Robert Sims is recognized internationally as one of the preeminent interpreters of the African American Spiritual. He had recently penned a biography about Roland Hayes, an African American tenor and composer/arranger of negro spirituals, and wanted to release a disc featuring performances of his music. I was fortunate to have access to images from the Roland Hayes Museum which inspired me to come up with my concept. Using textures of a leather-bound bible, old parchment, and linen, I created a sepia toned palette that tied into the cover photo and created an era-appropriate background for some of Roland's personal effects.
For Robert's website I was inspired by the beautiful image of him in concert. He wanted an earthy feel for his website so I used a rustic wood grain throughout and a clean, alternating black and white motif highlighted with pops of orange that tie into the concert image. Robert wanted his site to accomplish two things: be a repository of his career to date and promote his career as a prominent interpreter of negro spirituals.
