Catalogue designs versatile identity for independent label Acorn Tapes

London and Leeds-based design studio Catalogue has designed the identity and printed matter for independent hip-hop and jazz label Acorn Tapes. The posters and tapes follow the same principle: bold typography that is stylistically recognisable but can be applied to hip-hop, jazz, or really any musical genre, and imagery that pushes the tapes from limited release to collectors’ item. The low-lit, jazz bar iconography and 80s illustration that without Catalogue’s design notes could have just been a little bit too much become tongue-in-cheek references to long-reigning stereotypes.

Catalogue was founded in 2011 by Tom Pratt and Oliver Shaw, as well as its design practice with clients including Urban Outfitters, Beacons Festival and Nous Vous, it publishes the magazine Library Paper which we wrote about last year.