'Quadrophenia'

Brand Identity, Packaging, Editorial Design

Album Cover Design and Artwork for the 50th anniversary edition release of The Who’s “Quadrophenia”

I wanted to create that island of a lost soul, revealing layers of feelings, unveiling Jimmy's progression from the original "Quadrophenia." 
quadrophenia – iteration 01a – mockup 01 – augustus rivers brightman_3000

The original 1973 “Quadrophenia" album cover, designed by Hipgnosis, released in 1973, features a black and white image of a young mod on a scooter, with the band members' faces subtly incorporated into the design. I designed this cover collection to capture the essence of the album's narrative, which follows the life of a young mod named Jimmy, as he grapples with the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-worth.

quadrophenia – insert mockup r02 – augustus rivers brightmsn 2400

The Approach:

To honor the album's rich legacy, I set out to create a visually captivating box set that would retain the spirit and story of Jimmy, progressing the story to the end. Infusing the design with contemporary elements creating a fresh visual appeal, I wanted to evoke the same raw emotion that the original cover conveyed while exploring new ways to represent the powerful narrative of "Quadrophenia."

quadrophenia – iteration 01a – mockup 01 – augustus rivers brightman_3000
quadrophenia – iteration 01a – augustus rivers brightman_2400

For the anniversary edition, it was important to blend vintage and contemporary elements to reflect the timelessness of the album. Jimmy has grown up, moved beyond the scooter, but retains hints of his mod fashion. Introducing dynamic, contrasting colors to symbolize the emotional highs and lows of Jimmy's journey. The scene was set at the end of the plot to "Quadrophenia." Jimmy "feels everything in his life has rejected him, steals a boat, and uses it to sail out to a rock overlooking the sea. On the rock and stuck in the rain, he contemplates his life. The ending is left ambiguous as to what happens to Jimmy." 

quadrophenia – iteration 02 – mockup 01 – augustus rivers brightman_3000

The propsal for this limited edition set includes a gatefold vinyl, and remastered audio of the newly remastered "Quadrophenia" studio album, as well as a bonus Atmos mix. Also included is an LP of "Quadrophenia Live in London,” a 108-page hardback photo book, a music book, replica 7" singles, and other collectibles.
The Quadrophenia 50th Anniversary book, combines rare, unseen images, documentary photography, and original artwork by Hipgnosis.

quadrophenia – iteration 02 – augustus rivers brightman_2400

I wanted to create a box set that would evoke a sense of discovery, incorporating elements of the backstory that leads Jimmy to the rock in the sea. Designing the collateral with varying mediums helped to create a feeling as if one is peeling back the layer of Jimmy's life. Each element in the box set helps to subtly introduce pieces of his story, culminating in an cover design reflecting Jimmy's ambiguous ending.

muisc-studio-album-6 quadrophenia – iteration 01a – augustus rivers brightman_2400

Listening to "Quadrophenia" on repeat while designing this reimagined cover for the 50th anniversary of "Quadrophenia" was a delight. It remains an influential and iconic album, and the design pays tribute to the band while breathing new life into the visual representation of this timeless narrative. As fans around the world celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Quadrophenia," I hope the cover design helps to reignite the passion and admiration for this incredible piece of musical history.

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