If you ask graphic designers how they got into graphics in the first place, a lot of them will tell you about their favourite album covers or something else visually related to music. Enter London-based Tom Hingston: For over ten years, he has been designing quite a lot for music, from flyers for the legendary Blue Note club to Massive Attack’s covers. So for today, PingMag asks Tom about visualising sounds.
Written by Chiemi
Tom, how did you get involved with music projects?
Do you remember? The logo of London’s Blue Note club, designed by Tom Hingston.
In the mid 90’s, I started out designing flyers for the Blue Note club in London’s Hoxton Square. Through the club, I met a lot of really talented people — DJs, promoters and producers who went on to start up their own clubs or record labels and asked me to be involved. I guess it kind of grew from there really.
Did you set up your own studio straight after that?
No, I had a full-time job working for Neville Brody at the time. And I was designing the club artwork in my evenings and spare time. As the club blossomed, the more the workload increased and what started off as two, or maybe three flyers a week became ten or fifteen different bits of artwork, and slowly it was becoming a full time job in itself. So something had to give — either the freelancing or my job. I made the decision to set up on my own.
Okay… We know that by now you do all kinds of work, but for today, we’d like to focus on your designs for music. How do you visualise it? Any tips?
An open-minded approach is key to each project. This is underpinned through a process of research which will then help us shape and define our ideas. Collaboration has always formed a fundamental part of our approach as well, over the years we’ve worked with some of the best photographers and image makers in order to realise our vision.
Creating what, for example?
With Massive Attack’s “Collected,” we needed to find a symbol that encapsulated or conveyed the emotions and ideals of the band. With it being a “Best of,” a more obvious route would have been to utilise their trademark flame in some way. So instead we thought, a nicer way to approach the cover was to adopt a technique that we’d used before on their other album “Mezzanine:” a collage or composite of different elements, but applied to a new set of images. Working with Nick Knight, we took a still life of roses as the core element and introduced other layers over the top. When you first look at the rose, you see this very beautiful flower, or group of flowers. However on closer inspection, all these other hidden layers are revealed.
The working relationship we’ve established with Massive Attack is quite different to that we have with any other artist or band; it’s quite an organic process that takes place.
What means “organic process” exactly with them?
Robert from Massive Attack will come up with themes or words that are applicable to that project or that piece of music, and between him, Nick and I. We’ll gradually forge how the thing will look. We’ll push and pull each other in different directions until we end up in a place we’re all happy with.
A very ideal designing process! Any other favourite artists to work with?
Gnarls Barkley has been a great act to work with. With “St. Elsewhere,” the band were adamant that they didn’t want to be on the front cover – which is great because it opens you up to endless possibilities. Their initial references to us were early psychedelia, a lot of that West Coast imagery from the late 60’s, early 70’s. I’ve got a few books on Cuban posters from a similar era — not the political ones, which is what most people know of Cuban imagery –, but all the early cinema posters which are a lot more psychedelic. And the band were really supportive. They saw those early references and just allowed us to go ahead, which is great to have that level of trust from an artist.
What is most important when designing for music?
For us, it’s important that the design captures the tone and mood of a record but also becomes an expression of our own personal ideas and inspirations at that particular time.
What is a good design for music?
To create something that’s both unique and beautiful.
And what would be a good album cover?
The Beatles’ The White Album and Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here are two of my favourite album covers.
Good choice! Those are masterpiece for both music and design! Finally, what is the greatest thing to design for music?
When you’re designing for an artist whom you really respect and admire — that’s exciting. We’ve always tried to design for music we really like, and that’s what makes the project both inspiring and enjoyable.
We’re sure that working with your favourite artists must be a great experience! Tom, thank you having some time for us today!
93 Comments
- Share and Enjoy:
As of December 31, 2008, PingMag and sister site PingMag MAKE are both on extended hiatus, and will not be updated for the foreseeable future. We are eternally grateful for your fantastic support over the years.
Important Notice
31 Dec 2008
Ryu Itadani: A World in Colors
29 Dec 2008
Magibon: From YouTube to Japan
26 Dec 2008
Benedetta Borrometi: Cheerful Paintings for All
24 Dec 2008
Nakagin Capsule Tower: Architecture of the Future
22 Dec 2008
Cute and Pop! 60s Girls Comics by Eico Hanamura
19 Dec 2008
Japan’s Hi-Tech Toilets
17 Dec 2008
Amusement: Gaming Culture Meets Art and Fashion
15 Dec 2008
HIROCOLEDGE: A New Tradition that Blends into Modern Times
12 Dec 2008
Masato Seto: The Sweet Allure of Betel Nut Beauties
10 Dec 2008
-
None found
these photos are peroffessional
illustrasions are so good
it was so wonder for me to see the imaginary values of a bug with its horns.i alwayes think about that insect.
Posted by: parviz azadian on September 3rd, 2008 at 9:01 pm
[...] PingMag - The Tokyo-based magazine about “Design and Making Things” » Archive » Tom Hingston: … Tags: Design Gráfico, entrevista, musica [...]
Posted by: pristina.org | everything design » Blog Archive » Visualising Music on September 4th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Great covers! And great musicians too.
Posted by: Aroldo on September 4th, 2008 at 12:48 am
gnarls barkley is freaking good.
Posted by: angellesmelle on September 4th, 2008 at 3:15 am
he is a genius!
THX for this interview!!
Posted by: Simon Iddol on September 4th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Amazing!! ..and the works are very different between each other, like the music thy represent!! good work!!
Posted by: Manuel Minino on September 5th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
[...] Tom Hingston Studio: Visualising Music EXCERPT: “If you ask graphic designers how they got into graphics in the first place, a lot of them will tell you about their favourite album covers or something else visually related to music. Enter London-based Tom Hingston: For over ten years, he has been designing quite a lot for music, from flyers for the legendary Blue Note club to Massive Attack’s covers. So for today, PingMag asks Tom about visualising sounds.” [...]
Posted by: DesignNotes by Michael Surtees » Blog Archive » Link Drop for the Week Ending in Friday the 5th (September 2008) on September 5th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
[...] Tom Hingston Studio: Visualising Music EXCERPT: “If you ask graphic designers how they got into graphics in the first place, a lot of them will tell you about their favourite album covers or something else visually related to music. Enter London-based Tom Hingston: For over ten years, he has been designing quite a lot for music, from flyers for the legendary Blue Note club to Massive Attack’s covers. So for today, PingMag asks Tom about visualising sounds.” [...]
Posted by: Link Drop for the Week Ending in Friday the 5th (September 2008) | aboutCREATION on September 6th, 2008 at 10:22 am
[...] PingMag - The Tokyo-based magazine about “Design and Making Things” » Archive » Tom Hingston: … f you ask graphic designers how they got into graphics in the first place, a lot of them will tell you about their favourite album covers or something else visually related to music. Enter London-based Tom Hingston: For over ten years, he has been designing quite a lot for music, from flyers for the legendary Blue Note club to Massive Attack’s covers. So for today, PingMag asks Tom about visualising sounds. (tags: Design Interview Music) [...]
Posted by: links for 2008-09-04 | Ubernerd on September 6th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
this is just wow… thanks for the interview, it gives me insights and references on designing for music.
Posted by: animate_me on September 8th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Don’t apologize the picture of the insect is very effective.
Posted by: Alice Spencer on September 8th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Gr8t stuff!
Posted by: Mr.Bento on September 14th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Here is our solution: START WEARING BELLY WARMERS! Belly warmers? What is that supposed to be? Read on and find out how people dress this winter in Tokyo and get to know the true story of how Itoi Shigesato turned a piece of granny underwear into a fashionable must-have accessory! [...]
Posted by: evden eve nakliyat on September 23rd, 2008 at 4:02 am
[...] one’s from earlier in the month, but this Ping Mag article still provides a nice round up of Tom Hingston Studio’s music-related work. This [...]
Posted by: Via Alley» Blog Archive » Tom Hingston x Ping Mag on September 30th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
[...] Houston talks to Ping mag about designing CD covers for Massive Attack, Nick Cave, Gnarls Barkley and [...]
Posted by: Fortune Grey » Blog Archive » Designing record covers on October 5th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Awesome article! He is now enlisted in my favorite designers list…
Posted by: Francisco Galárraga on October 19th, 2008 at 4:29 am
[...] Upon clicking to see where the image had been linked from, I was pleasantly surprised to find an article on PingMag showcasing the designer, Tom [...]
Posted by: Signalnoise.com | The art of James White » Inspiration: Tom Hingston on October 29th, 2008 at 9:41 am
The Monster-Bug is disgusting and scarry. The rest is just awesome!!!Great article!
Posted by: Flug on November 4th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
[...] More at PingMag… [...]
Posted by: Tom Hingston Studio: Visualising Music « thinkingouttabox on November 27th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
ябадабадууу
Posted by: ::.proto::. on February 22nd, 2010 at 3:11 am
Don’t apologize the picture of the insect is very effective.
Posted by: sikiş on October 5th, 2010 at 11:14 am
evve Here is our solution:Belly warmers? What is that supposed to be? Read on and find out how people dress this winter in Tokyo and get to know the true story of how Itoi Shigesato turned a piece of granny underwear into a fashionable must-have accessory evve Here is our solution: START WEARING BELLY WARMERS! Belly warmers? What is that supposed to be? Read on and find out how people dress this winter in Tokyo and get to know the true story of how Itoi Shigesato turned a piece of granny underwear into a fashionable must-have accessory
Posted by: evden eve on November 28th, 2010 at 5:05 am
evden eve Awesome article! He is now enlisted in my favorite designers list Don’t apologize the picture of the insect is very effective.evden eve
Posted by: keçiören nakliyat on December 5th, 2010 at 3:28 am
Read on and find out how people dress this winter in Tokyo and get to know the true story
Posted by: Musicdes - Listen to Indian and Pakistani Music on February 15th, 2011 at 10:18 am
Thank you for your comment
Posted by: konteyner on February 23rd, 2011 at 9:19 am
Really awesome collection of photos. I run almost a 3000 machine fleet of vending machines, but we don’t see anything like some of these!!!
Posted by: konteyner on February 23rd, 2011 at 9:27 am
Thanks for an honest and truthful post, I like it very much. And happy new year!
Good writing, this article bring me a lot. Your blog is great, thanks for sharing.
Thank you for brxcbnxcnbxcninging more information to this topic for me. I’m truly grateful and really impressed.
Posted by: men watches online on May 23rd, 2011 at 11:36 am
Denver, Colorado.
Posted by: Riding Lawn Mower Store on May 24th, 2011 at 10:36 am
john gray
Posted by: the best teeth whitener online on May 25th, 2011 at 7:15 am
Nice website. Awesome job.
Posted by: podcast marketing scott paton on June 1st, 2011 at 11:43 am
Great website. I like this info your providing.
Posted by: Anonymous on June 3rd, 2011 at 8:08 pm
I like your way of thinking. Personal development and its many forms are really close to my heart. I also believe in getting different points of view on this subject to really broaden my thinking.
Posted by: personal development on June 16th, 2011 at 12:38 am
Here we go now with that talk about doing the right work-out, the right way. Does it really matter?
Posted by: weightlifting routines on June 16th, 2011 at 10:31 am
“Our body is precious. It is a vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” -Buddha.
Posted by: future of computing on June 17th, 2011 at 1:05 am
Turbine Idroelettriche
Posted by: energie rinnovabili on June 17th, 2011 at 9:52 am
Keep up the good work, wonderful job!
Posted by: Weight loss on June 18th, 2011 at 10:20 am
information was enlightning good work
Posted by: marketing on June 25th, 2011 at 1:20 am
I have bookmarked your site for future reference all the info. you have shared with us will help me no end with a project which I am doing for my course work.
Posted by: Zumba Fitness on June 26th, 2011 at 3:47 am
You had post some pretty interesting topic here.Thanks for the information.Hoping more posts from you.
Health benefits of almonds
Posted by: Hard Stool treatment on July 10th, 2011 at 11:56 am
If u like soccer visit us!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Soccer on July 20th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
süper sitee buyrun
Posted by: goruntulu sohbet on July 24th, 2011 at 12:47 am
Norway Mourns Its Dead As harsh Rhetoric Spreads. Let Me Offer Condolences
Posted by: Affiliate Marketing Reviews on July 26th, 2011 at 12:59 am
“If you ask graphic designers how they got into graphics in the first place, a lot of them will tell you about their favourite album covers or something else visually related to music.”
With this I would have to agree based on the people I’ve met!
Posted by: Wedding Video Philadelphia on July 27th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Great covers!
Posted by: Video Production Philadelphia on July 27th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
It must be really difficult putting all those elements into an album cover and portraying what needs to be conveyed.
Posted by: Sunrooms South Jersey on July 27th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Like the Editors’ covers. The simple the better!
Posted by: Fence New Jersey on July 27th, 2011 at 7:33 pm
Great topic,I will post a link to this page on my blog.
Posted by: dental dental plans on August 10th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
I am a giant fan of foreign exchange and finance so I find this subject very interesting. I actually get pleasure from business and finance so this post gives some interesting ideas for me to think about.
Posted by: Marketing Strategy Template on August 16th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
I always prefer to undertsand a brand new means of looking at it. Thanks for the information. I always like to undertsand a new means of taking a look at it. Thanks for the information.
Posted by: Skinny Guy Muscle on August 21st, 2011 at 8:47 am
I loved reading this post. I am completely happy to seek out this post because I’m interested within the topic.
Posted by: Natural Products Database on September 9th, 2011 at 9:42 am
Niels van raak
Posted by: Get 125.000 visitors Free with Mighty Solos on September 27th, 2011 at 1:33 am
Juicing is one of the best ways to start getting healthy. By drinking freshly made juice that lacks all the preservatives and chemicals you actually being to purge your system of all this bad stuff that you ingest daily.
Posted by: Breville Juicers on September 30th, 2011 at 5:10 am
Interesting post. I have been wondering about this issue,so thanks for posting.
ddddf
Posted by: men watches online on November 2nd, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Gran articulo. Somos seguidores vuestros desde hace tiempo y queriamos aprovechar este comentario para felicitaros por vuestro blog y por el trabajo que estais haciendo en los articulos…
Posted by: Jamon Iberico on November 2nd, 2011 at 10:42 pm
affiliate marketing,affiliate marketing programs,affiliate marketing software,affiliate marketing training,low cost affiliate marketing training,low cost affiliate programs,low cost affiliate software.
Posted by: affiliate marketing on November 3rd, 2011 at 1:02 pm
http://www.happyseasons.gr Online Store
Posted by: xristougenniatika on November 9th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
Thank you. Is something that interested me.
Posted by: Black Friday D-Link Wireless-N USB on November 12th, 2011 at 10:43 am
It good article.
Posted by: Black Friday Slt A55V on November 12th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
Nice for me
Posted by: Black Friday Sony Slt A55V on November 12th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
It good article. Black Friday D5100
Posted by: Black Friday D5100 on November 12th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
Nice for me Black Friday Nikon D5100
Posted by: Black Friday Nikon D5100 on November 12th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
That was exactly what I was looking for.
Posted by: men watches online on November 23rd, 2011 at 10:17 am
Exetrmely helpful article, please write more. Team tigara electronica ego tank
Posted by: tigara electronica ego tank on November 23rd, 2011 at 9:06 pm
กระ จุดด่างดำ คืนผิวขาวเนียนนุ่มชุ่มชื้นให้แก่ผิว ด้วยส่วนผสมอันทรงคุณค่าจากธรรมชาติ
Posted by: อาหารเสริม on November 24th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Thank You FYI.
Posted by: Canon Black Friday on November 26th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Check out our Cyber Monday deals on everything from cell phones with service to no-contract phones, unlocked phones, Bluetooth headsets, cases, chargers, and more
Posted by: technology on November 28th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Anuncie no Katavendo e usufrua DE TODOS OS BENEFICIOS OFERECIDOS, NO KATAVENDO voce encontra: anuncio, anuncios, anuncie, anunciar, classificado, classificados, classificados gratis, anuncios classificados gratis, imovel, imoveis, autos, automoveis, automovel, veiculos, carros, motos, celulares, video-games, computadores, dominios, cameras digitais, livros, quadinhos, revistas, cds, cd, dvds, DVD, hd, informatica, eletro-eletronicos, eletronicos, audio, video, decoracao, joias, relogios, esportes, lazer, negocios, filmadoras, videos, selos, moedas, ferramentas, antiguidades, raridades, oportunidades, promocoes, empregos, curriculos, servicos, artigos esportivos, empresas, produtos, vestuario, revistas, Sao Paulo, sp, Rio de Janeiro, rj, parana, pr, classificados, katavendo, kata-vendo, catavendo, cata-vendo, an�ncios, gr�tis, gratuitos, gratuitamente, empregos, oportunidades, comprar, vender.
Posted by: An�ncios Gr�tis, An�ncios Classificados - Kata-Vendo on November 30th, 2011 at 12:57 am
White Timex Watch
Posted by: Timex Watches on November 30th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
wow… is cool….
Posted by: toko jasa on December 1st, 2011 at 3:09 pm
I was Mtalbtvn
Posted by: reza atayee fard on December 4th, 2011 at 5:28 am
I conceive this website holds some very great info for everyone :D.
Posted by: Elba Bouleris on December 5th, 2011 at 1:30 am
สารสกัดจากธรรมชาติต่างๆ ที่นำมาเป็นอาหารเสริมเช่น กลูต้าไธโอน,แอลคาร์นิทีน, น้ำมันรำข้าว, กรดอะมิโนต่างๆ และอื่นๆ นั้นมีประโยชน์ต่อร่างกายของเราอย่างไรบ้าง
Posted by: แอลคาร์นิทีน on December 6th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
A few weeks ago my family and I went on vacation and had to rent a car. When at the car rental counter we were asked if we wanted to buy one day car insurance. Not knowing what 1 day car insurance was at the time time we figured we better be safe then sorry. So of course we did.
Posted by: one week car insurance on December 7th, 2011 at 10:36 am
Thank you so much for this content, Im so lucky and glad that I found this website, Please keep this website going and I will keep
Posted by: The Visayas on December 9th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Your business sounds very interesting. It is great to have businesses that can contribute to so much to our society these days.
Posted by: Removing Tattoos Naturally on December 12th, 2011 at 3:12 am
HalloHi is Social Network service . You can write what ever you want you have your space on this site and you can do whatever you want share music , videos , write blogs , read blogs , ask question , answer question , play games , upload documents , do
Posted by: HalloHi Social Network on December 14th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
A few weeks ago my family and I went on vacation and had to rent a car. When at the car rental counter we were asked if we wanted to buy one day car insurance. Not knowing what 1 day car insurance was at the time time we figured we better be safe then sorry. So of course we did.
Posted by: car insurance for one day on December 17th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
مجموعة اعلانكم الاعلانية البريدة المجموعة الاولى للدعاية والاعلان والاشهار
Posted by: مجموعة اعلانكم الاعلانية البريدية on December 23rd, 2011 at 12:59 am
I always visit your blog and retrieve everything you post here but I never commented but today when I saw this post, I couldn t stop myself from commenting here. Fantastic article!
Posted by: المرأة on December 31st, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Hey this is awesome blogs. Keep posted usefull information. Thank you
Posted by: roll up awnings on January 5th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
A Massive Thank you so much, I thought that your article was
Posted by: sweets on January 10th, 2012 at 6:13 am
Thank you. I’ll sharing the post at my twitter.
Posted by: Laptop Özellikleri on January 12th, 2012 at 5:37 am
Imobiliare, vanzari case, vanzari apartamente, terenuri, craiova
Posted by: Real estate on January 12th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Безплатни обяви в Facebook, сайт за обяви вестник за обяви добави обяви, София, Пловдив, Варна.
Posted by: Безплатни обяви on January 13th, 2012 at 12:01 am
Thanks for this post. It is very useful. I hope you will write an article. This issue again.
Posted by: illslick on January 17th, 2012 at 4:51 am
Online store Stopitnow Ego-T
Posted by: ηλεκτρονικο τσιγαρο on January 19th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
Welcome to Alamanda.my your 100% free online classified marketplace. Our idea is simple, why pay when you can sell for free?
Posted by: Malaysia's Online Marketplace on January 23rd, 2012 at 4:54 pm
That is really interesting. What kind of improvement can you suggest?
Posted by: titanium visa on January 24th, 2012 at 5:13 am
This piece of information is a gem for me, very helpful, really a great piece of writing, thanks for the effort made, really impressed.
Posted by: Costume Jewellery on January 24th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Tanz- und Hochzeitsband Deutsch Polnische Band Polnische Hochzeitsband
Posted by: Live Music MOTET - Deutsch Polnische Hochzeitsband (Band) Polnische Hochzeitsband on January 27th, 2012 at 3:51 am
Hi ….. I have information about Whirlpool washers, you should read them and get tips and tricks commersial business with Whirlpool washers.
Posted by: whirlpool washers on January 27th, 2012 at 11:59 am
Hey, Nice Blog you have for {Latest|Best|Exclusive} Stories. It {Bring|Write|Publish} {News|Stories|Updates} {as they are|as they should be|at the earliest|when they are fresh}.
Posted by: Best Marriage Palaces on January 27th, 2012 at 7:49 pm
[...] your favourite artists must be a great experience! Tom, thank you having some time for us today! PingMag – The Tokyo-based magazine about “Design and Making Things” » Archive » Tom Hing…. Share [...]
Posted by: visualising music : Nick & Tom « musiikimaku on February 1st, 2012 at 2:35 pm