Graphic Series

The Most Iconic Clothing in Pop Music Illustration Series

by Frederico Birchal (2013)

I found this particular series created by Mr. Birchal to be really interesting as I love the famous musicians as an inspiring artist in not only graphic design, but also in the field of music. Most of these simplistic designs of each costume really translate well with simplicity along with the background colors that fit with each taste depending on the color of the album, or use in their logo or typography. 

Say The Beatles for example, the yellow might give a shout-out to Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album where some yellow was used in the deluxe 2 CD anniversary edition or possibly Yellow Submarine. Or the red on Freddie Mercury, possibly the red used in their logo or Brian May's Red Special guitar! The dark blue Daft Punk could mean the Discovery or the music they helped composed in Tron Legacy (2009) which had a blue motif, and the color on Elton John's costume fits with the background without blending too much and the fact that Elton is known for his wild and lively costumes.

The albums of Phil Collins you see here are one of my most favorite albums of all time as he is my most biggest inspiration in both singing and eventually if can get my dream drum kit, drumming! The originals were taken by a photographer by a man named Trevor Key who sadly passed in '95. The only exception was the cover album of No Jacket Required, which in fact was taken by Peter Ashworth. The 2016 reissues, titled the "Take a Look at Me Now" project were taken by an unknown photographer as there is currently no known information at this time and date of posting. Each of the albums contain Collins' signature.

Another of my favorites in this series is Peter Gabriel's first 4 albums. What makes this co-relate with Phil Collins is that in fact that both Gabriel and Collins were part of Genesis originally which Gabriel founded with Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips & Chris Stewart who was their original drummer. Collins wouldn't join as the new drummer until August 1970 and by 1975, Gabriel left to pursue a solo career and also due to creative differences with Tony Banks. Collins would be their new lead vocalist afterwords. Back to Gabriel, his albums were mostly just visuals with no typography to add and both Collins & Gabriel share similar forms like their faces.