Bear Awakener

CLIENT

MEDIUM

RESPONSIBILITIES

SKILLS

TASK

Complete visual identity design and production for Tuomas Rounakari’s album Bear Awakener, including a special edition linen-covered gift box and a regular CD.

APPROACH

The full visual identity was designed around the bear myths shared by the Finns and the indigenous Khanty and Mansi peoples, then the custom gift box was produced with a Chinese manufacturing partner from start to finish.

RESULT

A complete album identity designed to re-awaken and honor the listener’s connection to the mythical bear, across both a special edition gift box and a regular CD release.

Complete visual identity design and production of Tuomas Rounakari’s new album Bear Awakener, including a special edition gift box and a regular CD. The production of the linen-covered custom-made gift box required a partnership with a Chinese producer. The production cycle was managed from start to finish.

The name Bear Awakener comes from specific songs sung in order to awaken the bear. This album dives deep into the bear myths and is designed to re-awaken or cherish anyone’s connection with this mythical entity.

The myth of a bear’s origin is identical among the Finns and the indigenous Khanty and Mansi people. Both cultures run ceremonial Bear feasts that last several days. Many songs, dances and plays are performed in honor of the bear. Tuomas Rounakari has studied the bear feast songs of all of these cultures. There are thousands of verses containing bear-related myths in the vast archives of Finland and the tradition is now returning among the Khanty and Mansi.