I was commissioned by Sony Music/columbia records, New York to design an album cover for John Mayer, the American pop and blues rock musician. The album is called Born and Raised. John as you know, is a singer-songwriter, recording artist and music producer.
Working with John on the brief of the artwork, he asked me to include coins, watches, flowers, and ribbons. I had a great start because of his direction and experience in graphic design and knew this would go smoothly. He also has a great eye for detail and design.
The artwork took roughly one month to complete, drawings were made separately in this time, but most of the artwork from Vectoring and finishing in Photoshop took just short of 28 days. This has without a doubt been one of the most enjoyable projects I have been involved with due to the person I was working for.
The album is out now on iTunes and has also been made as a traditional LP with full cover jacket and internal artwork. The work was commissioned by Sony Music and Columbia Records, New York at the beginning of 2012.
It appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show on the 14th May 2012 in Chicago and David Letterman Show on the 17th May in New York 2012. and many more international shows. The images below show step by step artwork of the cover along with other ideas presented to John back in December 2011
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- Born and Raised. on ITunes
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- Born and Raised posters Reed store ,New York
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- Born and Raised posters Reed store ,New York
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- Born and Raised store
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- Born and Raised store
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- Born and Raised store
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- Born and Raised store
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- Born and Raised store
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- Window display Born and Raised
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- Born and Raised store
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- Trade card designed for John Mayer merchandise
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- john signing at Reed store
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- John Mayer.at the opening of the Born and Raised store New York
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- posters in reed store New York
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- posters in reed store New York
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- Trade card artwork
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- John Mayer
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- back cover artwork
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- finished work in LP format
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- New York- Manhatton. large posters in shops promoting Born and Raised
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- Born-and-Raised-Sketch
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- Queen-of-California artwork
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- John’s l idea that he sketched in his hotel room
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- Duane sketch
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- Fans of John Mayer with my artwork
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- ellen degeneres show 2012. John Mayer Interview with my artwork in the background
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- Artwork made it into the main NewsPapers of New Zealand.
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- clock detail.
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- British Airways on board music
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- Band members on the coins
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- Born and Raised Song titles in the Mayer Font
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- Born and Raised Song titles in the Mayer Font
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- Iphone case JCM&Co go to www.johnmayer.com to purchase this item
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- Embossed Moleskine Notebooks
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- custom notebook design for Born and Raised
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- hand crafted design
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- Embossed Moleskine design
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- Born and Raised thumbnail sketch
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- Thumbnail Original design.
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- Born and Raised detail
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- Born and Raised idea 4
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- second idea for Born and Raised
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- John Mayer sketch Original artwork
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- black and white drawing
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- coins and medal detail
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- Hand drawn artwork
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- Hand drawn details
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- Born and Raised album original drawing
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- Artwork detail
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- Black and White version. Born and Raised.
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- Colour version of the original design
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- Album Cover Born and Raised, muted colours
Tags: Album Cover, album covers, artwork, band, Born and Raised, columbia records, crossroads, design, Embossed, famous, flowers, graphic, graphic design, guitarist, heritage, John Mayer, lyrics, Moleskine, Music, Queen of California, rock star, Something called olivia, sony music, steampunk, trade card. ephemera, victorian
Hi David,
No, not from Torquay but do know it quite well as I grew up in Kingsteignton, my grandparents still live in Decoy and my parents are now just outside of Exeter. I have moved to London, so not in Devon as much as I would like anymore (the train journey is just too long for weekend visits!) but would love to take you up on the offer of viewing some of the originals. Will drop you a note on here the next time I know dates.
Best, Kate
Thankyou very much Brandon.
Fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should continue your writing. I am confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!|What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & assist other users like its helped me. Good job.
David,
Awesome work. Love the type and all the little things you find when you look closely at it. I saw this album in a grocery store the other day and wanted to buy it just because the artwork rocked. I really appreciate when bands care about how their music is visually represented.
Thank you for putting your process up here. It’s always interesting to see how artists do their thing.
Keep it up!
Zac
Hi David…a friend sent me the john Mayer cd “Born and Raised” …im not a big fan of JM but love the Artwork. It is also great to be able to access details of the process…Im no art critic but felt the need to congratulate you as these things often go unheralded…jim.
Brilliant! thanks so much Jim appreciate it mate.
Dave
Thanks for the words Zac appreciate this very much, it certainly goes with Johns music on this album. glad you liked it all.
Dave
Hi David,
Good to meet you on the ‘plane to Dubai the other day. Hope you had a great holiday. That Grammy must surely be yours. Who could beat this artwork?
Come on Wiggo!
Simon
David!!
I feel compelled to congratulate you on being brilliant.. congratulations.!
I work full time as a hand lettering artist and illustrator, so I have a fair idea of what goes into a peice of work like that..
I came across your website by accident and have now been on it for a number of HOURS!
I am utterly humbled by your portfolio. Not only are you a fantastically talented and creative draughtsman but you have also clearly devoted a great deal of time to learning and developing some very painstaking and traditional techniques. I am fascinated by your work, and I hope to god you are rich!! You deserve to be!!
all the best
Ant
All the best mate
Your work is a perfect accompaniment to the setting of John’s latest album. Full of detail yet stunning as a whole, it is intricate and beautiful. I’m pleased to have learned a little more about it here. Thank you, David.
Cheers,
Mary
Thankyou very much Mary.
Thanks so much Ant for this comment. You know it’s been a struggle getting to this point but all very worth it. I’m comfortable but not rich. would be nice! I like coming to work every day, would say my wealth is in what I do and enjoy including my family. far better than having millions in the bank! Thanks mate!
Nice one Simon. Thanks for the comment mate, good to meet you also. We just got back from a great trip. You were right, bloody hot!! like an oven almost. Had a great week with the family looking around Dubai, will take your advice and return in January for cooler weather.
Appreciate your help.
Many thanks. Good luck with future projects yourself. Cheers mate!
Dave
I’m a fan of John Mayer from the Philippines and I would just like to say that the Born and Raised artwork is just so beautiful! Your webpage too is also very beautiful!! You’re such a genius artist!
Thank you very much for sharing these on your post. God Bless YOU : )
[...] bonitas, a capa do cd novo de john mayer tá fantástica. foi feita por David Adrian Smith e no porfólio dele tem uns sketches absurdos do desenvolvimento da capa. e mais: ele também fez apenas uma [...]
You produce such beauty.
As a designer of nearly 15 years, your work challenges me to throw everything on the drawing board right now in the bin and start over with greater commitment to making something beautiful.
Such stunning beauty. So rare today. Thank you.
Wow! thanks much David, i took a look over your designs ,amazing talent you have. very clean lines in design like it alot.
Cheers.
I consider that a serious compliment coming from you.
Do you by chance know Randy Frederick from the states (Tulsa, Oklahoma)?
[...] Mayer’s latest album, Born & Raised, the cover for which was meticulously hand-drawn by David Adrian Smith. Smith is a master of his craft and the photos documenting his process, which included several [...]
Incredible work! You have an amazing talent!
[...] You can view more of David’s work on his website here: #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } [...]
Thanks for the post Lucid Tomorrow!
Thanks Richard.
I don’t David but check him out.. Thanks
Amazing art work is it possible to buy a poster side version!
Many thanks
Tamara england
Hi Tamara. Yes you can buy limited editions embossed prints and also posters from here. http://johnmayer.shop.musictoday.com/Product.aspx?cp=235_56165&pc=JMAP105
Hey David! It’s an AMAZING artwork, like an steampunk style, and I’m so in love with that!
I was wondering to know: when you look the sun picture against the light, it just coincides with the watch that is on the cover! Was that proposal? Because it’s so cool that fact!!
Hi David,
I am a young and naive Graphic Designer / Illustrator and your work is a total inspiration!
Interesting to see some of the process behind this album cover – sure wish I could sketch like that.
Keep up the great work.
Tom
Ok, here’s the thing, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Dave for a few years now and I think there are a few things I’d like to share. Mr Smiths talent is obvious, it shines in every photo on this sight. To say his work is inspirational is an understatement. Dave seems to have the Midas touch with every new project he undertakes, but there is a reason for this. Besides the fact that he is an annoyingly talented individual what tends to go unseen is his complete dedication to his craft. I have never met a more driven sign artist. The hours he has spent researching, practising and perfecting his craft is perhaps a bigger inspiration than the wonderful artwork you see before you. Every honour, accolade and reward garnered is richly deserved but is also a testament to the lifelong dedication of a man obsessed with his art. Another aspect that sets Dave apart from the rest is his generosity, ask a question and you’ll get an answer, Dave is always willing to share knowledge and ideas.
To a true great, you deserve it all.
Neil
[...] Fifou Label : Boumayé Musik Genre : Hip Hop John Mayer – Born and Raised Artwork : David A. Smith Label : Columbia Genre : Blues Rock, Folk Santigold – Master of Make-Believe Artwork : [...]
Neil. I don’t really know what to say to this lovely comment other thank you very much for such kind words. You are a true friend. Enjoyed many good time with you mate.
Have a great year you deserve it.
Dave
alexdombroff@alexanderdombroff.com
I just watched the making of video several times and I am still looking for my jaw. You are a great artist and a genuine master of this craft.
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog thus i
came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to improve my site!
I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
Hey David, this is supremely amazing work. If possible, could you post an album of the glasswork “John C Mayer” Sign, that was in the “Making of” video? I’d love to see some high-res close-ups of the two signs you made.
B
David,
I just got done watching Danny Cooke’s latest film on the making of John Mayer’s Born & Raised artwork and I am overwhelmingly appreciative of your dedication to your craft. You are a true master craftsman, something that is rare to come by nowadays, and you inspire me, sir. The amount of time, focus, detail and hard work you put into your craft is amazing.
I am a TV director and editor and I pride myself in my work, but immediately after the film was over I turned to my friend and said, “I don’t think I can honestly say I have ever put THAT much focus into anything ever in my life!”
I want to sincerely thank you for the inspiration that you have given me to look deeper into my work and focus with a greater intensity into the details in hopes that one day I can be considered a master craftsman in my field.
i just watched the video for the john mayer project. amazing. makes we want to close my business and become your intern! truly amazing.
I was very sad to see that you used computers in your work.
How unfortunate that you could not finish this piece without resorting to the computer, I wondered why when I saw the pencils, they seems so alive and full of life but then the finished piece had that unmistakeable sterile feel to it. By creating something so beautiful by hand and then finishing it off in a computer just basically kills the soul of the piece and unfortunately, it shows. Next time you create something, try to actually do it from start to finish without using a computer.
[...] is a traditional ornamental glass artist, and so, not only did he design the cover artwork for Born & Raised, but in the process he also created a custom John Mayer [...]
Maggie Arbuckle,
Maybe you should do some more research before you post an opinion, I find it ironic that you used a computer to post on an online website moaning about computer aided design. I’m sure one of the biggest record companies in the world would love to pay for the design of an album cover and then be told they can have 20 posters and a scanned picture to use with their online marketing. Maybe you should look through this website more thoroughly and see that most artists including Dave use computer design to aid their work as most marketing is now done via online methods and we are in the “Digital age”. That funnily enough is how you will have found this website!? I like you am also disappointed that John Mayer has made his album available for digital download, How dare he! but Im sure you were disgusted and purchased the vinyl copy as did I. The Artworks “sterile” feel might just be your computer screen, you’ll have to buy a more “up to date” computer.
Regards,
Matthew
I’m at a loss to why anyone would make such a negative comment as Maggie. Can’t decide if its ignorance, age (older generation type thing) or jealousy. But it’s rude either way.
Dave your work is stunning. Obviously if you’d used charcoal to mark it on a cave wall it would have been infinitely superior and more ‘alive’ but we will all just have to have hope you’ll improve as you go along.
Dear Maggie Arbuckle:
I googled your name but unfortunately none of your 100% hand drawn art work came up, maybe you use a nom de plume?
Your comment is ignorant, uninformed and reeks of envy. And to have posted it via a computer and the internet is just laughable!
David,
I’d just like to say that your artwork for this John Mayer project is absolutely AMAZING, I can’t believe that I’ve only just found out that it comes from Torquay, I live just the other side of Exeter myself.
I remember opening my pre-ordered copy of the album back in May 2012 and your artwork just blew my mind. I usually don’t much care for album artwork but this is one of a kind, I just stumbled across your website whilst looking for a copy of the artwork in poster form because I’m so blown away by it. It’s so beautifully extravagant and fits the album so perfectly.
Absolutely Brilliant well done!
Dan
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Hi there great website! Does running a blog like this take a great deal of work?
I’ve absolutely no knowledge of programming however I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyway, should you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject however I just had to ask. Thanks a lot!
I just wanted to thank you for putting a lot of things in perspective for me. I am a photographer who spends hours at shooting and perfecting images that demand my best. Much of my time is spent in front of a computer post working images to bring out the best in them. At times I feel like I live my life in front of the computer screen never happy with the results after many hours of editing. After watching your work process that you put yourself through to turn out brilliant master pieces you have given me the push to excel even further than I had thought I could. No longer will I feel that I have done my best because I am tired of doing it, but I will always remember what you go through and the excellent results that can be achieved by taking the time to turn out such stunning work.
You are truly an inspiration to me, and I thank you for sharing your work and it’s process with us all. No longer will I consider giving up and settling for less because I am tired of doing it.
Keep up the good work, it is a lost art and thanks to people like you we will be able to enjoy for a long time.
Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii.
Dave~
I’m in total awe. I hope you have an apprentice (or many) so this beautiful art can continue to shape our future culture.
Absolutely breathtaking work! I really enjoyed the Vimeo piece, seeing the beauty and intricacy of your process. Thank you for your craftsmanship and for being very inspiring.
David,
I just watched the video detailing your work for John Mayer’s album cover. All I can say is amazing! What a gift! What a talent. I am in America, listen to John’s music and I’m blown away at your talent! Hope you are encouraged. I hope that business has exploded for you! Keep up the great work.
Bless you!
Brad
I’ve just watched the video as well. Totally stunning work!
Cheers
Peter