It’s finally out - my most most recent work for Starbucks Entertainment - the CD compilation, When Blues Met Rock.

This compilation captures that fiery moment of ignition when blues met rock - and I wanted to create a package that was an integral part of that experience.

This piece was Inspired by linocut/woodcut posters, with a nod to folk art portraits and illustration. The composition started as a pencil sketch, migrated through a few rounds of linoleum cuts to determine appropriate line weights and textures, and was finally composed digitally in Photoshop for offset production. The case was printed on uncoated stock, with 4cp for the ages paper as well as a spot red and black for the illustration.

One of the more unique aspects of the packaging is that is takes the form of an oversized matchbook- complete with striker strip on the back. We also did away with the plastic insert usually used to hold the CD, and chose instead a card stock based system for holding the disk.

The CD label was inspired by labels found in a collection of old mexican 45’s I inherited from my great uncle.

In the end this piece shows how packaging can become part of product, delivering a more powerful experience than digital music alone- if only we could get them to press it in vinyl...

I’ll post larger photos for detail viewing over at my Flickr site.

Illustration and package design by daniel petrzelka.

Illustration and package design copyright starbucks 2008.