Physical Media in a Digital World

Last month, for my birthday, a friend of mine surprised me with a record player and a Tame Impala vinyl. Many of my friends owned record players, as well as my parents, and while it was a hobby that interested me I have been digital first for many years now. However, I have quickly done a 180. In my free time I've been on a vinyl collecting spree, snagging a mix of modern gems and some classic finds from thrift store hunting.

So, why am I talking about records on a design blog? Well, it's because when I'm in a record store, I don't just rush through the stacks looking for music. Even if I have something in mind, I take my time checking out the album covers. If they are second-hand and a booklet style, I might even open them up to look through the artwork and typography. Sometimes, a killer album cover has led me to buy something I'd never heard of before.

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but we all do it whether consciously or not. Lately, as I've been doing my freelance work and personal creative projects, it's got me thinking even more about presentation. It's a good reminder, really. Design matters, and it can make or break how people connect with your work.

So, next time you're working on a project, take a moment to appreciate those cool album covers and remember the power of that initial impression.