The Intersection of Music and Design

Written by Michael Miller, Designer at CS Designworks and Accomplished Musician

For as long as there have been musicians, there has been the intersectional world of all things creative, from art to music to dance to theater, and so on.

Musical Inspirations

I can say this from firsthand experience, as in addition to being Designer at CS Designworks, I’m also an accomplished musician. I grew up playing drums and singing in a band with my brothers, and soon enough was writing songs myself. We were all raised on the great music that came up in the 1960s and 1970s, but while my brothers leaned toward Rock, I discovered Soul and R&B and was hooked. My influences range from Earth Wind & Fire to Prince to Marvin Gaye, along with Rock/Pop greats like The Beatles and Steely Dan, which is a bit more on the Jazz/Fusion side of things, but it expanded my musical palette.

I was the youngest in a boy band with my two brothers and a good friend, all of us ranging in ages from 13 to 19 when we formed. We garnered a strong following locally in NYC in the 1980s but eventually the band I grew up in, well… grew up. The time eventually came when we all had to enter the real world.

Currently I am a solo artist (singer/songwriter) with several albums and singles released on both my own independent record label and various labels overseas in Europe. I made these connections in the early days of social media in the 2000s, meeting DJs and producers who would go on to remix my songs in the Dance/House genre. Currently I play venues throughout NYC using the stage name Mr. Shy, performing solo on piano and vocal.

The Creative Process

I personally craft songs with a universal message that touch people’s hearts, while at the same time I’m aware that my song has to be catchy and concise. Writing a new song is a deeply personal for me and an intricate journey, similar to painting on a blank canvas with emotions, memories, and melodies. It typically begins with a spark of inspiration, which could be the emotion I’m feeling at the time, a poignant memory, or a simple melody suddenly appearing in my head that I can’t stop humming. This spark is then nurtured, often starting with a foundational element like a chord progression on piano or a rhythmic drum/percussion groove wedded to a bass line hook.

As the song evolves, layers are added – harmonies, instrumental bridges, textural keyboard parts, etc. And as with the average pop song length, my challenge is always to make a roughly 3-4 minute song take the listener through the full life experience. There is also a detail-oriented process in both my songwriting and song producing. Ultimately, the goal is to create a piece that resonates, not just with the songwriter but the listener, bridging hearts and souls through the universal language of music.

I joined CS Designworks in 2018, working with Nick Chiechi who also was a musician back in the day. When I started working at CSD I appreciated the fact that we would always have music playing in our office and often would banter with Nick on what song/band was good or not. Although my and Nick’s musical tastes vary, we both appreciate good music. Which brings me back to music and how it naturally coexists with design.

Evolution to Design

My graphic design career began working at a film and video licensing company, where I created promotional flyers and video box covers for independent titles. From there I landed a job at a small design boutique startup that quickly grew into an interactive design company creating kiosks for car shows and in-flight entertainment.

Throughout my life in music, graphic design has been a parallel migration as there are similarities between both professions. When I write and produce (or “construct”, as I like to call it) a song, I become very focused on what the style and mood of that song is. The same goes for design, including my album and single covers. As a Soul/Pop “crooner” I want to convey a sophisticated “Adult/Contemporary” persona in the artwork and photography.

Exploring the Intersection of Music and Design

Starting with Inspiration

Inspiration is the vital first spark in the songwriting process. It's that intangible force that strikes unexpectedly, whether from a fleeting emotion, a vivid memory, or a chance encounter. This initial burst of creativity forms the foundation upon which a song is built. It's the raw, unfiltered emotion or idea that gives a song its soul and direction. Without inspiration, the songwriting process might lack depth and authenticity. It's this very essence that not only drives the songwriter to put pen to paper but also allows listeners to connect deeply with the song, feeling the emotions and stories as if they were their own.

Understand the Audience

Before a single note is played or a design drafted, it's crucial to understand who we're speaking to. In music, is it the heartbroken looking for solace, or the joyful celebrating life? In design, are we addressing the young tech-savvy generation or the elegant, mature audience appreciating minimalism? Knowing our audience helps in setting the tone, mood, and overall direction.

Crafting the Message

With a clear audience in mind, the next step is to craft a message that speaks to them. In songwriting, it's the lyrics that tell a story or convey an emotion. In design, it's the visual elements that communicate a brand's identity and values. Both need to be clear, relatable, and authentic to truly resonate.

The Power of Iteration

Rarely does a song or design hit the mark on the first try. Iteration is key. A musician might tweak a chord progression or adjust a lyric, while a designer might play with color palettes or typography. This process of refinement ensures that the final piece is not just good, but great.

Testing and Feedback

Before releasing a song, musicians often play it to a close circle to gauge reactions. Similarly, designers seek feedback, using mock-ups or prototypes. This step is crucial because sometimes, creators are too close to their work. Fresh eyes and ears can offer invaluable insights.

Delivering to the Audience

Once the piece is polished, it's time for the world to see or hear it. Whether it's releasing a song on streaming platforms or launching a brand's new design, the aim is to reach and resonate with the intended audience. If done right, the audience will not just appreciate the work but also connect with it on a deeper level.

In both modern music and design, there's a magic that happens when a piece truly resonates with its intended audience. It's not just about creating something beautiful or catchy; it's about crafting a message that speaks directly to the heart and soul of a segment of an audience.

Remember, the “pop” in pop music is short for “popular”, and as with any product in any industry, if you are aiming to be popular then you are naturally driven to find a way to market/package your product.

The Destination

My ultimate goal, personally as a recording and performing artist/musician in the pop & soul genre, is to create an established relationship and deeper impact with my audience, striking a lasting chord (literally and figuratively) with them. When a song becomes an anthem and its accompanying cover design turns iconic, that's when I know I’ve truly resonated.

Similarily, at CS Designworks we pride ourselves on understanding our clients and their audience. Every design we craft, every brand story we tell, is aimed at creating the same type of deep connection found with a singer or band and their audience. And as for me, whether I'm at the piano or my design workstation, I strive to create pieces that not only look and sound good but also touch the soul. It’s then that you have an audience for life.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL MR. SHY WEBSITE