Randy Wood

Book Cover Design

Client: UT Press
Art Direction and Design: Elisa Razak

Randy Wood was a pioneer in the vintage instrument industry in the 60s and 70s. As a gifted luthier, he restored pre-WWII instruments and crafted his own, which collectively found their way into the hands of country and rock music icons like Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash and Emmylou Harris. Working on the book, I was captivated not only by his craftsmanship but his artistry. The custom typography on the cover was inspired by a gorgeous fingerboard inlay he designed for Elvis’ Gibson Dove.

Alternate Cover

We considered a second cover of a lively illustration of guitars, mandolins and banjos with expressive swash type. The instruments nod at his custom artistry.