Ever wonder why a person decides to study design in the first place? Blame it on bedroom music collections.
Album cover art has long served to foster more appreciation for typography and design. But whether conscious or not, the output of UK’s Peter Saville in particular has likely impressed most current designers at some point. His most recognizable work focused on successful bands from Factory records in Manchester. But he generated a portfolio that continues to influence new design talent today.
Some compositions leverage typography as an essential element, while others eschew type altogether. The style can be cold, modern, and industrial. But you can’t say it’s not influential. In fact, the music from these sleeves is just about perfect for powering through all-night creative sessions. Is that purely coincidental?
Joy Division “Unknown Pleasures” cover (vector-based homage), 1979
Brian Eno & David Byrne “My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts” cover, 1980
Joy Division “Closer” cover, 1980
Roxy Music “Flesh+Blood” cover, 1980
Roxy Music “Flesh+Blood” (photo by Neil Kirk), 1980
New Order “Movement” cover, 1981
New Order “Power Corruption & Lies” cover, 1983
New Order “Power Corruption & Lies” back, 1983
OMD “Dazzle Ships” cover unfolded, 1983
New Order “Brotherhood” cover (reissue version), 1986
New Order “Substance” cover, 1987
New Order “Substance” insert 01, 1987
New Order “Substance” insert 02, 1987
New Order “True Faith” cover, 1987
New Order “Fine Time” cover (12″), 1988
New Order “Fine Time” cover (CD), 1988
New Order “Fine Time” cover (12″ remix), 1988
New Order “Technique” cover, 1989
Electronic “Getting Away With It” cover, 1989
Suede “Coming Up” cover, 1996
Pulp “This Is Hardcore” gatefold (photo by Horst Diekgerdes), 1997
New Order “Get Ready” cover, 2001
Joy Division “Atmosphere” poster, 2006
New Order & Joy Division, Total, 2011
New Order, Lost Sirens, 2013
OMD “English Electric”, 2013
New Order, Music Complete, 2015
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