EP Artwork First Draft

Today I got the first draft of my EP artwork back from Ayem Beats. The artwork looks great and I'm really pleased with what he's come up with. He's managed to take everything into account that I told him, and designed a piece of work that was close to vision I wanted him to achieve.

Email from Ayem Beats:

"Alright man
I've attached the cover I've come up with. I Was going to send it to you yesterday but it totally slipped my mind, sorry about that!
Let me know your thoughts on it. Like it, hate it, need some changes etc.

Regards
Ayem"

Here's the first draft of the EP cover

Recording With Dr Syntax

Today I had a recording session in the SSL with Dr Syntax. I was really excited about working with him as I've always listened to his music since I was a teenager. It was an honor to be in the same studio as him. The session was great it had a real professional feel about it, we both shared ideas on how we could develop the track and what techniques could we use to improve the recording of the vocals. I'm really happy that I've managed to work with someone who's established themselves in the industry and cemented a renowned reputation in the UK Hip Hop scene. The material we managed to gather from the session sounds superb and once its been mixed with the rest of the track I'm hopeful that the overall finished product will sound on point and to my satisfaction.

Dr Syntax

Second Filming Session With The Film Crew

Today I had my second filming session with the film crew from Chester University. The material we've managed to gather from the studio sessions so far looks superb, I'm highly anticipating the final outcome of the project. Having the film crew available to shoot the documentary has been lifesaver, its given me more time to concentrate on the production of the EP and tie up any lose ends with the rest of the project. Today I was discussing on camera what I wanted to achieve from bringing out the EP and how working in a studio gives you more freedom and creativity supposed to making music in your own studio at home.

Chosen Alarm Clock Design

I have chosen a digital clock design that I want to base my idea around for the EP artwork. Ayem will take the look and shape of the clock and try to re-create my vision and construct a design that fits the criteria for my EP.

This is the digital alarm clock that we will be basing our design on

Email to Ayem Beats:

"I'm glad the concept and idea is something you can work with. The images I've sent you are decent, but small and the quality of the images aren't great! I really like some of the ones you've sent me, especially the 6th jpg. Is it possible to base our design around the shape and look of that clock? I'm not too sure about the circular shape on the side tho, can that be removed if possible?

As this is a University project I have to have the project wrapped up by the 14th of April! would the artwork be finished by then?

I'm in all night on my computer so if you have any question don't hesitate to contact me.

- Mazzie"

EP Art Work Development

Over the past few days I have been working closely with Ayem Beats developing and discussing ideas for my EP artwork. I have been throwing ideas at him to try and make it easier for him to create my vision of what I want the design to look like.

As the EP's called "8:00 AM" I'm going along with a digital time theme for the cover. I'm going to have a modern sleek digital alarm clock design with "8:00 AM" on the clock face. I want the design to have an ambient touch to it as this will reflect on the whole vibe and feel of the EP.
We have both been sending each other pictures of digital clocks so we can base the overall design on a specific look and shape.

Email from Ayem Beats

"I'm really feeling the whole concept/theme you've come up with, I love making those types of covers.

I have attached some images I dug up as well. I didn't have much luck finding stainless steel clocks aside from the first one, but I was able to find some sleek looking ones. I also found some retro looking ones that reminded me of old school music production equipment/synthesizers, but you asked for a modern sleek look so its up to you. If you find any of them interesting let me know.

As far as payment, I usually don't start work on a project until I receive half up front, but since you seem like an honest dude we will worry about the money once everything is said and done.

Let me know what you think and I'll get started on a draft asap.

Regards
Ayem"

Some Designs we've been looking at:

Ball Rolling For The EP Artwork

After receiving an email from Ayem Beats about the EP artwork I sent him an email back about a few ideas for the artwork and how we could possibly develop them and achieve my vision for the EP cover.

Email to Ayem Beats:

"Yeah its Mazzie from Louis Den!
I was holding out and hoping you'd reply and you did! I think I'm only going to need a front cover done. Its going to be a free download project and wont be put out as a physical CD so I don't think I will need the back done.

The EP's going to be called "8:00 AM" the reason why is because I have been getting up at that time for the past 6 months doing University work which is how the name came about.

Title of the EP: "Mazzie - 8:00 AM"

I'm personally not going to be on the cover, but I thought of an idea of having a sleek stainless steel digital alarm clock design with "8:00 AM" in green writing on the clock. Have my name at the top of the cover not on the clock itself tho.

Maybe give the whole design itself an ambient feel and touch to it as the music is quite ambient based itself.

I can give more info and suggest other stuff as we develop ideas

I've attached a few photo's of some clocks that you could maybe base a design on?

Let me know if your down and we can sort payment out etc...

Thanks again man

- Mazzie"

Email From Ayem Beats (Album Art)

I received an email back from Ayem Beats about the album art for my EP.

Email from Ayem Beats:

"Mazzie from Louis Den yeah? Sorry for not getting back to you for a while, I keep forgetting to check this old e-mail.

Don't worry I'm still fairly new to this too. Alright so here's how it goes, send me your ideas on what you want on the artwork, including the title for the EP, photos you may want me to use (in hi resolution if possible), etc. It helps if you go into details as it will help me achieve your vision.

As far as prices, if you're just looking to get the front done it will be somewhere around $50 (£30 I believe) it could be more or less depending on the project, and around $65 (£40) for a front and back.

You probably might have already got another designer since I took so long to reply, but if you're still interested, could you do me a favor and reply at allaemo@gmail.com since I hardly use this one.

Regards
Ayem"