Space Becomes You―A Mythology is a nearly 300-page art book stuffed with album-cover worthy photography and an out-of-this-world narrative that reads like 2001: A Space Odyssey crossed with a UFO cult. This studio monograph evolves thematically as an introduction, initiation, and submission to an intergalactic alien religion filled with surreal cosmic landscapes, psychedelic rituals, and curious beings.
The book’s striking imagery is intercut and supported by messaging that serves as cosmic transmissions and thoughtful meditations on how to understand humanity’s place within the universe. Someoddpilot guides you through this psychedelic trip and challenges you to answer the big questions myths are based on―”who are you?” and “why are you here?”
Bands, brands, celebrities, and political parties. Mythology is at the heart of our times - it unifies and divides us. Inspired by the quick and intense rise of political and cultural tribalism in the U.S. and Someoddpilot’s own practice of brand creation and world-building, the studio set out to create a new mythology, and this time everyone’s invited: as one planet in a sea of stars.
In the age of tribalism, this is the biggest tribe of all. Now available in this galaxy and the next.
Someoddpilot opened in 1999 as a photography and design studio, and a record label born of Chicago's thriving IDM and post-rock music scenes. These movements were built on the idea of pushing the boundaries of visual culture and music by exploring new elements, tools, and structures ― challenging convention at the dawn of the digital age. That way of thinking was at the heart of the studio from the start. The original tagline was simply: "design, film, music." Because to them, it was all one.
Someoddpilot has been within the nucleus of Chicago's art and design world for 20 years ― designing album covers, band posters, sites and books; photographing musicians and making music videos, building digital platforms for indie record labels, editorial sites, venues and magazines; and branding some of the largest independent voices in our culture. Over the years, the studio has grown to be a true creative partner to some of the most iconic brands in the world. And just like their work for the music and art worlds, Someoddpilot brings an eye for sincerity and spectacle to their work with global brands, along with a desire to contribute something valuable to culture at large.
In that spirit, Someoddpilot opened Public Works in 2009 as an experimental art making and gallery space. Public Works shows explore art that occurs out in the world, featuring multidisciplinary artists who make posters, paintings, music videos, photos, album covers, sculptures, interactive design, graphic design and public art. Someoddpilot’s publications are a self-initiated part of the studio's practice. They are a platform for the studio to explore visual culture and meaning through the act of making.
Chris Eichenseer is a photographer who lives and works in Chicago. He has shot musicians, fashion apparel, landscapes and conceptual photographs since beginning his work in 1996. He has started and been deeply involved in record labels (Someoddpilot Records, Consumers Research & Development, Chocolate Industries), toured and drummed with his bands (The Timeout Drawer and Beak), and currently owns and creative directs a design studio that he founded in 1999 called Someoddpilot.
