Tegan & Sara

Crybaby ALBUM ARTWORK

In 2022 my pal Emy reached out to me to come play with her on a new project. The project involved creating new album artwork for Tegan & Sara. Emy, who had been the duo's art director for many years, wanted to try something different for this album's visuals. Taking a risk, she decided not to use the band's portrait on the cover. Instead, we did unspeakable things to many ice cream cones in the back alleys of Montreal and came up with a cover aimed to delight and potentially upset.

The risk paid off, in 2023 Emy and I were nominated for Album Artwork of the Year at the Junos.

The image of a dropped ice cream cone is a metaphor for the loss of innocence we inevitably experience in new relationships. The music on the album spoke to the anxiety of these new relationships, whether romantic or becoming a new parent. The shiny ice cream cone represents the fresh start with this new person, but hidden amongst the perfection is the razor blade. It's a danger of upset, but you know you're going to lick the cone anyway.

Client: Tegan & Sara

Art Direction: Emy Storey

Design & Photography: Becca McFarlane

Poster Photography: Pamela Littky