Philip Glass Solo

Promotional

Philip Glass is an influential American pianist and composer born in 1937 in Baltimore. He is considered one of the most influential composers of the late 20th century. Over the years, Glass has composed numerous works, and his musical style is known for being highly minimalist and repetitive.

In 2021, Philip Glass Solo was released, revisiting some of his most critically acclaimed works from the past. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the composer was able to reflect on his career from his New York studio, where he had spent decades and countless hours writing and composing at the piano. He took the opportunity to revisit these pieces and record them through a new perspective.

Folded black poster with scattered white dots and text on a textured surface with shadows.

Three black framed posters with white and gray dots arranged randomly on a ribbed white wall.

The brief was to create a promotional poster for Philip Glass’ concert with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM), along with vinyl record packaging.

I wanted to design a poster that represents Philip Glass' compositions, which evoke a wide range of complex emotions and contemplation. Philip Glass Solo conveys an introspective and melancholic tone, using minimalism and repetition to create a sense of longing and calmness that is still impactful. The vinyl packaging is designed as an experience where users discover the depths of the album and Glass' music, reflecting an introspection similar to the state of the artist when creating his revised album.

Black poster with scattered white dots and text for Philip Glass show on August 2, 2025 at La Maison Symphonique.

The repetition of the scattered circles and type symbolizes many aspects of Glass' Solo Piano piece. It reflects not only the rhythm and emotions derived from listening to his music, but also the time he spent reminiscing in his studio.

To give the poster texture and depth, I used folded black construction paper and a mix of tracing papers to create the small circles dispersed throughout the composition. To maintain a minimal approach, the poster follows a monotone color palette with a subtle shade of blue.

Clear vinyl record labeled Solo Piano with black-and-white booklets and a cloudy sky-themed cover.

Sheet music pages scattered and bent, with light casting polka dot shadows through a perforated object.

The vinyl packaging unfolds in a trifold format, featuring a custom circular die-cut on the cover. When propped up, the holes allow light to pass through, creating a subtle interplay of shadow and transparency.