I was one of four artists + designers that Paramore handpicked to be a part of their new range of collaborative merch! They're available on the band's newly relaunched site - in line with them now being independent, and out of their long contract with their label.
This is a landmark moment too, as on top of the traditional flat fee, the band are also paying a royalty per item sale to the designers. This is near enough unheard of, so knowing that Paramore have gone the extra mile to make sure that we're fairly compensated is amazing.
I've been a massive fan of theirs for over half my life now, and making things that revolve around them for as long as I can remember - so to be seen and appreciated for it in this way just blows my mind (see the last photo for something straight out of the time capsule).
My contributions to the collection are:
A notebook inspired by their song 'You First', featuring the song's main refrain "everyone is a bad guy". I wanted something punchy, rough around the edges, and an immediate and obvious image of betrayal. I used 3D imaging with models for the figures, and crossed over to Photoshop to add the hand-drawn style elements.
A crewneck sweatshirt with an embroidered image of a wrecked van, straight out of the band's 'Thick Skull' music video - but set on fire. They toured in this type of van in their youth, so this speaks to the symbolism of deliberately crashing the vehicle that drives the band, and the decision to move on - no matter how violent, or the resulting mess. I stretched and distorted some type in Illustrator for a big, impactful backpiece.
A tote bag with the same design, but in the original colours I opted for back in March - blue and red. After watching the music video, I immediately felt that the van was such a focus, and so relevant to their story. I had to make it a centrepiece.
A tarot set, each card depicting a track on Paramore's last album, 'This Is Why'. I got these printed last year in metallic red foil and loved how they turned out, each with bespoke boxes + guidebooks written by my friend Lauren Ritchie. I love that this is being featured, as it feels like more of an unusual offering in a merch spread. Even if they're not used like they're intended to be (for readings), they would look cool lined up and framed!
Very thankful to be asked back by Paramore, and excited to be a part of this new chapter with them! They sincerely deserve their flowers - a thoughtful, compassionate group of people, and a band for the ages.
- Graphic Designer
- T-Shirt Designer
