Album Art
Front and back cover art for MC Bravado‘s Like Water For Hangovers album, released on June 1st, 2018. The idea that he had for the art’s direction was hip hop in a drugged-out, hungover stage, with this album being the equivalent of the next day’s hope–the quench of thirst and rejuvenation one needs. “I want it to feel hopeful, but not too bright/happy; almost a glimmer of sunlight among dark days,” he said.
I translated that into showing a dark corner of someone’s room, which happens to be the music area. There is some late night evidence lying around (beer bottles, chip baggies, red cups and a pong ball, crunched cans, etc) that show a good time was had, but the music area is damaged and cluttered with junk. However, the most prominent pieces of the room are brightly colored water bottles, with glows of light shining at them, which is the “savior” to the hangover. Bringing in the beverage (the water that is this album) aspect of the theme, the back cover features Nutritional Facts imagery.
Single Art
I also did the cover art for a handful of singles from the album, all of which also follow along the story’s theme. The overarching concept Bravado came up with was a “night before the fallout of a hangover,” and I illustrated my interpretations of each song. “Tread Lightly” is a reference to a Breaking Bad episode, so we see Walter slipping an illicit substance into lean for a different rapper (not MC Bravado). “Same Old Song” sees that same no-name rapper sitting at his desk, sending messages to a love interest. The delivered messages are quotes from the song itself, and there are other visual references to the song. Lastly, “Brand New Bag” shows the hero in the midst of partying, ready to kick the bad habits and addictions, much like what MC Bravado is rapping about in the song.