introduction
Hello and welcome! If you have received a link to this unlisted website page, you have been invited to participate in a visual collaboration project!
Cosmic Cavern has served as an outlet to excavate and execute the creative vision of fellow musicians who aim to make an honest and meaningful impact through their craft.
I (Shalom) have been making my way back to freelance design projects after taking some time away to distill who I want to be on this spinning rock in space, along with managing other life things.. There is nothing I want more than to connect with others. Life can be tough, but making art with intention is what I want to continue doing here within and beyond this visual design moniker.
As a graphic designer with a focus on music, I know well that musicians are wearing so many hats these days to get their music out there and find their core audiences. Staying consistent and showing up, no matter how algorithms change, can feel like rolling the dice sometimes. I am on my own journey with this, feeling content with what I create in the comfort of my living room but feeling the tides shift when it comes to showcasing my work on the Wild West of the internet. But the love of making music and finding resonance with others through vulnerability is jet fuel.
Some of the friendships and most memorable interactions over the years have meant a lot to me and many of them began with being open to helping with design projects like gig posters when I first started playing shows. My creative toolkit has since expanded, making me much more confident in my ability to deliver creative that solves a problem, communicates a message and has lasting visual impact.
However, it has felt like an ice age since I have really gotten outside of my bubble to make new connections and I want to change that...
With that in mind - this is my invitation to you, as someone whose musicianship has inspired me to reach out to work together. I am offering a heavily reduced flat rate for a trial project of your choice with an activation period of 2 months from being sent this page link. After 2 months, this offer will unfortunately expire (unless otherwise agreed to in proactive conversation). Below is a list of items you can choose from, (licensed for usability to the extent agreed on, if applicable to the option).
Project Options:
1. Artist Wordmark / Logo $75
branding strategy workbook, ready to use black and white png files of final design, logo / wordmark environment mockups for social, up to 3 word mark design directions (examples)
2. Limited Show Poster Print Design $60
instagram, story, and print size specs, up to 2 colour way final versions, 2 concepts directions after completing discovery project workbook (example)
3. Digital Tour Poster $50
instagram, story, and single print size specs, 2 concepts directions after completing discovery project workbook (example)
4. Digital Single Cover $40
+ animated Spotify / Apple Music canvas, 2 concepts directions after completing discovery project workbook (example)
5. 7’’ Vinyl Packaging $70
proofs, jacket sleeve and labels, environment mockups images, 2 concepts directions after completing discovery project workbook (example)
6. T-Shirt Merch Design $60
single sided design with possibility for smaller design elements on second side, in 2 colour way print options, environment mockup images, 2 concepts directions after completing discovery project workbook (example)
Workbooks
The workbooks mentioned at the end of each listed project are digital tools I've put together that have been incredibly helpful to me when getting to know an artist better and align with their vision. The editable workbooks ask core questions that can contribute valuable insights to the overall design process, especially when I can't meet someone in person for a discovery chat. These workbooks also provide space for self-reflection and help articulate things like why you do what you do and how we can measure a successful working experience before reaching the final product. Defining and exploring before diving in is such an important step, arguably more so than the actual designs.
Limitations
Some things to keep in mind: these projects are trial-size, more like appetizers than full meals, so there will be a few parameters we will be working within. One of them is the number of initial concept sketches, revisions, and total working time, as these project options are offered at a discounted flat rate. After completing a digital workbook, the work process, though thorough, will be quicker than full-size projects, which would typically be priced at an hourly rate or a packaged rate. I want to be upfront and transparent about this! My starting rate for hourly design work (if that suits a project best) is $40 per hour; however, I typically do packaged pricing.
why take on "Trial" work?
Time and energy are precious non-renewable resources. I understand the potential risk involved in offering them at a much lower rate that I would normally charge. This is why I've decided to offer select trial work options I am comfortable with to artists or individuals I want to connect with. This approach can potentially lower the barrier to collaboration and reduce perceived risk for the artist, especially when partnering with someone they may not know personally.
Goals
After a trial project, I hope there is a great working experience together, with the potential for future collaboration opportunities, the possibility of referrals down the line, and perhaps even the beginning of a friendship. The overall creative experience is important to me, and I want to deliver both effectively and efficiently in the areas I choose to offer. A plus for me is creating a great piece of design that champions hard-working musicians and can be enjoyed by others.
I also want this to be an opportunity for artists I would love to work with who may not be at a consistently profitable stage to source outside creative efforts. This is one way for me to staying excited and in support of an artist directly. I want to give people the best experience with a graphic designer who cares about both the craft and the strategy. Additionally, I aim to show what a designer is capable of when they set their mind to something, as well as how to make the most out of working with one in your corner.
In the future, I hope to focus more on dedicated creative direction ideally in the music industry with select design and illustration projects in the mix. This goal is a key component of my design process, integrated into my workbooks. I have developed my eye for detail, technical skills, and ability to troubleshoot design challenges over the years, but I want to grow my client list after taking some personal time away from freelancing. I aim to do this by reaching out to artists of all sizes, including those on my longtime dream list.
Outro
I hope this page has effectively communicated and answered any questions you may have about working on a trial project of your choice. If you've made it this far, I appreciate you! If you have any questions or would like to chat further, feel free to email me at: cosmiccavernstudio@gmail.com
Alternatively, if you would like to move forward with one of the design project options listed above, please fill out the form below. Something to note: the time it takes to acquire timely confirmation, communication, concept approval, ect will impact a project's final completion date.
Looking forward to hearing from you! Take care out there, I'm rooting for ya!
— Shalom
Thank you!