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For the Livorno-based band Bonsai Bonsai, I had the opportunity to work on the visual identity for their second album, which was released in October and marked their first project entirely in Italian. The chosen style is the result of extensive brainstorming sessions with the band members, leading to a purely illustrated aesthetic that graphically represents the place where each song comes to life: their studio, affectionately called "Banana," located in Livorno.
The album's visuals showcase an industrial setting with a refinery and an overpass, directly inspired by the studio's surrounding environment. In contrast, the wall with the window invites us inside the studio itself, offering a glimpse into the creative space where their music is born. The inclusion of the sea symbolizes Livorno's maritime heritage, evoking the city's deep-rooted connection to the port and the water. This duality of internal and external settings creates a narrative that visually connects their music to both their personal and geographical identity.
The merchandise for Bonsai Bonsai is a graphic reinterpretation of the various elements featured on the album cover, creating a cohesive visual experience that extends beyond the music. The design transforms the album cover into an open narrative, allowing fans to journey through the city depicted, following its streets and exploring the iconic elements of their world.
An exclusive addition to the merch is the bonsai tree, placed prominently at the top of the composition and featured on the front of the t-shirt. This symbolic detail directly references the band’s name, grounding the design in their identity while adding a unique visual focal point. The merch becomes more than just apparel; it’s a wearable piece of the album’s story, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the band’s artistic vision and connection to their roots.
