Why don't more pedals have cool art?

[Obsidiann]

I only picked up a bass two years ago, and only recently started to invest in a pedalboard and such. Just got a Walrus Audio Julia and Earthquaker Depths, really digging them both. But I think what I like about them the most is their art, and looking at other Walrus and Earthquaker pedals, I really wish more pedals had art. It's so inspiring to look down at your board and see actual images instead of CHROMATIC TUNER TU-3. Anybody feel the same? Also feel free to post your favorite pedal art, I'm curious what others think.

 

[Fuzzbass]

As for why isn't there more art, I think the answer is that some want a clean look with easy-to-read labeling. Sometimes art gets in the way, and I've seen some pedals that are all art with no labeling. I get it, if you use a pedal all the time then you probably don't need labels, but not everyone is comfortable with that, and some (like me) have fickle ears and enjoy swapping pedals in and out of rotation so they don't always memorize the control schemes.

I enjoy pedals with cool art. I don't own any, but I like the retro sci-fi vibe of this Doc Lloyd compressor.

 

[RJ]

Unless you’re a successful company, or a company with a bankroll, ORRR have artist friends that are willing to work for trades art is expensive.

I work as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, and while I love to work with small companies I cant afford to in some instances.

I absolutely love seeing how companies
brand themselves through the art on their pedals. There’s loads of potential to create a cohesive look for themselves. There are 100% brands whos effects I want to own just becuse of their designs (Land, Stone Deaf, etc). On the flip side of that there are some pedals I would probably never own because I can’t stand how they look. Like good grief what is going on over at EHX these days?! I have a Bass Big Muff Deluxe on my board and I can’t look at it. With such a rich history to draw from you signed off on LIME GREEN CRACKLE PAINT?! Right, anyway, art is subjective and might not jive with someone which is a risk some companies might not want to take and instead play it safe.

 

[2saddleslab]

While I can appreciate the unique individualism in pedal art, much prefer the less is more approach.

 

[bassbrad]

Fuzzrocious is always fun & bold with their artwork here we see the infamous BDPG V2 in full glory.
It is a fully erect ( saturated ) overdrive.

 

[revd]

I like cool art but I don't like stuff that would make me look weird to my family members if they saw it. So Sushi box yes but the ones that look like they were designed for teenage boys, not for me.

 

[Spectrum]

I only picked up a bass two years ago, and only recently started to invest in a pedalboard and such. Just got a Walrus Audio Julia and Earthquaker Depths, really digging them both. But I think what I like about them the most is their art, and looking at other Walrus and Earthquaker pedals, I really wish more pedals had art. It's so inspiring to look down at your board and see actual images instead of CHROMATIC TUNER TU-3. Anybody feel the same? Also feel free to post your favorite pedal art, I'm curious what others think.

You might enjoy this thread: The Pedals Photogenic | TalkBass.com

 

[WillyW]

I don’t care what art is or isn’t on it, but it would be nice to know what the pedal does.

 

[Gsnorgathon]

I dunno. Why aren't there more amps with cool art? Or speaker cabs that matter? Imagine the cool stuff that could be printed on speaker cone material!

Anyhoo. I mostly wish I could buy every cool pedal I saw (like every Iron Ether) or whose name I found inspiringly silly (Way Huge Pork Loin? Sure it's juvenile, but c'mon!). In the meantime, I'll just have to settle for ones that make sounds I like.

 

[crguti]

 

[amper]

I’m a big fan of music manga, so i really like these custom illustrated pedals by animalspedal.jp

 

[Pauly 4001]

Perhaps art is in the eye of the beholder:
Some folks revere a chunky pedal painted in arsenic green paint with rudimentary graphics as much or more than a garishly painted and named alternative.

 

[asparaguspee]

I’m a big fan of music manga, so i really like these custom illustrated pedals by animalspedal.jp

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Good art, but the Japanese obsession with school girls is alarming to me.

 

[JakobT]

People like different things.

I'm not a big fan of pedal art myself, as it often gets in the way of reading settings, and on a darkened stage you don't see the art anyway. I'd much rather those artistic skills were put to use actually enhancing the usability of the pedal, instead of just slapping a drawing on a piece of hardware to make it look more interesting.

 

[Nev375]

Maybe it's because I grew up in the 70's and 80's but I prefer a solid color and just a label like Boss, MXR, DOD and Ibanez used to do it...

I really don't like people ogling my pedals too much on stage. I especially stay away from demonic or sexual imagery or labelling. When folks see that it tends to spark questions and dialogue I'd rather nor engage in. I even had a guy question me about the bridge on my bass saying "badass" on it. "Are you sure you're ok with taking that bass into a church?" My bright orange Phase 100 doesn't start awkward conversations.

 

[el murdoque]

IMHO there are a LOT of pedal manufacturers that do exactly that.
Most small boutique brands have to deal with the fact that they have to use standard enclosures because their numbers are too small to have their own enclosures made - so the thing that gives their pedals a personal touch is what goes on the standard box.

I like to look at a pedal that has a special design. But it's more important what comes out of the output jack.
The current incarnation of my pedalboard is quite sober for that reason. I've had quite a few pedals with interesting designs, but I kept those with interesting sounds, in my case pedals from Tech21, Strymon, Source Audio, MXR and Korg. All rather boring to look at.

 

[Jim Burkland]

I like a mix of both. There is also some time commitment in performing artwork. I have a pedalboard with artwork and a "clean" labeled pedalboard - they mostly lay around my studio. My KHDK Unicorn Blood and my KHDK Ghoul Screamer have the most unique artwork of my collection. I am more sentimental towards these pedals due to their artwork. The Keeley Monterey had some awesome artwork as well.

 

[buldog5151bass]

1. Cost
2. Why risk alienating a lot of your potential audience? I'm sure young female (and a lot of men) would not be thrilled to have a "broke dick" pedal.

 

[two fingers]

I care 0% about graphics. I want to know how it sounds.

 

[T-BirdBassist89]

The only pedal I have with a graphic is my E-Harmonix tone corset. I agree with the OP I think it would be cool at least if there were variants for people who like graphics for pedals.