Tifert

For Tifert: Live in Concert in Seattle by Stephen Merritt, we developed a CD packaging system designed to capture the immediacy, atmosphere, and emotional resonance of a live performance. The objective was to translate the ephemeral energy of the concert into a tactile, collectible format—creating a physical artifact that extended the audience experience beyond the venue.

Central to the visual identity was the medella motif, which functioned as both a symbolic and structural anchor within the design system. Rather than serving as decorative ornamentation, the medella became the organizing principle of the composition—appearing as a recurring emblem that unified cover, disc face, booklet, and inlay. Its circular geometry introduced a sense of continuity and cadence, subtly echoing the cyclical nature of live music and audience connection.

The packaging balanced expressive visual storytelling with disciplined restraint. Performance imagery and atmospheric textures were integrated through intentional cropping and layered compositions, creating moments of intimacy that reflected the live Seattle setting. Typography was selected to complement the medella form—clean, modern, and rhythmically spaced to mirror musical pacing.

The booklet layout adopted an editorial sensibility, allowing imagery and negative space to work in tandem. Liner notes, track listings, and credits were presented with clarity and hierarchy, ensuring legibility while maintaining a refined aesthetic. The medella element reappeared throughout as a navigational and thematic device, reinforcing brand cohesion and visual recall.

The final result was a cohesive packaging ecosystem that elevated the CD from a functional music container to a thoughtfully crafted design object—honoring the authenticity of the live performance while creating a lasting, tactile connection between artist and audience.