“Wolf Totem” by James Horner

Categories: Custom Covers · Mockups · Original Covers · Remakes · Vinyl CoversTags: · · 3 Comments

This requested custom covers series was an interesting one. Working on a soundtrack album that was released and marketed (from the same label mind you) under three different names was something new for me. How do I name it and what title do I put on which artwork? I liked the visual fluency of the Chinese logo. It went well in conjunction with the English title. The French one Le Dernier Loup however didn’t work for me so I left it out deliberately. While the official album for US markets (#1) comes across a little grim, the French one (#2) is indeed beautiful and evokes a true spirit of adventure. Milan Records added a butt ugly…

“Spectre” by Thomas Newman

Categories: Alternates/Rejected Covers · Custom Covers · Mockups · Original Covers · Vinyl CoversTags: · · 3 Comments

I am not really a James Bond fan. The movies do have my recognition for leaving a cultural mark on the film business and pop culture in general. But I’m not awaiting every new entry in eager anticipation. I also appreciate the modern twist that Daniel Craig brought into the franchise – which says it all basically. It was more because of Sam Mendes and especially Thomas Newman, that really got me enthusiastic in these films (and scores). But with the lukewarm reception of Spectre this short-lived collaboration may be approaching its end. And my James Bond custom covers series may as well. The poster campaign once…

“The Martian” by Harry Gregson-Williams

Categories: Custom Covers · Deluxe Edition · Mockups · Original Covers · Vinyl CoversTags: · 10 Comments

After last week‘s side blow about custom movie logos and how they are bound to fail in almost every case, it was crystal clear that I would put myself in a spot with this week’s The Martian. This custom cover series more or less served as a playground for my graphic design abilities… or rather inabilities, if you ask me. I’ve not only restrained myself from using the official logo as much as possible, but rather encouraged to go down a totally different route, graphically and also stylistically. But first things first. With The Martian Hollywood finally got it right. After numerous failed attempts to produce a successful Mars-themed…

“Sicario” by Jóhann Jóhannsson

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In Mexico Sicario means hit-man. And in my world Denis Villeneuve means it as well. Man, that guy is on a roll! First the two Jake Gyllenhaal sleeper hits Enemy and Prisoners and now he’s about to show us how visually stunning the Mexican drug wars can get. Oh and there’s a bloody Blade Runner sequel in the pipelines as well… so fuck my ass, David Fincher wrap up warmly! The official artwork (#1) features a brilliantly back-lit scene by director of photography Roger Deakins, who by the way also worked on Skyfall. I really love the atmosphere in this shot and also the well suited sharp-edged title logo. My only complain…

“Vanilla Sky” by Nancy Wilson, Various Artists

Categories: Alternates/Rejected Covers · Custom Covers · Original Covers · Remakes · Singles/EPs · Tribute Covers · Vinyl CoversTags: · · 1 Comment

Vanilla Sky might be one of my favourite Cameron Crowe films, although it’s an almost frame by frame remake (or in the words of the director, cover) of Pedro Almodovar’s Open Your Eyes. Crowe even cast the same lead actress for it. But he created such a stylistic and well-directed film, that you can sense his love for the original material in every scene. It’s like customizing your favourite album art… (we’ll talk about that later) … a true labor of love. I actually created all of these custom covers in a rush sometime late last year – after hitting upon the idea…