Jenny Lewis: On The Line badges

Earlier this summer, I had the idea to illustrate some of my favorite lyrics from my favorite records. I thought I’d start with Jenny Lewis’ On The Line, one of the best so far in 2019 (IMO. I’m definitely biased because she is my all-time favorite songwriter + artist, but that’s another post). Shortly-put, this indie-rock record captures heavy grief of both the loss of love (a 12-year relationship) and family (her mother, whom she had a complicated relationship with, passed away from cancer). Despite the heaviness of the last 5 years for Jenny, this album shows that she’s faced these hard truths head-on, and even with a hint of optimism. It’s a body of work I’ve personally been waiting to hear since I wore out listening to her last record, The Voyager (which I now have tattooed on my wrist; go figure).

Jenny’s work is so uniquely beautiful and relatable, and I’ve felt that way since Rilo Kiley (her first band, which was active from 1998-2011). Her lyrics have always had an element of storytelling—both through fictional characters and her own experiences—that move me. But this record particularly hit it out of the park, which is why I decided to create the badges above.

I stuck with a minimal color palette that actually focused on more of the upbeat lyrics and ideas within the LP (you won’t see much darkness in these, but definitely give the record a listen; it’s there). Before creating the badges, I listened to the record on repeat, took notes, doodled, + concepted. That’s when I decided I liked the idea of making them more type-focused rather than honing in on the illustrations. I’m thinking of making these into stickers sometime soon. Hoping to design more from what I’m currently listening to! Jenn'y’s record is below, give it a listen :)