July 14, 2015

Agency Blog

The Design of Music

Dustin Lippert

What if you could see music? I mean, what if each musical note came out of an instrument in a colored shape? What if each sung word blended those colors and shapes together? Imagine what picture each blend would create? Can you hear it? Can you see it? Listen to music. The movement, the blend of instruments, the voices, and the emotions − they come together in a determined balance to deliver an artist’s unique message.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about music and the influence its industry has on visual design. It’s a powerful catalyst of inspiration. The similarities of how the audible and visual are created has seemingly endless depth. The blend of design elements, the movement of eye flow through a piece, and the voice or “style” we design in all must impact the audience. 

Each individual has a unique taste in music and likewise in design. They connect to art emotionally and respond to different types of visuals depending on their lifestyle,  demographics, culture, likes, dislikes, tastes, life experiences, etc. Like music, design can create a personal emotional connection by reaching inside and moving someone to act. Design can push them to make a life-change for the better. It can offer hope. It’s about balancing the blend in an authentic, honest way to achieve a desired result. 

Not all design is glamorous. Not all songs hit the top charts. But there should be a sense of responsibility to craft design in a way that meets a need, makes a difference, and moves the viewer to action.