Record Labels: A Canvas for Creativity
When I receive a custom order request or start on the journey of selecting a new album based on an artist or album title, the very first aspect that captivates my attention is the record label. The label—the round paper at the center of the vinyl—carries not only the titles of the songs but also an essence of art that can elevate an album from ordinary to extraordinary. Its visual appeal, whether it boasts vibrant colors or intricate designs, becomes a crucial part of my decision-making process. Despite being a practical element, the label can make or break the overall experience for me. While it could be a mere list of songs, I find the artistry behind many labels beautiful.
The label serves as a guide for my color choices. Although I have the liberty to introduce additional hues to my designs, I ensure that the colors reflect those found on the label to achieve a seamless flow. It’s vital for me to create a harmonious blend of colors that connects the vinyl, the label, and the album cover. Sometimes, the cover art and label have little in common, presenting a delightful yet challenging puzzle. But we'll delve deeper into that peculiar dynamic in a future blog.
Here are a few of my favorite labels that have left a lasting impression on me:
Mushroom Label 
One of my all-time favorite labels to work with is the vibrant Mushroom label associated with the band Heart on the album *Dreamboat Annie*. Its delightful blue/teal backdrop, accentuated by a striking red and white-spotted mushroom, invites a sense of whimsy and nostalgia. Painting around this label is pure joy, as the colors breathe life into my canvas.
The backstory of the Mushroom label is filled with drama, beginning with the 1977 release of Heart’s album, *Dreamboat Annie*. An ad in Rolling Stone magazine hinted at the close relationship between the band’s core members, Ann and Nancy Wilson, suggesting they were not just sisters but perhaps lovers. This controversy led to a lawsuit, leaving Mushroom Records in a financial bind, and the label struggled to regain its footing without the star power of Heart. Such a vibrant label truly deserves to still be around!
Elektra's Butterfly Label 
The Butterfly label from Elektra Records is another design that fills me with excitement. Its soft mossy green hues—dappled with bronzy accents—create a beautiful canvas for artistic expression, while the butterfly motif stands out with a gentle elegance. With a spectrum of colors to choose from, I can decide to create either a neutral ambiance or a more vibrant, flashy piece.
This label company was conceived by two college students, and during the 1950s and early 1960s, it focused primarily on folk music. Elektra made waves when it became the first record label to embrace psychedelic rock artists, including the legendary Doors. I first painted the Butterfly label on Queen’s *Night at the Opera* for a dear friend, who adores the band. The colors harmonized beautifully with her living room, creating a unique piece of art that resonated with her passion for music.
Apple Label 
The Apple label—arguably the most recognizable record label of all time—adorns numerous Beatles albums and entices me with its greens, browns, and yellows. The color palette is simply mesmerizing, providing endless creative possibilities. The Apple label is significant as it was the Beatles’ own venture into the music industry, and there are many intriguing variations of this iconic apple, beyond just the familiar green.
Interestingly, before Apple, the Beatles released albums under Capitol Records, which often featured a vibrant rainbow border. But did you know that Apple Records also signed a range of other artists? The likes of Mary Hopkin, James Taylor, Badfinger, and solo work from the Beatles themselves graced the label, each with its own unique charm. Every time I catch a glimpse of the Apple label, my heart races with excitement as I grab my paints and prepare to create a new work of art.
The Kama Sutra Label
The Kama Sutra label stands out as a fascinating subject for my artwork, presenting a whimsical scene of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The myriad of colors in this design provides ample inspiration and becomes a delightful challenge to capture on canvas. One memorable project was painting the label on a Sha Na Na album, echoing the energetic spirit of their fun music. My husband recognized the label immediately, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride at his familiarity with it since it is fairly rare.
A Few Of My Other Favorites 
The Rolling Stones labels are characterized by a bold bright yellow background paired with the iconic lips logo on each variation. It's a lesson in Rolling Stones branding to instantly recognize the lips logo. Among other labels I've enjoyed working with are on Kansas albums, which feature distinct artwork on each album, showcasing a variety of themes and designs. The Grateful Dead has unique labels, generally with skeletons. Even if a label is a solid color I can bring in any colors I or my customer wants; it is such a great starting place. Another label was more of a curiosity. This custom order I completed as a wedding gift included a label that was elegant in red with a lovely carnation; it featured the artist and title, but oddly, no song titles were listed. To solve this fun design challenge, I utilized the lyrics insert and cleverly placed it on the dust cover at the back of the frame. Each project brings unexpected twists and delightful resolutions!
Ultimately, what I adore most is the joyous fusion of color and sound. Once I choose my color palette and immerse myself in the music, that sublime magic begins to unfold. The rhythm and emotion of the music seamlessly intertwine into my artistic process, birthing creations that are truly one-of-a-kind. I invite you to explore The Gallery on my website, where you’ll find detailed photographs of each label alongside my creations. I’d love to hear which labels resonate with you! Feel free to leave a comment on this blog or reach out to me at thedottingchick@yahoo.com.
Cheryl Anderson
The Dotting Chick