Speed Racer
Speed Racer by Jefferey Marley
Album Rollout
This album design and rollout were inspired by the artist’s passion for supercars and the fast-paced lifestyle they symbolize. The project tells a vivid, linear story about a man on a mission to race the fastest cars in the city, capturing both the thrill of speed and the high-stakes ambition that drives him. From the outset, it was essential to translate this energy into the visual identity of the album, creating artwork that mirrored the intensity and excitement of the music itself.
To begin the process, I collaborated closely with the artist, Jefferey Marley, holding several in-depth video meetings. During these sessions, I sought to gain a deep understanding of his creative vision, asking him about his album’s themes, personal interests, favorite films, and other artistic inspirations. These conversations were invaluable in helping me capture the essence of his story and translate it into visual concepts. By diving into his influences and hearing his thoughts firsthand, I was able to explore a wide range of design possibilities, each one informed by the artist’s unique perspective.
After a series of drafts and explorations, we ultimately arrived at the cover design you see here, which encapsulates the sleek, high-octane vibe Marley wanted for his album. The cover art not only evokes the spirit of fast cars and a life lived in the fast lane but also reflects the journey of the album's protagonist—driven by speed and ambition.
An important consideration for this project was the artist’s desire to release the album in three stages: a pre-release, a midnight release, and a deluxe edition. To accommodate this vision, I designed the album cover with three distinct color schemes, each one representing a different phase of the release. This allowed the rollout to feel cohesive yet dynamic, with each version offering a fresh visual take on the album while maintaining a consistent narrative thread. The multiple color schemes also added an extra layer of excitement for fans, as each release brought with it a new aesthetic experience.