Project: Bozo the Clown – Send in the Bozos LP
Client: David Arquette
Art Director: Bill Main
This project expanded on my earlier collaboration with David Arquette and musician Graham Wheeler, taking Bozo the Clown from a limited EP into a full-length vinyl LP release. Just like before, I drew inspiration from vintage Bozo records and the golden age of children’s entertainment, but this time with an even bigger stage in mind. The goal was to create a piece of design that felt larger-than-life and true to Bozo’s history, which is to say, bold, playful, and unforgettable.
The front cover illustration celebrates Bozo in his classic, high-energy style, framed by vibrant circus colors and expressive hand-drawn typography. The back cover and inner sleeve continue the theme with nods to carnival posters, whimsical type treatments, and character-driven illustration. Unique to this record, the artwork also features pieces that David himself created during the 2020 lockdowns—meaningful additions that tie in his personal hand while keeping the spotlight on Bozo’s enduring legacy.
Opening the gatefold reveals a massive collage of hundreds of behind-the-scenes photos documenting the production of the LP, along with rare Bozo ephemera. Tucked among the clowns, costumes, and chaos, you might even spot a clowned-up version of yours truly, adding another playful wink to the design.
To complement the artwork, the vinyl pressing received a custom treatment: black records with white “cream pie splatter” effects. Each pressing is slightly different, giving the impression that Bozo himself had a hand in the mischief—like a pie thrown squarely across the wax. This tactile detail transforms the LP into more than just a record; it becomes a collectible artifact that mirrors the fun, messy joy of the clown himself.
Beyond the packaging, I also worked on Rainbow Time Records’ visual branding, the label created by David and Graham. The logo builds off the momentum of our earlier EP, using the vinyl’s grooves to form a rainbow arc—an image of both nostalgia and fresh creativity, centered around Bozo as the spirit of the studio.
By weaving together nostalgic references, bold illustration, thoughtful design choices, and plenty of surprises, the Send in the Bozos LP honors Bozo’s past while giving him new life for a new audience. It’s a project that captures the humor, chaos, and heart that has always defined the world’s most famous clown.