Tough Time





"Tough Time" is a rap song by local Jaipur rapper 100 Gun Salute. I've designed several album covers for him, with "Tough Time" being the first. This cover combines a 90s vibe with the G-Funk art style. The central focus is a gramophone with a moving CD, set against a chaotic background that symbolizes the song's theme of enduring adversity, blending darkness with a hint of hope. The cover captures the essence of the music's emotional depth.



Role



Graphic/UX Designer



Brief



I led creativity, planning, and design.



Timeline



From Oct 2023 - Jan 2024



Background





The album cover for "Tough Time" was needed to visually represent the emotional depth and themes of the song. 100 Gun Salute, wanted an album cover that would stand out and resonate with his audience. The challenge was to create a design that not only captured the 90s hip-hop vibe but also conveyed the song's powerful message of enduring adversity.



Design





Initial Thoughts

​

From the beginning, I wanted the album cover for "Tough Time" to reflect the raw emotion and depth of the music. My initial thought was to create a design that combined a nostalgic 90s vibe with the distinctive G-Funk art style—short for gangsta funk, a type of gangsta rap music influenced by 1970s funk. G-Funk is a more laid-back version of gangsta rap, and this influence would be perfect for capturing the essence of the song.



Process






Using a gramophone with a moving CD as the focal point, I wanted to symbolize the timeless and enduring nature of music, highlighting how it has the power to convey complex emotions. The gramophone represents the historical significance and persistence of music through the ages, while the moving CD brings a modern touch, connecting the past with the present.

This combination sets the stage for a cover that visually captures the song's themes of struggle and hope, emphasizing how music can express deep and multifaceted feelings, offering solace and resilience even in challenging times.



More of 100Gun Salute





Shiva ShambhuThese posters are designed to market Nociw to college students, our ideal audience for exploring new things. We've strategically placed these posters in spots where students spend most of their time— hostels, cafes, stationery, etc. Giving a clear message that if you see one of these posters while waiting for your coffee or cramming for exams, remember, Nociw is just a scan away!



Listen to "Shiva Shambhu" on Spotify.


Thanks for sticking with me till the end! Your dedication deserves a high-five ✋



& Don’t forget to listen "Tough Time".