Introducing Season Zero Artwork and Illustration Studio

Season Zero is an art & illustration studio I discovered based in Germany. They've won numerous awards for their artwork in the music industry and produce original, striking designs. I caught up with Matthias to chat about their work. 

1) As musicians yourselves, did you always want to work on artwork within the music industry? 

I started to make music about 14 years ago. Since the bands I've played in always had the ambition to release music it was necessary to have an artwork and cover for our demos. So the first cover artwork I made was for my own bands. By playing live shows and meeting other bands I had the opportunity to do this for other local and underground bands. 10 years ago I began to work by my company name "Season Zero“ and continued to work for bands during my studies. 

Close to my final exams I got a phone call asking me if I would like to do an artwork for Universal Music Germany – it was an amazing opportunity for me to then go freelance after I did my bachelor thesis in Media Design. It was kind of a natural development and I’m thankful that so many bands and musicians gave me their trust, thereby allowing me to build up a portfolio over the years. One thing led to another and major bands and labels joined the ride.

  

2) What project have you been working on recently?

It might seem a bit strange but the last few projects I’ve been working on reflect the way in which I see my job quite well! I was working on the new album of Schwarzer Engel (a german Dark Metal/Gothic band) and for Glasperlenspiel (popular german Pop/Electro duo) – to name a few. Totally different styles, genres and labels – but that’s what makes it so exciting: every project has a different approach in style and feeling . It was always my goal to be able to translate any kind of design to fit the music of a band or musician. I'm working for underground Metal bands, as well as pop acts at the same time – which is cool. Through this I get the chance to venture into all kinds of different styles and artworks!

3) Do you have a preferred style of music to listen to whilst working?

Not really. If I like the music of the artist I’m working for I tend to listen to it while I'm working – but most of the time their music is still in process when I start to work on the designs. Though my musicial roots are rock/metal, nowadays I’m listening to a wide range of music like Folk, Jazz, Electro… for me the genre doesn’t really matter. It’s all about the song itself – either it’s good or not. 

4) Where do you draw inspiration with fonts for logotypes? 

 I’m a huge fan of traditional sign makers. I always try to find a way to see some kind of an image in the word that has to be transformed into a logotype or brand. It’s fascinating how every word bears it’s own potential to work with. Every letter has to be treated uniquely, thus it’s like a design micro- cosmos where every line, space and dimensions matters. 

Discover more of their work here 

Interview with BoomArtwork

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Eric Van Den Boom (who works under the name BoomArtwork) who is an extremely talented artist, specializing in illustration and custom lettering.  I found Erics work via Instagram and was immediately drawn to his stylish, detailed work. Eric kindly took the time to answer some questions and share some information behind his work!

What project have you been working on recently?

I've just finished a personal work, a portrait of David Bowie. This one and other prints are for sale in my webshop . David Bowie is one of my all time heroes. I've been creating a lot of work whilst listening to Bowie albums. So I thought it would make sense to do a portrait of him.

 Do you have a preferred style of music to listen to whilst working?

This really depends on the mood I'm in, and the time of the day, but I find music very important. I won't start doing anything before there's music on. Could be something really relaxed, or dark, uplifting or loud. When I'm doing album design or a festival poster I always listen to the band or acts. It helps me to get into the right vibe. I used to be in a punk band for years, so my roots is guitar based music. At the same time I've been enjoying all sorts of styles of music. From very experimental jazz electro to plain in your face oldschool punk. I'm always searching for new music, and like discovering new stuff.

 What do you enjoy most about your work?

When I'm totally in a flow, when things are going well with a project, and listening to my favourite music.When I'm really concentrated and mindful I can feel really privileged to be doing something I really like, and then realising it's my job.

Having previously completed work in Brighton, are there any other towns or cities you'd like to spend time in?

I love Utrecht, the city I'm currently living, but wouldn't mind spending working a summer in Barcelona. Or in Brighton again, as I had a great time there.

I particularly love your custom lettering, where do you draw inspiration from for new styles of fonts? 

Thanks! Mostly old packaging that I collect on flea markets, or second hand stores. Nowadays all this stuff is also on available on Pinterest, if you follow the right people, but it still is more fun to find something special in a store somewhere when I'm on a trip. It reminds my of my trip.

To view more visit Erics website and Instagram

Regent Sounds Photo Shoot

To shoot the new mens tees we wanted to find a location that epitomized the Rock 'n' Needle style and inspiration behind the brand. We contacted the guys at Regent Sounds who very kindly let us use their incredible guitar shop for our shoot.  

Regent Sounds is an independent guitar shop based in Londons famous Denmark Street. The shop has a rich musical history which attracts many visitors. In early 1964, The Rolling Stones recorded their hugely successful first album at Regent Sound Studio. Through the 60s and 70s it played host to many other bands and artists including The Who, The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Mott the Hoople, Donovan and Black Sabbath – who recorded their hugely successful song and album Paranoid at the studio.

It was the perfect surroundings for the new designs! Regent Sounds are Fender & Gretsch specialists, stocking electric, acoustic & bass guitars.

 For more information check out their website here.

A huge thank you to Regent Sounds! 

Model Andrew Jardine, Photographer Christos Markou