Sockweb – Werewolf Album Branding

Sockweb Album Art Werewolf

I was recently asked by The Monolith Records to design a logo and the album cover for the up-and-coming grindcore band, Sockweb’s first album Werewolf.

Sockweb are a father/daughter combo where the daughter is just seven years old. The output is some of the most adorable grindcore ever heard by human ears; Adam “Blackula” Young writes and records the music, as well as supplementary vocals, but Joanie “Bologna” Young provides the primary vocal outlet, and ever since the earlier songs were released her chops have grown increasingly more brutal.

sockweb

I couldn’t help but love these guys from the moment I heard them. It was a fun project and I think the outcome is just as lively.

“It was pretty difficult at first to find the right place to turn to, we wanted to find an artist that would accurately create a tableau that gave credence to the situation of a young girl finding a Werewolf in her room, but that could have been painted by a child. Trying to find a perfect balance between childlike prowess and actual professional artistry is a much harder feat than you would expect, but we were lucky to come into contact with the fantastic and always dependable Mandy Maxwell. This young artist is not only incredibly efficient with her timing and fair with her pricing – she always maintains the utmost professionalism when it comes to communication and is extremely understanding and flexible. I’ve worked with many artists, but it’s always refreshing to find the ones that truly engage with the concept and are unafraid to share their passion with you.”

Sockweb logo design by Mandy Maxwell

Here is a look at the process:

Werewolf Sketch by Mandy Maxwell

Werewolf sketches. I don’t usually draw in this ‘comic-book’ style. I looked at Van Gogh a lot for inspiration, however.

Werewolf Sketch by Mandy Maxwell

Original concept.

Werewolf work in progress - Mandy Maxwell

Oil Pastels

Sockweb final art design by Mandy Maxwell

The final piece.

Facebook Cover Photo for Sockweb

Facebook cover photo. Very distorted version of the art, but the whole thing is a bit surreal so I think it works.

Check out Monolith for more info on these guys and to hear their song, Bullies Are Mean.