Swan Silverstone album cover

This album cover was designed by LeRoy Winbush, an influential graphic designer who represented the black community. According to the article “Creative Titans: Leroy Winbush,” by Kristin Meile, Leory Winbush broke racial barriers in 1926 and worked as a graphic designer. He attained a job at Regal theaters and began designing filers and murals. This slowly introduced him into the music world where he designed for multiple bands. His role in design is significant because during his time, racism was a barrier. However, he pushed through and created easier opportunities for the black community to join.

Focusing on the album cover, Leroy Winbush designed for The Swan Silverstone, an American gospel music band. There are abstract shapes of swans. They overlap in CMYK colors and have typography on top. Leroy Winbush strayed away from photographs and standard newspaper layouts. He incorporated unique visual communication in commercial design. 

Leroy Winbush is an influential designer because he introduced creative ways to design advertisement. He also stood his ground and joined the design industry regardless of racism. Leroy Winbush became the first Black president for the Art Directors Club of Chicago according to the article “IIDA Celebrates Black History in Design”. Cultural exchanges are crucial for the design world because it builds community and inspiration. 

https://worksdesigngroup.com/blog/leroy-winbush/

https://iida.org/articles/iida-celebrates-black-history-in-design