[ Cover Art By: ]

What I have Learnt

Adrian Shaughnessy writes in New Music Graphics about the restrictions of design and the commodification of Music. He argues that the CD was a step of standardisation that de valued the music industry, mass produced to a mass audiences. Corporate financial goals being the prime objective of the rapidly diminishing record companies and that new media such as MTV is adding to this commodification through its cultural influence being little more than retailing.

"They (record companies) made lots of money this way but they also shot themselves in the foot because, by doing this, they were actually encouraging the audience not to place any value in the package they were buying" (Shaughnessy, 2008, p6)

By encouraging less value the record companies could of influenced the vast amount of illegal downloads made worldwide. Potential customers now targeted through iTunes on their computers know that with a few simple internet searches one can get an exact copy (for Free) of what is offered to them on iTunes.

This book has been helpful It has critiqued the actual artwork of Music which is essential to this research project. It has also provided some interesting interviews of various album designers which has helped this research project significantly.

Full reference: 

Shaughnessy, A. (2008) Cover art by: New music graphics. London: Laurence King Publishers.