Taylor Swift Reflects on DIY Approach for ‘Folklore’ Album Art: ‘Guess I’ll Braid It’
Taylor Swift recently shared insights into a unique and personal period of her life when she took a hands-on approach to creating her music and its accompanying visuals. The 34-year-old superstar reminisced about the making of her pandemic-era album Folklore during her Eras Tour stop in Hamburg, Germany.
Swift marked the fourth anniversary of her critically acclaimed eighth studio album on July 24, engaging her audience with memories of how Folklore came to life just days into the pandemic lockdown in 2020.
“I started making Folklore about two days into the pandemic,” she revealed to her fans while strumming her guitar on the show’s “Folklore House” set. Typically known for her collaborative work, Swift found herself navigating a new creative process with producers Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner. They worked together remotely, with Swift taking the lead on songwriting and recording from her home, while Antonoff and Dessner contributed via phone.
“It was such a challenge for us as creators, but it was so fulfilling,” she reflected, highlighting the innovative ways they adapted to the circumstances.
When it came time to create the album’s visual elements, Swift faced another set of challenges. “You can’t have hair and makeup, you can’t have wardrobe, you have to just do it yourself,” she explained. In true DIY spirit, she reached out to a friend with a forested area behind her house and asked if she could take some photos there.
Swift recounted, “I ordered all these nightgowns online, brought them, and then did my own hair and makeup. I was just like, ‘Guess I’ll braid it? I don’t know.'” The resulting photos, taken by photographer Beth Garrabrant, captured Swift with a casual and ethereal look, her hair styled in two low braided buns.
Folklore was released on July 24, 2020, to widespread acclaim. Just months later, on December 11, 2020, Swift surprised fans again with her ninth studio album, Evermore. For this album’s cover art, she was photographed from behind, wearing a plaid jacket with her hair styled in a long braid down her back.
Swift, Antonoff, and Dessner have previously detailed their creative process during the pandemic in the Disney+ documentary Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions. The documentary offers an intimate look at how the trio navigated the challenges of remote collaboration to produce Folklore.
As Swift continues her Eras Tour in Germany, she remains a dynamic and inspiring figure in the music industry. She recently performed at Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen and is set to take the stage in Munich over the weekend.
Taylor Swift’s ability to adapt and thrive during challenging times is a testament to her creativity and resilience. Her DIY approach to the Folklore album art not only showcases her talent but also her willingness to embrace new methods and push boundaries. For more updates on Taylor Swift and her latest projects, stay tuned to the links below.
