THE MARÍAS
VINYL
CONCEPT
SPRING 2025 // GRAPHIC DESIGN + PACKAGING + MOCKUP
LA-based band The Marías have been releasing some of the slickest indie-pop over the past few years. Their 2024 album Submarine is no different and features themes of heartbreak, isolation, and solitude that are dipped in lush, layers instrumentals that make for one of my favorite album listens of the year.
DEVELOPMENT
IMAGERY + COLOR
The album has prominent themes of heartbreak, love, and isolation that are steeped in heavier instrumentals and production. The album’s art was shot by Bethany Vargas, and the image that I chose for the front cover fits this narrative perfectly.
I edited the image to have a darker, moodier palette that centers on the lead singer, María Zardoya. Her vocals float above the heavy production, and the image embodies this contrast beautifully.
TYPOGRAPHY
The instrumentals and production create an eerie, almost sci-fi-esque atmosphere, which is why I chose the typeface Neuropol X, Light. The font has a weightless quality to it that sits beautifully over the darkness of the colors, similar to the contrast of the vocals and production across the album.
PACKAGING
Much like any song or album, there is a story to be told throughout; the packaging for the album should be no different.
When you first pick up the record, you’re immersed in the darkness and isolation of the cover. Upon opening the record, the scene becomes lighter and fills with more people as well. Even though you’re all submerged in more complex and difficult feelings, you’re ultimately doing it together.
Front view
Full outer gatefold
Inner gatefold view
Back cover + spine detail view
Front cover detail
Inner gatefold detail (left)
Inner gatefold detail (right)
Vinyl center label detail view