SPINOLOGY
A guide to smooth and easy listening
PROJECT BRIEF
The task was to design a capstone project to solve our chosen problem. The project includes an interactive piece, three environmental pieces, packaging, and takeaways.
ROLE
Graphic Designer
DATE
May 2024
THE PROBLEM
Since the pandemic, vinyl records have become a trend amongst young adults, bringing a sense of nostalgia and a unique experience to listeners. However, there isn’t a clear and effective way to learn how to use and care for vinyl. This lack of information can potentially cause damage to vinyl and record players.
THE SOLUTION
I decided to create a zine that guides users through the process, ensuring that both vinyl records and record players last for years to come. Spinology targets young adults who love music and want to maintain their vinyl records. Whether one owns a record player or wants to buy one, Spinology would be available upon purchase of vinyl records at music stores.
CONCEPT EXPLORATIONS
FINAL BRAND IDENTITY AND VISUAL SOLUTION
ZINE: INTERACTIVE PIECE
These square-shaped zines fit into the zine cover for an experience similar to a vinyl album. Since most zines are typically rectangular and use only one piece of paper, it was a challenge to find the correct dimensions that would be legible and zine-like.
ZINE COVER: PACKAGING
Designing a zine cover was essential to create an experience as close to vinyl albums as possible. After finalizing the branding, the design came naturally to me. I wanted to include a QR code that resembled a barcode so that people could have the option to view the zine digitally.
POSTERS: ENVIRONMENTAL pIECE
I wanted to design a poster that would excite viewers of Spinology. Hypothetically, this would be seen posted up at music stores. I chose these statements because they represent what Spinology is about while using music phrases that engage viewers.
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS: ENVIRONMENTAL PIECE
The social media page features mockups of the project as well as illustrations and captions to engage music enthusiasts.
TOTE BAG: ENVIRONMENTAL PIECE
To fit the theme of vinyl albums, I also wanted the shape of the tote bag to be square. I made the logo large and centered so the brand could be easily distinguishable, adding symbols of whole records, broken records, and a dusty blue character looking at the logo.
STICKERS: TAKEAWAY PIECE
I created stickers for Spinology’s primary logo, symbol, and little blue character because they best represent the brand. At the capstone event, the attendee’s favorite was the little blue character.
Project Outcome
This project improved my skills in time management and critical thinking. Before achieving Spinology’s signature branding, I worried many concepts and revisions would set me behind schedule. There was also a lot of research and thought put into this project, from reading multiple sources about how record players work to why the size of the zine is the way it is. From idea to creation, Spinology is one of my favorite projects I have designed, and I am very proud to have brought it to life.