Empty Sky by Elton John
Date
Credits
- Dave Larkham Designer
- Steve Brown Producer
- Jim Goff Production Coordinator
Format
- Packaging 334
Media
- paper 1353
Techniques
- photography 75
- illustration 132
- printing 437
Locations Made
- United Kingdom 33
- England 6
The vinyl cover is an illustration of Elton performing with a piano using a multi-colored hatching technique. He appears to be performing in the cloudy blue sky. There is a thick purple border around the illustration and text with the album title and name is centered. The type is sans serif and lowercase. The back sleeve was designed to feature credits, reviews for the album, and a handwritten style statement from Elton John. The sleeve was designed by Dave Larkman.
Inside the sleeve are photographed images of Elton and Bernie Taupin that are muted blue toned. Layered on top are the lyrics of the songs in sans serif type and clear hierarchy. The vinyl sticker is informational and dark with bright yellow contrast for the record label branding.
This work is important to design history because it captures the emotional response Elton has to the music he writes. The color palette, illustration style, title, and imagery promote a sense of longing. This type of metaphorical design compliments the poetic nature of music.
