Vinyl Head

Vinyl Head

6 Simple Steps to Develop A Vinyl Sleeve Head

If you are serious about making a vinyl sleeve head, look for sources of inspiration, pick a record sleeve that you like, look for a costume to fit, work on the other characteristics of the sleeve, ask someone to help you, and be patient and take any important adjustments.

A sleeve head or sleeve face is a picture of a person holding up a record sleeve over her or his face. The concept is to place the sleeve artistically and in a way that it creates the impression that the body having the sleeve is connected to the face or body part shown on the record sleeve. No person knows for sure where and when sleeve heads started. But a rumor which is fondly circulated speaks of a deejay who caught up a record sleeve that pictured the face of a musician in front of his own face and people thought it was a nice idea. If you're serious about making vinyl sleeves heads, follow these ways:

Try to find sources of enthusiasm

There are numerous images you may look at on the internet which may provide you with a sense of what sleeve face to create. Be creative and look for as many sources of enthusiasm as you can.

Choose a record sleeve that you prefer

Find record sleeves that include something that can assist you to develop an illusion. The sleeves could display human faces or any other body parts such as the midsection or the hand. Don't be reluctant to be creative with your thought.

Find a costume to match

Costuming is a significant part of creating a successful sleeve face and can add impact. Evaluate the record sleeve you selected, review the individual shown on it and copy what he or she is wearing. For instance, if the man or woman on the sleeve is wearing a white tshirt, then search for a white t-shirt. Wearing something that is substantially different from what's displayed on the image can destroy the illusion.

Work on the other particulars on the sleeve

Go through the other information displayed on the sleeve and work on emulating them. For example, if the atmosphere of the image is somber, then search for a setting which shows a dark or moody atmosphere. Other factors you must take into consideration are the background of the image, the angle and the lighting. You might also want to practice your pose to enable you to avoid creating awkward angles with the photograph.

Request a person to assist you

Remember that it will be very difficult to pose and also take a great shot simultaneously. So unless the digital camera has a self-timer function and you know the way to use it, you might like to find someone who could help you capture the sleeve face.

Have patience and create any necessary changes

The whole process of taking sleeve head photos normally involves trial and error. So have patience and do not be afraid to create the needed changes with your angle, your pose or any other details that you feel will add to the impact of the picture.

Vinyl sleeve heads are meant to be interesting and fun for the viewers as well as the people making them. Don't be worried about being careful with the process. Instead, be creative and have fun with the entire process.

About the Author

Written by Danica Reynes. Look for a wide array of
vinyl sleeves
at http://www.everydayplastics.com/.

Why does the blade on my vinyl plotter/cutter rip the vinyl?

Every time I try to cut a design in the vinyl, the blade goes too deep or the vinyl moves the wrong way (not sure which is the cause) and the cutter head ends up ripping up the vinyl instead of just cutting the surface of the vinyl.

I've tried adjusting the depth of the cut so many times and it always cuts perfectly on the practice cut. Any suggestions?

Because the blade is dull or has a chip in it and it's snagging instead of cutting.

Or you might have it set at the wrong angle.

Vinyl Dharma - Head For The Hills (PROFF Remix)