Depeche Mode’s timeless aesthetic in an iconic book

Since 1986, Dutch master Anton Corbijn’s timeless and brooding aesthetic has cemented Depeche Mode’s reputation as effortlessly cool and cutting edge. Smel *creative agency designed the book for the world's largest cult band.
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Words are very unnecessary


For more than three years, we have worked on this unique book. An essential inspiration for the design was the eccentric image of the band formed by Corbijn. We have selected photos from four decades to a final chronological selection of more than 500 photos. The book design is diverse from collages to full-page images, striking typography, and a particular chapter with set designs, sketches, and album covers. You will be taken into the book as 'fly on the wall,' in Dave's dressing room, or among the audience at rousing live shows.
I think that the main strength SMEL brings to the projects we have done over many years is implementing a clear and strong structure, once that is in place, everything flows easier.

— Anton Corbijn
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Collector's and Art edition


The book has 512 pages with 495 photos and personal stories handwritten by Anton on the pages. The Collector's Edition (# 201–1986) is signed by Anton Corbijn, Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, and Andrew "Fletch" Fletcher and comes in a deluxe clamshell box. Besides, there is an Art Edition No. 1–100 SOFAD, London, 1992, and Art Edition No. 101–200 SOTU, New York, 2008, both prints signed by Anton Corbijn.
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Client
Anton Corbijn
Taschen
Publisher
Taschen
Collaborations
Photography:
Anton Corbijn

Production:
Taschen

Film:
Nimi Ponnudurai

Crafting a visual world for one of Britain's icons of electronic music

Album design and concert posters for the world’s most massive alternative band. The album “Spirit” is the 14th studio album by the English electro-pioneers Depeche Mode. Anton Corbijn, responsible for the photography and artwork, invited us to help him with the design for the album and posters for ‘The Global Spirit Tour.’
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Political touch


In Stockholm, Anton Corbijn asked us if we wanted to help him with an assignment. Designing the new album “Spirit” by Depeche Mode and the announcement poster for the world tour design. Spirit is politically charged and requires a darker image. Flags and marching legs cut by Anton from black paper have become essential carriers in the design and later as stage animations during the tour. The illustrative style in gray, red, and black dominates and is supported by photography and clean typography.
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From vinyl to streaming


The album is released in a double album vinyl with a unique etching “Spirit” logo, a 2cd deluxe edition with a 28-page booklet and 5 remixes made by Depeche Mode, Matrixxman and Kurt Uenala, collectively under the name “Jungle Spirit Mixes.” In addition to the album, we designed the covers for the singles “Where's The Revolution” and “Going Backwards.” Released under the Columbia and Sony Music label.

I think that the main strength SMEL brings to the projects we have done over many years is implementing a clear and strong structure, once that is in place, everything flows easier.

— Anton Corbijn
Client
Sony Music
Columbia Records
Anton Corbijn
Website
www.depechemode.com
Collaborations
Photography and artwork:
Anton Corbijn

Live photos:
Ralph Larmann
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