My first idea when it came to my album cover was to use paper for the set, and hand sculpt a cart out of clay for contrast and easier placement.

The prototype for the cart, made of paper. I was originally going to make the cart body clay and the wheels paper, but after getting some feedback i realised it would be easier to make the wheels from clay, so i made them from air dry clay using tape to get the circular shape.

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My first attempts with clay! I hadn't worked with clay properly outside of one or two attempts before this project, so it was a very interesting experience. I found it both fun and hard. I used air dry clay as i had a little experience with it, and it was easily accessible.

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I then began planning my album cover. My main idea was to play on the dnd aspect of my band, by making the 12" album cover a collection of songs that in universe are only sung on stage. This sparked the concept of making a physical stage for my cart, and making paper props (like cardboard props seen in stageplays.)

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The making of my stage! I decided i wanted a "handmade" look, so i used thick card covered with a black scarf, with red scarf and bobbles used for the curtains. The intent was to make it seem low budget, as my band would make their album covers themselves, and none of them are professional photographers or builders. I also hand painted some backdropsto add variety to my album cover shots.

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My cart! I used clay for the wheels and base, and hand painted the clay and some bamboo dowels that i stained with gouache paint to construct it. The painting was done by hand using both watercolours and gouache, with the intent to have it look handmade and old, which i think it accomplishes well.

I then did a photoshoot of my cart and stage to use for my final outcome. I decided to use natural light for the photoshoot, to really sell the handmade/amateur idea I had for the band cover. I also used my phone camera in portrait mode for the same reason.