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The Codaphonic split EP that was just released features two distinct covers, each created by two incredibly talented artists. The Mindwrecker EP cover was created by Rachel Briggs - a Memphis native, Nashville resident that has a portfolio of works that never ceases to drop my jaw. I mean, seriously consistently amazing work. So, I put together a little interview with her to catch up on her history, her work style and her inspiration for the EP.
Hello! can you give a broad overview of your work history?
After college I started working as a part-time designer at American Songwriter magazine, and after a year there, I took on the role of Art Director. I worked there for seven years doing that- designing the bimonthly book, managing photoshoots, etc. until I went freelance in 2012. I have been working for myself since, first off partnering with other publications like Time Out Chicago, and now all across the board, from designing album art to poster work to quite a load of illustrations (which I love the most).
You're from Memphis and ended up in Nashville doing a lot of graphic design for musicians, is that because of Nashville or because of a common mindset with creative types?
Well, I moved to Nashville when I was 18 and just have remained here through college and work- first with the music magazine, and now mainly working within local businesses and the music industry. I feel pretty connected with the creative community here, it's a thriving music town and there is always room for design (and better design) in every corner. I've worked with bands across the spectrum, from garage rock to mainstream country, and that's what I love about Nashville. There's so many tangents here to explore and it helps me as an artist to not feel one-trick pony-ish and actually keeps me doing different takes for different clients. That being said, Memphis is a historically and culturally rich city filled with some of the most genuine art and people I have ever come across. I think preconceptions of Memphis are so distorted, that people don't pay attention to what incredible stuff is going on there. There is a lot of growth and renaissance happening, especially in the arts and city planning, and it's great to see. There's a refreshing organization called the Memphis Music Foundation that partners up with musicians in town, helping them with their business and in turn, nurturing the music climate of the city. I have worked with them on some projects and I like the feeling of staying connected to my hometown in doing so. In the growth, so many things are popping up around Memphis. I'm working with a fantastic brewery there that just opened last fall called Wiseacre Brewing Co. which is located in the Broad Ave. arts district of town. I'm illustrating all of their brews, designing cans and bottles and other branding bits, and it's tons of fun.
What was your inspiration for the cover of the Mindwrecker EP? It feels like an authentic long lost Coney Island poster or 1950s circus attraction.
Totally nailed it with the Coney Island cue. I revisited the boardwalk last year in the winter, and the only thing that was alive it seemed was a window display with a hypnotic spinning wheel, harkening back to creepy sideshow bygone days. The song Mindwrecker is so catchy and welldone, and it made me reflect that it could easily be the themesong of a vintage thrill seeking ride. Besides that, I love old movie cue cards from the 20s - 30s, and a lot of the films of the time were so elaborately handmade looking- like the sequences or props in a Bugsy Berkeley work - so I took a little bit of inspiration from those things as well.
What's next on your plate and where can people keep up with you?
I have a fairly steady stream of album art and posters for some great bands coming up in the next few months. Also, I'll be continuing with some new designs for Wiseacre. I have a grand, secret personal illustration project I've been working on for over a year, so I hope I can bring it to completion by summertime. To follow along, most of my work can be seen on my website at rachelbriggs.com - but I do a lot of sneak peeks and progress work on art that can't be seen on my website via my instagram (@wiresandfires)
Hello! can you give a broad overview of your work history?
After college I started working as a part-time designer at American Songwriter magazine, and after a year there, I took on the role of Art Director. I worked there for seven years doing that- designing the bimonthly book, managing photoshoots, etc. until I went freelance in 2012. I have been working for myself since, first off partnering with other publications like Time Out Chicago, and now all across the board, from designing album art to poster work to quite a load of illustrations (which I love the most).
You're from Memphis and ended up in Nashville doing a lot of graphic design for musicians, is that because of Nashville or because of a common mindset with creative types?
Well, I moved to Nashville when I was 18 and just have remained here through college and work- first with the music magazine, and now mainly working within local businesses and the music industry. I feel pretty connected with the creative community here, it's a thriving music town and there is always room for design (and better design) in every corner. I've worked with bands across the spectrum, from garage rock to mainstream country, and that's what I love about Nashville. There's so many tangents here to explore and it helps me as an artist to not feel one-trick pony-ish and actually keeps me doing different takes for different clients. That being said, Memphis is a historically and culturally rich city filled with some of the most genuine art and people I have ever come across. I think preconceptions of Memphis are so distorted, that people don't pay attention to what incredible stuff is going on there. There is a lot of growth and renaissance happening, especially in the arts and city planning, and it's great to see. There's a refreshing organization called the Memphis Music Foundation that partners up with musicians in town, helping them with their business and in turn, nurturing the music climate of the city. I have worked with them on some projects and I like the feeling of staying connected to my hometown in doing so. In the growth, so many things are popping up around Memphis. I'm working with a fantastic brewery there that just opened last fall called Wiseacre Brewing Co. which is located in the Broad Ave. arts district of town. I'm illustrating all of their brews, designing cans and bottles and other branding bits, and it's tons of fun.
What was your inspiration for the cover of the Mindwrecker EP? It feels like an authentic long lost Coney Island poster or 1950s circus attraction.
Totally nailed it with the Coney Island cue. I revisited the boardwalk last year in the winter, and the only thing that was alive it seemed was a window display with a hypnotic spinning wheel, harkening back to creepy sideshow bygone days. The song Mindwrecker is so catchy and welldone, and it made me reflect that it could easily be the themesong of a vintage thrill seeking ride. Besides that, I love old movie cue cards from the 20s - 30s, and a lot of the films of the time were so elaborately handmade looking- like the sequences or props in a Bugsy Berkeley work - so I took a little bit of inspiration from those things as well.
What's next on your plate and where can people keep up with you?
I have a fairly steady stream of album art and posters for some great bands coming up in the next few months. Also, I'll be continuing with some new designs for Wiseacre. I have a grand, secret personal illustration project I've been working on for over a year, so I hope I can bring it to completion by summertime. To follow along, most of my work can be seen on my website at rachelbriggs.com - but I do a lot of sneak peeks and progress work on art that can't be seen on my website via my instagram (@wiresandfires)
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