BIMI single and EP covers (2022–2023)
Simbayu Studios. License: All Rights Reserved.
All-lowercase Jane Austen for the “Westend Flows” single, May 2022
BIMI, an emerging rapper from Finland, embodies a unique sound of the classic 2000s rap era. In recent years, we did the art direction and designed the cover art for BIMI, experimenting with diverse typographic styles.
For the initial covers of his tracks “Westend Flows” and “Versace Mamis,” we opted for a handwritten aesthetic, which perfectly complemented the nostalgic vibes reminiscent of 2000s rap and R&B. For the Balaclava Mixtape EP, we strived to transform Nefarious into a captivating title that evokes the essence of both horror and gangsta rap, creating a cinematic experience for the listener.
The cover art for “Westend Flows” juxtaposes the suburban lifestyle with the opulent Westend, an affluent residential area near Helsinki, Finland. By contrasting these two worlds, BIMI’s music encapsulates the aspirations and realities of different societal spheres.
On the other hand, the cover art for “Versace Mamis” draws inspiration from Antonio Canova’s renowned sculpture, The Three Graces. This artistic choice represents the timeless allure and elegance of BIMI’s R&B side, harmonizing the rap part into it.
Moreover, when it came to designing the cover for “DMX,” we deliberately delved into the raw essence of hardcore rap, reminiscent of DMX’s iconic style. The cover exudes a sense of grit and intensity, akin to DMX’s way of incorporating aggressive dog imagery in his visuals and music videos.
Through our art direction, we aim to capture the essence of BIMI’s music, blending nostalgia with modernity, and paying homage to the influential rap icons.
Simbayu Studios. License: All Rights Reserved.
Bayshore with glow effect for the “Versace Mamis” single, July 2022
Simbayu Studios. License: All Rights Reserved.
Limerick Serial for the “DMX” single, October 2022
Simbayu Studios. License: All Rights Reserved.
Nefarious on a angle for the Balaclava Mixtape EP, May 2023.
This post was originally published at Fonts In Use