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Design Category
Package design, 2003
Design firm
Sagmeister Inc. (New York, New York)
Collection
(2004) AIGA 365: 25
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If it is really true that a good cover has to feature a bear, a dismembered limb, and a naked person, then this Talking Heads Once in a Lifetime boxed set qualifies as a truly great package, with its three bears, twelve frolicking nude bodies and a good number of severed body parts. The extreme panoramic format of the packaging not only allows for easy storage in standard record store bins but will also obstruct access to all CDs behind it. It contains over one hundred rare photographs and extensive essays.
In order to satisfy all constituencies of the boxed set buying audience, we tried to design a substantial package that looks good (for the gift givers) but has the CDs in individual sleeves so you can keep them within a regular CD collection (for the gift receivers).
The estimated total production cost was $350,000.
Package as art, perfect for the subject. Wonderfully executed and very engaging. The format stresses the idea of uniqueness and longevity.