"Serena worked with us to really capture the spirit of our record. She was professional and perceptive. It's almost as if she read our minds. When she submitted designs and we gave feedback, she would come back with drafts that were exactly what we wanted, but even better since they featured her unique style and personal flair."

"Serena was available by phone and email, 24-7. We could not have gotten this project done so quickly without her stellar customer service. We were amazed that we were able to do the whole thing in a week. CD art, layout, and ordering from start to finish."

"Everyone loves it. Better reception than our previous CD artwork, also designed by a talented local artist. Makes us feel professional as a band to be able to impress our friends and peers in the music community."

"Thrilling. I would recommend Serena to anyone."

CASE STUDY: Illustration

CLIENT NAME
Neo Nouveau, Providence local band

SERVICES PROVIDED:
Custom Illustration for album art on "Courtyard" and CD sleeve layout

AVERAGE RATING GIVEN: 4.69 Stars out of 5

HOW IT HAPPENED:

DISCOVER

Neo Nouveau was referred to me by a friend. They were in need of CD artwork for an album in short notice--something unique and original that would not cost them a fortune. Their release party was scheduled, but artwork had been on hold. I agreed to work with them on their timetable. (They are one of my favorite local bands!)

The band provided me with a copy of the music, and some loose suggestions. They wanted a hand drawn and hand written feel to the artwork. They did not have a theme or design direction quite yet, and needed to see some examples.

CREATE

I had a few phone conversations with Titus, and was able to get a mood to work with. I used that mood as a springboard to create 4 or 5 pencil drawings, which I scanned and colorized in Photoshop and Illustrator.

The band reviewed the submissions, and asked to combine a few elements of the drawings, and remove others. I made the edits digitally.

Next came the process of laying out the artwork for print production. This is a great example of what must happen when your timeline doesn't allow for normal process. Usually, I would design or create my work specifically to the layout provided by the manufacturer--from the beginning. Due to time constraints, I was working backwards. The two illustrations (front and back covers) would need to be fit to a paper digipak CD sleeve after the fact. Then, a CD face and inside design would need to be created to reflect these outside drawings. I was able to do this with minimal problems, considering the task.

Despite mishaps with the templates I was using, and a bit of a learning curve regarding this manufacturer's printing process, we were able to get the designs submitted in time to ship before the record release.

RELEASE

Titus and I worked together to communicate effectively with the manufacturer. It was a tricky process requiring me to speak with their customer service representatives regarding design, while Titus handled the discussions regarding the order.

It was both mine and Neo Nouveau's general opinion that the final product was a bit too dark. Both Titus and I made an appeal with the manufacturer to reverse some charges. On better notice, we all agreed, we would not go to print with out a physical proof, considering the differences in ink darkness from print house to print house.

All in all, it was a great process, and a success in terms of timeline, and content.

ALTERNATE ILLUSTRATIONS FOR THIS PROJECT: