Wyatt Waddell – The Art of Nothing, Rosebud All Day
Art Direction, Artist Development, Visual Identity, Photography, Design
Independent Record Label & Creative Collective
Brief:
In late 2020, I joined Chicago-based record label Rosebud All Day as an Art Director, working closely with the producer and label owner to help develop emerging artists through cohesive visual identities. The goal was to translate each artist’s sound, influences, and emotional tone into compelling artwork and digital assets that supported long-term growth.
Concept:
Working as a creative collective, each project was approached as a world-building exercise—treating singles and albums as opportunities to establish distinct visual languages. The focus was on authenticity and emotional alignment, ensuring the visuals felt timeless, expressive, and artist-led rather than trend-driven.
Execution:
Wyatt Waddell: The Art of Nothing, served as a working cover concept for the soul/R&B musician. After being briefed and immersing myself deeply in the record, I developed a visual approach titled “The Rainbow Sound.” The concept paired a trippy rainbow motif with a gold backdrop—drawing from the artist’s synesthetic experience and translating the album’s rich, soulful tones into creamy, vibrant colors.
A visual direction was carefully chosen to balance timelessness with modernity, referencing Wyatt’s influences such as Stevie Wonder while avoiding overt nostalgia. Arcade Fire’s Neon Bible served as a reference point for graphic scale and placement, helping anchor the composition in a bold yet restrained visual language.
Outcome:
The project represents an ongoing collaboration focused on artist growth and visual consistency. More work is forthcoming as Rosebud All Day and its roster continue to evolve.