Sheffield – Had It Worse Comedy Album Design
When Paul Sheffield—then an up-and-coming stand-up comic in Utah—was ready to release his first comedy album, Had It Worse, I had the opportunity to help shape his debut not just visually, but emotionally. We wanted something that felt as vast and honest as his comedy, so we took to the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats for a photoshoot that captured both humor and vulnerability in an expansive, minimalist landscape.
I led the creative direction, photography, and full design layout of the album art—from the cover shoot to the disc face and interior booklet. The concept centered around a lone mic in the middle of nowhere, symbolizing the rawness of live comedy and the solitude that often underlies it. I also worked closely with Paul to ensure the visuals felt aligned with his comedic tone—clever, self-aware, and rooted in real-life struggles.
This wasn’t just a design job. It was an early chance to support local talent, bring a creative vision to life, and contribute to a milestone in someone’s career. Sheffield Had It Worse quickly became a fan-favorite local release—and to this day, it remains one of my favorite collaborations.
