• US$110

• 50 designs

• 13 designers

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Graphic Design Brief

Create the Key Art & Visual Identity for a Classic Rock Documentary Kickstarter
Project Overview

I'm preparing to launch a Kickstarter campaign for an ambitious documentary-style music project unlike anything I've seen before.

Over approximately 700 hours, I am systematically listening to the complete pre-1990 studio catalogs of 29 classic rock bands—316 albums in total. Every album receives three complete listens, detailed written commentary, numerical scoring, and is entered into a custom-built database before I determine my final rankings.

This is not a reaction channel.

It is not a "Top 10" list built from memory or nostalgia.

It is a documented investigation built on discipline, repetition, curiosity, and evidence.

The project's title has not yet been finalized, so this contest is not about designing a logo or complete brand identity. Instead, I am looking for the defining visual image that introduces the entire project to the world.

The Assignment

Design the key art for my Kickstarter campaign.

This image will become the visual centerpiece of the campaign and will likely be adapted for:

Kickstarter campaign
YouTube banner
Social media
Posters
Printed promotional material
Future merchandise

Think of this as creating the movie poster for a documentary rather than a YouTube thumbnail.

Creative Direction

I am looking for an image that communicates:

commitment
curiosity
discovery
obsession
thoughtful listening
the journey behind the rankings

The project is ultimately about earning an opinion through disciplined listening rather than simply having one.

The visual should feel cinematic, timeless, intelligent, and memorable.

I prefer subtle storytelling over obvious symbolism.

One of the defining visual elements of the project is an inexpensive portable suitcase-style record player. Its simplicity is intentional. The project isn't about expensive audio equipment or audiophile culture—it is about disciplined listening. A notebook, over-ear headphones, handwritten notes, and vinyl records are all appropriate visual elements if they help tell the story.

The image should communicate that ordinary tools—a portable record player, headphones, a notebook, and hundreds of hours of disciplined listening—can become the foundation of an extraordinary investigation.

Photography

The uploaded photographs are reference images only. They introduce me as the subject of the documentary and illustrate the walking and travel that have become part of the project's story.

Walking has become an important part of how I experience music, think through ideas, and visit places connected to classic rock history.

If your concept is selected, I will gladly create new photography—with the appropriate clothing, props, portable record player, headphones, notebook, and poses—to fully realize your vision.

Please judge the project primarily on the strength of the creative concept rather than the supplied photographs.

Setting

The environment should feel authentic to the project's story.

Possible themes include:

long-distance travel
iconic music locations
record collecting
discovery
listening
investigation
classic rock history
the personal journey behind the project

The setting should support the narrative rather than simply provide an attractive background.

Design Style

I gravitate toward sophisticated editorial design rather than loud commercial graphics.

Imagine something that could serve as the poster for a feature documentary.

Elegant typography.

Strong composition.

Atmosphere.

Restraint.

The image should make someone stop, look a second time, and ask:

"What is this project?"

Deliverables

Please submit:

One primary hero image
Any supporting concept notes that help explain your vision

Placeholder typography is perfectly acceptable.

The emphasis is on concept, storytelling, and visual impact—not polished production.

Future Opportunity

The winning designer will be invited to quote on a larger body of work for the same project, including:

Kickstarter graphics
YouTube banner
Posters
Gatefold album package
Postcards
Certificates
PDF layouts
Additional promotional materials

I'm looking for a designer who can become the long-term visual partner for this project, not simply someone to complete a single assignment.

Target Market(s)

Music lovers ages 35–70, classic rock fans, vinyl collectors, documentary viewers, YouTube audiences, and Kickstarter backers who appreciate thoughtful long-form storytelling rather than clickbait.

Industry/Entity Type

Entertainment / Documentary / YouTube / Music

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Font styles to use

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Look and feel

Each slider illustrates characteristics of the customer's brand and the style your logo design should communicate.

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Requirements

Must have

• The image should immediately communicate that this is a serious, thoughtful music project. The central character should be me (reference photos attached). I should appear focused and deeply engaged in listening to music. Include a small, inexpensive portable record player with a vinyl record. Include over-ear headphones. The scene should create a subtle visual contradiction: an obsessive listener using humble equipment. The environment should tell a story and encourage viewers to look more closely. The artwork should be cinematic and suitable for use as YouTube channel art and Kickstarter promotional material.

Nice to have

• Surprise me with an original environment that reflects discovery, travel, history, or music culture. The setting does not need to be realistic if it creates a compelling visual story. Strong use of lighting, atmosphere, depth, and composition. Hidden visual details that reward a second look. A design style that could become the visual identity for an entire documentary project.

Should not have

• No guitars, microphones, stages, amplifiers, or performing musicians. No generic recording studios. No DJ equipment. No stereotypical rock imagery (flames, skulls, leather jackets, electric guitars, etc.). Do not make the record player look expensive or luxurious. Avoid clutter. Avoid cartoon or comic-book styles.

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Files

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