Turning loss into art without the schmaltz

Being approached to illustrate and design the cover and vinyl sleeve for Clot’s first LP, Grief Tethers, was an honor. However, it was also a task that required the ability to speak in the visual language of aggressive music and momento mori without being overly boorish or maudlin. To ensure the final result was both stylistically competitive and dignified appropriate to the lyrics and style of music, I had a series of honest and even vulnerable conversations and exchanges with members of the band, and especially the vocalist/lyricist. We discussed the grief he has experienced about the losing his father, he shared photos and visual metaphors related to his experience, I was granted access to lyrics and demos to help me understand the direction of the album, and we sat with examples of great album covers from hardcore, sludge metal, and black metal acts that the band has loved.

Album illustration and design

The care I took during the concepting phase of the project was well received by the band. After deliberating amongst themselves, we all unanimously agreed on combining two of the concepts, integrating both illustrations into the album packaging.

LP packaging and merch

The final illustrations and design elements make their way onto the vinyl and cassette LPs and have also been featured on the band’s merch.