"You're Too Close" is singer-songwriter Francis Karel's new single. I collaborated with Francis and co-writer Carlee Chappell to art direct, design, and animate the single's cover art, Spotify canvas, poster, and marketing materials.
This song is about overthinking and uncertainty towards a romantic connection, but, as it was written in the depths of COVID, is also a cheeky warning about the risk of seeking physical closeness. In creating the artwork, I was inspired by this duality of meaning. The typography and animation cue into the push and pull of an early romance as well as the need for, yet danger in, tactile human connection. The photography and poster highlight Francis' bedroom: the place where his songs come to life, where he films the Tiktoks that have jump-started his career, his safe space, etc. The poster also depicts illustrations that are cornerstones of Francis including the disco ball featured in the cover art, his guitar, phone, headphones, quintessential hoodie, and pet chameleon Bob.
Roles
graphic design
art direction
illustration
animation
Credits
Song Writers: Francis Karel, Carlee Chappell, Brock Buchanan Westover Jr.
Cover Art: Syd Rein