Alex Villenas
The best of (new order)
My project featured in the exhibition is an attempt at creating an entire experience. With the rising popularity of physical media, specifically music, I redesigned the packaging of a greatest hits album from the band New Order. Placing an emphasis on sustainability, the packaging for the CD is made entirely out of paper or paper materials. Eliminating the use of hard plastics while also honoring the novelty and function of a CD case was the main priority while working on this project. The structure of the case is a gatefold with a jacket sleeve to provide a rigid enough container for the disc while also providing enough surface area to showcase artwork. To further the experience, I designed a promotional CD display that takes inspiration from brutalist architecture. Mirroring the spirit of the music and band, I wanted to create a display for the CD that was unique and could attract potential listeners. To complete the experience, I added a CD player built into the display to create a space for listeners to examine the packaging and take in the entire identity that was created for this album. I also wanted to create an intimate space for listeners to have a moment where a decision, or an impression, or a memory could be made about the music. If somebody wanted to hypothetically buy the CD and continue the experience on their own.
Artist Statement
My name is Alex Villenas and I love making all kinds of stuff. My schtick is making physical media of any kind. I am someone who obsessively collects different kinds of physical media and if I can’t keep it, I at least take a photo of it. The act of making is something that I have always been a fan of and so as a graphic designer, I really take it upon myself to do projects that allow me to prototype, print, or experiment with different mediums and materials.
SOCIAL MEDIA:@alexxvillenas
EMAIL:alexvillenas10@gmail.com