Def Leapard, On Through The Night

Alan Schmidt was an active designer in the ‘70s and ‘80s who helped produce the album art for many musicians. Schmidt’s work is similar to other cover artists and designers of the time, such as Storm Thorgerson. His painted works are inspired heavily by surrealists, which was popular among rock and pop groups during the late ‘70s and the ‘80s. The rock and pop culture during Schmidt’s time was centered heavily around drug use; substances ranging from cannabis to cocaine to heroin were wildly popular in the rock and pop scenes. There was no default, go-to lettering for many rock and pop designers; who’s clients wanted something that felt original, while also adhering to the nonconformist culture. Thus ushering in the second wave of albums with barely legible, but visually appealing, typefaces (a trend that was popularized in the ‘60s through psychedelic posters). Designers and artists like Schmidt created works that reflected the culture of their clients' listeners; sometimes bright, sometimes dark, sometimes surreal, and sometimes something that’s just fun.