The Crane Wives

The Crane Wives

Introduction

The Crane Wives are a Grand Rapids-based indie folk-rock band defined by three-part harmonies and intricate, root-driven melodies. My role as Art Director for this project was to translate their sonic textures into a cohesive visual language. In collaboration with MOKB, I led the development of a multimedia asset suite that bridged the gap between traditional folk roots and a modern electric edge. From Super 8 film to medium format photography, every deliverable was designed to amplify the band’s storytelling through a high-fidelity, analog lens.

Year

2024-2025

Industry

Artist Relations

Scope of work

/

Creative Direction

/

Photography

/

Videography

Timeline

Introduction

The Crane Wives are a Grand Rapids-based indie folk-rock band defined by three-part harmonies and intricate, root-driven melodies. My role as Art Director for this project was to translate their sonic textures into a cohesive visual language. In collaboration with MOKB, I led the development of a multimedia asset suite that bridged the gap between traditional folk roots and a modern electric edge. From Super 8 film to medium format photography, every deliverable was designed to amplify the band’s storytelling through a high-fidelity, analog lens.

Year

2024-2025

Industry

Artist Relations

Scope of work

/

Creative Direction

/

Photography

/

Videography

Timeline

Challenges

Challenges

Executing a campaign of this nature required a high level of pre-production and a technical mastery of diverse film formats. We moved through a rigorous planning phase to ensure the visual output matched the band’s specific brand of "electric folk" while maintaining a consistent narrative across all social and press channels. I handled the art direction and production of a Super 8 film to create a sense of movement and nostalgic texture that digital formats often lack. This was paired with medium format film photography to provide the band with high-resolution, tactile stills for editorial use and tour promotion. Beyond the shutter, I managed the post-production workflow by performing extensive photo retouching and distilling the raw analog assets into bite-sized social content. This strategic approach allowed us to create a deep library of assets that felt unified and intentionally crafted for their growing global audience.

Working with physical film formats like Super 8 and Medium Format 120 introduces a zero-margin-for-error environment. The primary challenge was balancing the unpredictable nature of analog development with the strict deadlines of a modern music release. We navigated these constraints through meticulous pre-planning and a structured shoot schedule that allowed for the "happy accidents" of film without compromising the core deliverables. Every frame had to be accounted for to ensure the final assets were both high-impact and cost-effective for the overall marketing budget.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

My work for The Crane Wives was about providing the band with a timeless visual archive. By choosing to work with analog mediums, we created a body of work that stands out in a crowded digital landscape. The combination of storytelling through Super 8 and the crisp detail of medium format photography provided the band with the exact tools they needed to engage their fanbase and secure press coverage.

It was a successful exercise in building a visual world that is as layered and soulful as the music itself.

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Have a project in mind?

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Let’s Talk.

We build "Future Gold"—assets that appreciate in value as your legacy grows.

Quick response.

If you’re ready to create and collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

Clear next steps.

After the consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed plan and timeline.

Future Gold Media®

Have a project in mind?

By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

© Future Gold Media

Let’s Talk.

We build "Future Gold"—assets that appreciate in value as your legacy grows.

Quick response.

If you’re ready to create and collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

Clear next steps.

After the consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed plan and timeline.