Jillette Johnson: It's a Beautiful Day & I Love You Release — Betsy Baird

Project:

Jillette Johnson It’s a Beautiful Day and I Love You Album and Single Release Campaign

Brief:

Early in the pandemic, Jillette and her team were looking to do phased release of the songs from her new LP “It’s a Beautiful Day and I Love You.” This project included the solo release of 5 singles (over the course of 6+ months) and culminated in the release of a full LP album in 2021. Each single had it’s own unique art, but the entire project was based on a single concept that was to be tied together through consistent branding and art direction.

Role:

Lead Art Director and Designer

Responsible for Conceptual Art Direction, Packaging Design, Digital Design, Brand Development, and Photo Editing/Retouching

Process:

As with most releases, the album cover established the visual direction and branding for the entire project. Although it appeared as though we had many months to finalize this concept (it wasn’t to be released until 2021), I encouraged the team that we needed to establish the overall direction before we could even start to design the first single (which was to be released as soon as possible). This strategy allowed me to conceptualize from a macro perspective and present potential cover concepts as a larger branding project; by specifically showing how each concept would be carried across the preceding single releases. Additionally we were able to review and make our photo selections with the entire project in mind. As a true artist and storyteller, it was important for me to work hand in hand with Jillette to make sure her inspiration, influences, and identity was represented throughout the project.

All photography by Betsy Phillips

Result:

The entire release campaign included concept, art direction, and design of the album cover and LP and CD packaging design and layout for “It’s a Beautiful Day and I Love You” along with the singles “Song 1,” xxx and supplemental brand and digital assets.