Roots Torn, Routes Chosen
A Visual Interpretation of
Black Migration Through Music
2026
ROLE
Concept Development · Illustration · Cover Design
DISCIPLINES
Visual Storytelling · Illustration · Typography · Publication Design
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Interpreting
the Music
Roots Torn, Routes Chosen:
A Story of Black Migration is a musical composition by Dr. Jasmine Pigott exploring the experiences, movement and resilience woven into Black migration.
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Rather than approaching the project as a traditional cover design, I began by listening to the recording and reviewing the musical score, allowing the composition's themes and emotional progression to inform the visual direction.
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The goal was to create artwork that felt connected to the music while giving the composition a compelling visual identity of its own.
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Finding the Visual Direction
The initial creative exploration resulted in three distinct concepts, each interpreting the composition through a different visual approach.
The selected direction centered on the relationship between roots, movement and identity—using an illustrated silhouette with roots transitioning into textured hair to connect the ideas of origin, migration and cultural continuity.
Working with the composer, I refined the concept to incorporate subtle historical references while maintaining a strong, cohesive visual narrative.
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From Concept
to Cover
The approved direction evolved into a finished cover through illustration development, layered imagery, typography and careful attention to composition.
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A deep, expressive color palette supported the emotional tone of the music, while the interplay between the silhouette and organic forms created a visual connection between the composition's themes.
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The result was a cover designed to communicate the story's depth without attempting to illustrate every moment of the music literally.
One Story, Multiple Formats
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The final artwork was adapted into several formats, including 11 × 17, 8.5 × 11, square and vertical applications.​
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Each variation maintained the central illustration and visual hierarchy while accommodating different proportions and presentation needs.
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The finished system provided the composer with a cohesive visual identity that could accompany the work across print and digital platforms.
