Objective
Recreation of the vinyl design Carrie and Lowell by Sufjan Stevens using captivating photo design that captures the tone and themes of the record. The cyanotype process was chosen for the album's recreation to emphasize the themes of nostalgia and childhood present in the record. The monochromatic blue and weary effect that cyanotyping has on imagery also helps communicate the feelings of grief and melancholy in the music and lyrics.
Research
Carrie and Lowell is a folk record by Sufjan Stevens that was released in 2015. Within the record, Steven comes to terms with his mother’s death and explores their complicated relationship in search of peace and serenity. His mother had mental health issues and struggled with addiction, leaving Steven and his siblings for periods at a time
during childhood. The overarching themes include childhood, family, grief, depression, and faith, creating a quiet space of introspection for the listener.
during childhood. The overarching themes include childhood, family, grief, depression, and faith, creating a quiet space of introspection for the listener.
Mood Board
Photographing Cemetery
These images were taken at the Homewood Cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The juxtaposition of the tombstones surrounded by greenery and animals relates to the themes of sitting with life and death in the record.
Digital Negatives for Cyanotype
Photo negatives printed on transparency film.
Cyanotype Printing Process
Scanning Prints
Gatefold
Cover Option 1
Cover Option 2
Back Cover
Style Guide
Sticker & Spine
Final
Cover
Gatefold
Back
Application
