Meteor Gem is a niche independent record store on the Northwest side of Chicago, specializing in extreme music. Owner Mikhail Fedyukov was about to implement a line of vinyl releases that are exclusive to the shop and needed a way to elevate the exclusivity and collectability of the line. Obi-strips were the obvious solution.

ROLES

Creative Direction
Graphic Design
Packaging Design
Screen Printing

Additional CREDITS

Mikhail Fedyukov — Shop Owner

Original Custom Solutions

Obi strips were historically made so packaging with English language covering the packages would be able to be stocked and sold in other countries, most notably Japan. Today, obi strips are most often seen used as indicators of a limited release or rare variant. Careful not to abandon the history and origin of why obi strips exist in the first place, the design incorporates Japanese text and imagery.

All of the Meteor Gem obi strips for each exclusive release are screen-printed in my home workshop – all ink colors custom mixed, all strips hand-trimmed, and each piece is hand-numbered and crafted with care.

Chris LoPinto           
Multi-disciplinary designer + graphic artist

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