#ILoveTheseGuys Creative Inspiration: Big Active

Big Active is a commercial graphic design, consultancy and motion agency based in London. They represent leading image makers: illustrators, graphic designers and motion/video artists, working on a range of product branding for musicians (music artwork). Their work with musicians and labels is varied but all carry a very focused, considered and bespoke approach to their designs.

Album/Single cover designs are the most important aspect of visual branding for a musician because it often dictates website design, tone of voice, stage design and music video direction for the album’s marketing campaign–usually lasting 1—2 years. The artwork of the designs by Big Active seem to capture the essence of the music it represents, perhaps hinting at collaboration with the artists, and a considered approach to the designs and art direction. 

I love how single cover designs use repetition to form an extension of the main album design, creating a series of connected works. Some of my favourites include album art for NAO, where the overall art direction of the series and the color palette and alignment perfectly capture the vibrant, jazzy, electronic instrumentation of the songs on the album. I also love the cover designs for Noah and the Whale as the alignment of the typeface and color palette hint at vintage album cover design reflective of the band’s folk/rock/alternative musical style. Lastly I’m really impressed by the sense of warmth and playfulness within Bag Raiders album art, once again hinting to the sound of their music.