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Q: What motivated you to study this topic?
Gervay: My two greatest passions are art and music. I grew up
surrounded by all genres of music: pop, classic rock, gospel, country,
blues, alternative, show tunes and more. I often find myself inspired by
my favorite musicians when creating my artwork. As a graphic designer, I
am inspired by legendary designers, such as Paula Scher, and
up-and-coming graphic designers like Kel Lauren. Both Scher and Lauren
work in the music industry using old and new design techniques to
communicate an artist’s sound visually. Visuals play a crucial role in
live music and an artist’s brand, but they also make an artist’s sound
and message tangible. Instead of just hearing the sound and lyrics, you
get the opportunity to visualize them or even wear them to express
yourself. Music translates the emotions deep inside us. Without the
visuals accompanying the music, how would we be able to show the world
directly how we feel?
Q: What have you found most surprising about this work so far?
Gervay: Each person has their own way of visualizing music. I
have found it fascinating to work with Grant and hear how he thinks his
music translates into various color palettes, typography and imagery and
then compare that to my ideas. For example, if I thought the cover art
for a song could be varying shades of blue, he might think neutrals
would work better. As an artist working with clients, it is a fun
challenge to incorporate their ideas into my style. Talking with Grant
about his music, his perspective as a creator and his writing process
has opened a new vein of inspiration that I would not otherwise have
seen unless I undertook this project and fully immersed myself in this
work.
Q: What are the possible real-world applications for your study?
Gervay: While musicians provide the soundtrack for their
story, artists and designers help bring it to life by visually
portraying the message or feeling a musician is trying to send through
their songs. A musician’s branding and visuals associated with their
music draw in listeners. Billboards, promotional posters, cover art,
social media posts, merchandise, etc., must be cohesive and
recognizable. My study aims to give a clear example of this relationship
and how both sides rely on each other to produce something beautiful.