Transforming Isaac Friend’s Song “Restless” into Synesthetic Art
Whenever I tell people that I turn songs into paintings, their usual response sounds something like this: “Oh, so you vibe to the song and paint what you feel?” No, not exactly. As a hybrid graphic designer/painter, I developed my own data information process where I record all of the data in the song, pull out it’s dominant patterns and create a composition which becomes the foundation for the painting. It’s a mix of information design and abstract art. My goal is to bring the essence of the song to life in visual form, however along the way, the painting will inevitably go in its own direction. Check out my process below.
Step 1: The Song Map—Capturing Sound Through Structure
First, I draw a data map based on the instrumental structure of the song (right). Next, I assign a color and shape to each instrument on each green ring. I’ll listen to the song as many times as there are instruments and record all instances that each instrument appears at each second during the song. The number of green tick marks equals the number of seconds in the song.
Step 2: The Composition Based on the Data Map
Next, I draw a sketch based on the song map. I pull out the dominant patterns and push the composition until I get one that from my graphic designer’s perspective feels strong.
Step 3: The Painting—Intuition Takes Over
Finally, I transfer the sketch on to canvas at which point I begin painting. This is where the data-driven process ends and when I let my intuition take over.
A Visual Interpretation of Music
Through this synesthetic approach, I’m not just trying to illustrate sound—if I can transform a song into an emotional experience and validate my client’s feelings attached to that song—then it’s a huge win for me.
Own a Piece of Music-Inspired Abstract Art
🎵 Interested in commissioning a custom synesthetic artwork based on your favorite song? I’d love to collaborate with you to turn your most meaningful music into a one-of-a-kind painting.