THE END — various artists
Artwork for the ambitious final release from Exalt Records… a triple vinyl compilation in six panel gatefold sleeve, double CD in custom six panel oversize digisleeve with spot silver foil slipcase, four single colour inserts for a set of highly limited dubplates, a sticker sheet and a screen-printed t-shirt.
Exalt Records started in 2003 with the intention of only doing 23 releases, with catalogue numbers counting down to end on 000. From inception the label was based around the concept of "23" — in numerology, the number signifies new beginnings, revolution and transformation. The label wanted to keep the design of this release simple and uncluttered with large, bold typography, similar to this KLF cover.
Rather than mourning THE END, I took inspiration from the new beginnings of the number 23 in numerology and came up with a simple circles/cells concept stylised with a "heavy grain" effect. The cover has one circle, representing a single cell, which multiplies over the rest of the artwork, doubling on each subsequent panel — the end isn't the end but a new beginning. The imagery contrasts with the title dominating the LP cover.
The triple vinyl comes in a six panel, gloss laminated gatefold sleeve, the full title visible over the front and back cover. The white spines separate each panel and each stage of cell multiplication.
The CD was released after the LP and continues the design rather being a smaller copy — each panel of the oversize digifile sleeve has a single, large letter which spells out the title over all six panels. Track listings are on the back of the CD wallets to keep the sleeve clean and minimal. The front and back of the CD slipcase uses silver foil as a tactile finishing touch. To contrast the LP sleeve, the slipcase, digifile sleeve and wallets are all finished with matt lamination.
The label wanted to put the eight CD exclusive remixes out as four highly limited 12" dubplates, so I designed some single sided inserts printed on a rough uncoated card stock. I returned to the large typography of the LP sleeve to display artist, title and remix credits over high contrast, black and white images of the circles.
THE END was supposed to come out in 2023, to tie into the number 23, but the scale of the project and inevitable vinyl production delays pushed the LP into early 2024, the CD a few months later with the dubplates coming in October. I also designed a sticker sheet and t-shirt which went to the early investors.
I have designed most of the artwork since the label returned in 2018, see more here.
