Robert Beatty is an artist and musician based out of Kentucky who uses a combination of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to make super cool, psychedelic artwork for album covers. Within these programs, he uses numerous layers to enhance detail, frequently uses the masking tool and digital airburshing has become one of his signature looks. In an article posted in AIGA’s eye on the design it mentions how Beatty did not take the traditional route of going to art school but rather taught himself many of the techniques that he now uses. His work takes on a futuristic, psychedelic form that sets him apart from so many other current artists. Much of his inspiration came from artists that were popular in the 60s and 70s such as Masakazu Kitayama, Milton Glaser and more.
Initially I was surprised by the diversity of musicians that sought him out to produce their album artwork. After spending some time with it, it made sense because his work is so broad that it isn’t limited to one specific genre of music. I really liked the vibrant colors that are used along with hypnotic backgrounds because it was nothing like what I’m used to seeing.
My favorite pieces are shown below:
I loved the movement that is depicted in this cover. I’m torn between deciding if the ball is working it way uphill and that’s why the lower half is more chaotic or if it was rolling downhill. It’s very open to interpretation and that’s some of the beauty behind it.
This cover stood out to me because it reminded me of futuristic version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby cover.
I thought this one was exceptionally cool because it changes each time you look at it depending on what your eye focuses on. The darker, black spot at the tree could also serve as the star, or tree topper which is incorporated in a fun, subtle way.
Sites visited:
http://www.robertbeattyart.com/About
https://www.villagevoice.com/2017/05/25/let-it-happen/
https://pitchfork.com/tv/50-pitchfork-unsung/1562-pitchfork-presents-unsung-robert-beatty/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/all-of-the-best-new-psychedelic-album-covers-are-made-by-the-same-guy/2017/01/19/fa489522-d76d-11e6-9a36-1d296534b31e_story.html?utm_term=.c6f368d710cb
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/lists/the-hot-list-2017-people-and-trends-were-talking-about-w510732/hot-album-artist-robert-beatty-w510856
https://www.instagram.com/robertbeattyart/