Everything You Need to Know About Dot On! Designs 

The intricate precision painting covers the grooves of the record, which means it is no longer playable. The goal of my work is to transition the record from an audio medium to a visual one, preserving the history of the music as a permanent piece of fine art for your home. 

Every piece is created using authentic, upcycled 33 RPM or 45 RPM records. Using vintage vinyl adds a layer of history and soulful energy to the work, as these records have lived through decades of musical history before being transformed into art. 

Music is a unique sensory experience because it is encoded in the brain’s emotional and autobiographical memory hubs. This is why certain songs act as a "soundtrack to our lives"—they are the markers of who we were, where we’ve been, and the moments that shaped us.

At Dot On! Designs, I lean into the fact that you don't actually need to hear the music to experience its power. Simply seeing the artist's name, the song titles, or the iconic colors of a vintage record label acts as a powerful visual anchor. This visual cue triggers a "mental movie" of a specific memory—perhaps a first dance, a road trip, or a cherished friendship.

Because music is inherently autobiographical, a hand-painted mandala record becomes a map of a person's history. By transforming these records into fine art, I am creating a "Visual Autobiography" that allows you to keep those self-defining memories alive on your walls. It is a sophisticated way to honor the rhythm of your own story through a medium that remains permanently, beautifully silent while speaking volumes to your soul.

For the collector who "has everything," a hand-painted record is a deeply thoughtful and highly personalized tribute. Because music is the language of our personal history, you have the opportunity to choose a specific song, artist, or album that holds profound meaning for the recipient.

Whether it is the "first dance" song from their wedding, the album they played on repeat in college, or the artist that defined their favorite decade, you are giving more than just a piece of art—you are validating their life story. By selecting a record that acts as a "visual anchor" for their favorite memories, you are creating a one-of-a-kind heirloom that says, "I know the music that shaped you." Unlike mass-produced memorabilia, each mandala is a hand-painted original that transforms their most cherished musical influences into a sophisticated, professional statement piece.

If a specific album that defines your personal story isn't currently in my gallery, I would be honored to create it for you. Most of my pieces are "Visual Autobiographies," and the most meaningful ones are often those you choose yourself. You can commission a custom tribute by selecting a specific song or group that holds sentimental value. Together, we will source the authentic vintage vinyl and choose a color palette that perfectly honors your favorite musical memories. This makes for a highly personalized gift or a standout addition to your own home. Start the custom commission process. 

Yes, I welcome custom commissions. If you have a specific album that holds personal significance or a rare record from your own collection, I can collaborate with you on a color palette and design that honors the music and your personal connection to it. Learn more about commission orders.

There are three easy ways to provide the vinyl for your custom project:

• Send Your Own: If you already own a specific copy of a record that holds sentimental value, you can mail it directly to my studio.

• Order and Ship: You can purchase the record from your preferred online retailer and have it shipped directly to my address to save on transit time.

• Let Me Shop for You: Most customers prefer this "concierge" option. For a small fee, I will source the record for you. I use a specialized global marketplace—think of it as "the eBay of music"—to find your specific album.

• The "Upcycle" Advantage: Because my art transforms the surface of the vinyl, I specifically hunt for records that are scratched or have poor audio quality. These are often much more affordable than "mint condition" copies, allowing me to save you money while giving a "unplayable" record a second life as a beautiful piece of fine art.

My creative process is entirely organic and "on the fly." I do not use stencils or pre-planned templates; instead, each design flows naturally from the center of the record outward.

• Organic Flow: I begin right at the edge of the label and work my way toward the outer rim. I look at the open space of the black vinyl and decide in the moment what shape or pattern should come next to maintain the balance of the piece.

• Color Sequencing & Contrast: Choosing the right palette is vital. I carefully sequence my hand-mixed colors to create sharp contrast or a smooth, gradient feel. This strategic layering is what makes the final design "pop" against the dark background of the record.

• The "Top-Dot" Technique: Once the foundational layer of the design is complete, I go back over the entire piece to "top-dot" the patterns. This secondary layer of smaller, precise dots adds physical depth and seamlessly blends the colors together for a sophisticated, textured finish.

• Intuitive Commissions: For custom orders, the design becomes even more personal. I incorporate the details you share about the recipient—their personality, their energy, or their favorite memories—and translate that into an artistic version of who they are through the flow and colors of the mandala.

Creating a gallery-quality piece is a multi-stage process that requires meticulous hand-work and essential "rest" periods for the materials. On average, a single record represents 10 to 12 hours of active labor, but the total studio time is longer to ensure a professional finish:

• Color Palette & Mixing (1 hour): I hand-mix my acrylics for every design to ensure the hues perfectly complement the original record label.

• The Painting Process (8–10 hours): Depending on the complexity, the radial dot-work requires hours of focused painting. I also allow for specific drying intervals between layers to maintain the crisp, 3D texture of the dots.

• Sealing & Curing (Active time + 1 week): Once the painting is complete, I apply a professional top coat. While it dries quickly to the touch, I allow the sealant to cure for up to one week before framing or shipping. This ensures the finish is rock-hard and fully protected against moisture or dust.

• Framing & Quality Check (1 hour): The final step is meticulously mounting the cured record into its display.

Because of this intensive process and the necessary curing stages, please allow for this "slow art" timeline when ordering—especially for custom commissions intended as gifts.

I use professional-grade acrylic paints applied with precision to create the layered, radial patterns. To ensure the longevity of your art, I finish each album with a specialized top coat to seal and protect the paint. This sealant is especially important for pieces used with my tabletop display stands rather than behind glass. It provides a durable barrier that protects the intricate dot work from smearing, allows for easy dusting, and protects the design from moisture in the event of an accidental spill. This process ensures your record remains a vibrant, gallery-quality piece for years to come. 

The Framed Dual Album is a gallery-ready frame that includes the original vintage album jacket paired with the corresponding hand-painted record. They are professionally mounted together in a custom frame that showcases both the nostalgic cover art and the new mandala design side-by-side. 

For Unframed Records (Tabletop Display): Thanks to the protective top coat sealant, these are very durable. I recommend light dusting with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. If an accidental spill occurs, the sealant allows you to gently wipe the painted surface with a slightly damp cloth without smearing the design. (Please avoid the vintage paper label, as it remains delicate).

For Glass Frames: You can use any standard glass cleaner. Spray a small amount onto a cloth first—rather than directly onto the frame—to prevent liquid from seeping behind the glass.

For Acrylic/Plexiglass Frames: Acrylic requires extra care to avoid "crazing" or fine scratches. Never use glass cleaners, ammonia, or alcohol-based products, as these can cloud the surface. Use only a clean, non-abrasive microfiber cloth and a dedicated acrylic cleaner (like Novus). If you don't have a specialized cleaner, a drop of mild dish soap mixed with lukewarm water is safe. Always use a light touch—rubbing too hard can trap dust particles and scratch the surface.

I exhibit at several premier juried art festivals throughout the Midwest. My 2026 schedule includes applications for the Madison Art on the Square in Wisconsin this July and a debut at the Naperville Riverwalk Fine Art Fair in Illinois this September. Check the "Events" page for the most current schedule.  

Yes, while I love meeting collectors at shows in the Midwest, I ship my work nationwide. Each hand-painted record and framed set is meticulously packaged to ensure that the delicate paintwork and vintage jackets arrive in gallery-perfect condition. 

Due to the custom, hand-painted nature of these records, all sales are final. However, I take immense pride in my work; if a piece is damaged during shipping, please contact me within 48 hours with photos of the packaging so I can make it right. 

The best way to see my latest "Visual Autobiographies" as they come off the easel is to follow me on social media. I post updates, behind-the-scenes videos of my "on the fly" design process, and announcements for new gallery releases.

• Facebook: facebook.com/dotondesigns

• Instagram: @dotondesigns