Graphic Designer X Photographer
Megan Gallagher
Zach Bryan Album
The Zach Bryan album cover project is one of my favorite pieces I’ve created. The colors and overall theme work closely with the tone and storytelling found in his music.
The design was inspired by his self-titled album, which focuses heavily on personal reflection and identity. I wanted the visuals to reflect that same emotional and introspective feel.
When designing the album cover, I listened to the songs repeatedly and tried to imagine myself as a character within the stories he tells through his music. This helped guide many of the visual decisions throughout the design.
For the back cover, I focused on the recurring theme of driving that appears in many of his songs. One of the main inspirations came from the song I Remember Everything, where he describes a Labrador hanging out of the passenger door.
I also wanted to incorporate elements that reflect his personality and the imagery often found in his lyrics. That idea led to the fence posts being represented by cigarettes, while the strands of barbed wire are made up of his song titles.
The front cover design is inspired by the Fear and Friday’s poem by Zach Bryan. In the poem, he reflects on life and encourages listeners not to worry so much about tomorrow, but instead to appreciate the present. I plan to include the audio of the poem as part of the project because it adds another layer of meaning to the design.
I added grain to the artwork to give the album more texture and emotion, and I chose contrasting colors so the design remains clear and easy to read. The typeface was selected to feel strong and impactful while still maintaining a softer, more reflective side that matches the tone of the poem.
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
The colors chosen for this project were selected to create strong contrast while also representing different elements of the design. Each color reflects a theme that connects to the storytelling in the music of Zach Bryan.
Blue relates to the sky and reflects the softer, joyful moments found in his music. Orange represents the road and symbolizes freedom as well as his distinct voice. Cream is connected to sand and represents the many thoughtful moments throughout his songs. Green reflects the cacti in the design and symbolizes how some of his lyrics can feel sharp or raw, yet they strengthen the overall message of the song. Lastly, black is used for the song titles and represents the hard work and dedication behind his music.
This project is one of my favorites because of how all the elements come together and connect with one another. I’m really happy with how the final design turned out, and I enjoyed being able to share the creative process behind it.