only fell in love with his graphics but he knocked me on my ass, hard. I would never design the same again. Miles designs are groundbreaking on so many levels, its impossible to reach the depths of his work in my blog.
Reid Miles designed over 500 albums for Blue Note Records through the 50's and 60's and I must say, his designs were no less significant or influential than the music itself. I started collecting jazz albums when I was 18, and there was always something special about those 50's blue note albums, i wanted to frame and display them. There was something relaxed about Blue Note, the artist were free to express themselves how they wanted and the artwork couldn't have been more fitting.
When I look at the work of Reid Miles, I hear jazz.. Its nearly a perfect visual representation of jazz music, with its bold and perfectly set typography.. unexpected quirks and abstractions, subtle touches of color (and oh! how they pop!), and stunning black and white photography. (more often than not, by the amazing Francis Wolff) Miraculously, Miles was able to maintain his style, but also create something completely unique every time. For as well as he captured the music in his work, he was in a way disconnected from that very essence. Miles was not a fan of Jazz music, and would often times pass on the albums to his friends, or trade them in for his passion, classical.
The most powerful element of Reid Miles work is his typography. as you look through these, you will see the interactions between the type and other elements in the space. Also, notice how well your eyes are guided throughout the piece, from one point to another, absorbing all the content effectively. Notice his type variation, stroke weight, type styles and unexpected angles. Notice that splash of color that hits you in the face and ignites the entire piece into a subliminal vision. Notice the profound, bold photography of partner Francis Wolff, and notice how Reid Miles lets it shine.. not taking away from its power. Dont forget about the other elements, the ones that seemlessly fall into place, as if they are sliding down the neck of a bass, waiting to pluck that note
Please take a look through these album designs. This is what jazz looks like:
-MO
Comments [0]