Behind the Covers

ambigram

1 cover story in our archive

Behind the Covers' archive includes 1 album cover documented under the "ambigram" design theme, all from the 1970s. The cover sits within the rock tradition and features work by Grateful Dead. Each entry below includes the cover artwork, the designers and photographers behind it, and a short story about the visual choices that defined the release.

American Beauty by Grateful Dead — album cover art

American Beauty by Grateful Dead (1970)

The iconic American Beauty cover features a rose surrounded by ambigram lettering that also reads 'American Reality.' Created by the legendary Kelley/Mouse Studios duo, it ranked 63rd on Rolling Stone's best album covers list.

Label
Warner Bros. Records
Designer
Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley
Photographer
George Conger
Genre
Rock
Decade
1970s
Read the full story →

Related design themes