Mad Love Creative Co. aka Carmen Jabier is a graphic illustrator based in Otario, Canada.
Hi Carmen. Can you tell us a little bit about your tape and your song selections?
This is a fun playlist full of 80s rock songs that just make you feel good! The structure of the songs themselves, the borderline cheesiness, as well as the over the top instrumentals and vocals always make me want to play air drums and air guitar, AND sing both main and background vocals all at the same time. These songs are full of excitement and emotion, and they make you want to go somewhere, do something, or be someone (maybe all three!).
What direction did you take with your cover art, and what was your process?
I wanted to showcase how this playlist makes me feel. My cover art features my take on a classic 80s car and stereo/cassette player, because this playlist is the kind that you put on when you go for a drive through the city with the windows down, wind blowing through your hair, belting the lyrics as loud as you can! Like the text I included, it really makes you want to enjoy the ride, metaphorically and physically!
The first song + artwork combo that comes to mind is “In Your Arms” by Kina Grannis and I’m still in awe of the stop motion in the music video to this day.
“In Your Arms” [video] – Kina Grannis
2011
Dir: Greg Jardin
2011
Dir: Greg Jardin
2000, Jive
Dir: Wayne Isham
Lastly, “Take On Me” by a-ha is another one that I think about often.
1984, Warner Bros.
Dir: Stever Barron
When it comes to albums, I really love the cover art for “Plantasia”!
Mother Earth’s Plantasia – Mort Garson
1976, Homeworld Records
Artwork: Marvin Rubin
What did you listen to growing up?
I was a very much late 90s-early 2000s music kid, and I listened to everything and anything from pop to punk to R&B! Much of my music influence also came from listening to my uncle’s playlists which consisted of a lot of 70s-80s rock!
And what’s on heavy rotation for you at the moment?
I would be totally lying if I didn’t credit TikTok for many of the songs that I’ve had on repeat lately. It’s also a great starting off point to discover new artists, songs, and even genres of music!
I’ve had songs from this playlist on constant rotation, but on a different vibe, I’ve been very into afrobeats this summer (and yes, it’s kept me dancing throughout the heat!), but now that the weather is winding down, I’m feeling more in the mood for The Lumineers and The Paper Kites!
Also, if I really want to focus I’ll put on the Fallout 4 soundtrack!
What’s happening in your creative world at the moment?
Tons of fun things! I’m always posting new work (personal and client projects) on my Instagram, and am always open to commissions and all kinds of projects. I’ve also been participating in a bunch of local markets this year and have been loving meeting people in person (and would love to meet any of you who are in the Greater Toronto Area!)
Where can we find you?
Website - madlovecreativeco.com
Instagram - @madlovecreativeco
Shop - madlovecreativeco.etsy.com
Thanks Annabel 👋🏽
TRACKLISTAnd what’s on heavy rotation for you at the moment?
I would be totally lying if I didn’t credit TikTok for many of the songs that I’ve had on repeat lately. It’s also a great starting off point to discover new artists, songs, and even genres of music!
I’ve had songs from this playlist on constant rotation, but on a different vibe, I’ve been very into afrobeats this summer (and yes, it’s kept me dancing throughout the heat!), but now that the weather is winding down, I’m feeling more in the mood for The Lumineers and The Paper Kites!
Also, if I really want to focus I’ll put on the Fallout 4 soundtrack!
What’s happening in your creative world at the moment?
Tons of fun things! I’m always posting new work (personal and client projects) on my Instagram, and am always open to commissions and all kinds of projects. I’ve also been participating in a bunch of local markets this year and have been loving meeting people in person (and would love to meet any of you who are in the Greater Toronto Area!)
Website - madlovecreativeco.com
Instagram - @madlovecreativeco
Shop - madlovecreativeco.etsy.com
Thanks Annabel 👋🏽
Philip Bailey - Easy Lover / Men At Work - Down Under / The Outfield - Your Love / a-ha - Take on Me / Billy Ocean - Caribbean Queen (No More Love On the Run) / Starship - We Built This City / TOTO - Africa / Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight / Daryl Hall & John Oates - Private Eyes / A Flock Of Seagulls - I Ran (So Far Away) / Journey - Any Way You Want It / Mr. Mister - Broken Wings / The Police - Wrapped Around Your Finger / / Cutting Crew - (I Just) Died In Your Arms / TOTO - Hold the Line / Eddie Money - Take Me Home Tonight / The Police - Message In A Bottle / Bananarama - Cruel Summer / Duran Duran - Rio / Daryl Hall & John Oates - Maneater / Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone / The Smiths - This Charming Man / Journey - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) ︎