Comparison and Contrast

Although a single designer may create different works for different projects, similarities between works can still be seen, as well as differences that seek to complement the purpose or message of the work at hand. Take Sonya Cohen Cramer as an example. With the help of Ida Pearle's artwork, she designed the CD covers for two of Elizabeth Mitchell's albums titled You Are My Little Bird and Sunny Day.

Both album covers feature drawings of children of different races. The children are also depicted in a playful atmosphere; on the cover of You Are My Little Bird, the children are seen skipping together with different instruments in their hands, and on the cover of Sunny Day, two children are seen playing with masquerade masks. The clothing the children are wearing are vibrant in color, making the background pale in comparison. Moreover, in terms of “The Picture Plane,” the drawings of the children are far from realistic; they do not have eyes or any other distinct facial features. They are more or less abstract in the sense that any or all children can see themselves in the characters on the covers, which is the purpose behind Cramer’s designs. After all, Mitchell’s albums contain songs meant for children and their active participation.

Despite the many similarities between Cramer’s two designs, there are apparent differences. To begin with, the image of three children skipping across a pale blue background gives off the sense of what the album’s title suggests; the children are flying freely along with the music. The songs on the album, such as “Little Bird, Little Bird,” also relate to this feeling of lightness and happiness associated with child-like innocence.



In contrast, the background for Sunny Day is illustrated with a grassy hill, a blue sky with faint clouds, and a round yellow sun. The design of the artwork also includes value on the grassy hill, giving it visual texture. Certainly, the cover for Sunny Day is a lot more detailed. Aside from the aesthetic factor, the more detailed background design serves the purpose of emphasizing the album’s title. Furthermore, the fact that the two children illustrated are facing each other in a way that two friends would, this album cover seems to focus more on interaction between individuals, which is exactly what Elizabeth Mitchell wants to happen among her music audience.

Overall, Cramer’s designs for the CD covers succeed in bringing together similar elements to create a variety that is simplistic yet overwhelmingly fitting for Elizabeth Mitchell’s children folk songs.

*Images taken from Housefield's blog