Sound Visualization Poster
For Afterthought by Joji
Joji has been one of my favorite artists when I really wanted to get in my feels, and it did, even outdid it on some aspects from his previous releases (BALLADS 1 & In Tongues), wherein ‘Nectar’, Joji is more upfront and honest in his tracks with the central theme around; lost love, regrets, and hopelessness, very fitting for my situation that year.
On Afterthought, Joji collaborated with NZ-based musician, BENEE on this chill but affirming track that tells this contrasting perspective of a finished relationship. Wrapped in this beautiful, calming piano melody and beat sequence that complemented nicely the story and ambiance.
The concept of this song is “peace under tranquility of urgency.” In the space occupied by this album, various genres of music merge with each other. The combination of slow R&B and vibrant pop music is independent and alternative. The niche style is integrated with electronic music. Joji is exploring the process in which emotions and perceptions entangle each life.
Then I created my first version of the poster work. This poster only satisfies my initial idea. For example, the display sequence of the poster is from the outside to the inside, showing restlessness and drumming on the outer layer, but showing rigorous logic and smooth touch on the inner layer. But I made some mistakes in this version, for example, I used very few letter shapes. The restless circles and water ripples on the periphery are all made by ai drawing tools, not by changing the font. （Procedures shown below）As for the letter “A” in the middle, I distorted the shape of “A”, and then made a discrete shape with the overlay coating and effect tools.
In contrast, my second version is better. I adjusted three tracks and used the deformation of the letters “a” f” t” e”r” to create a beating dispersion. Feeling of restlessness. But for the three internal tracks, I moved the circular repeating pattern again, partly to show the three repetitions of the lyrics and chorus, and partly to show a peaceful inner feeling.
The outer letters are distorted and inclined as if the first orbit was also disintegrated by the shocking score. The more inside the orbit will become more and more regular and clean, and finally, all point to the innermost letter “A” and then dissipate until it disappears. I want to use it. This visual transition from the upper left to the lower right completes my visual interpretation of this song.
When listening to this music, I can clearly feel the rhythm and accompaniment of the dense drums and electronic music elements. However, the voice and melody of the main song are slow and peaceful, especially when the female voice of the last chorus is added, all the restlessness is calm and warm. So I want to visualize this feeling of contradiction.
Procedures of making the three orbits
Mounting the work can be a very difficult part for me, But it is also the most fulfilling work. After seeing the posters neatly framed and neatly crafted, this is a kind of respect for this work.