How did Lisa Hughes become the cover model for Deftones‘ sophomore set, Around the Fur? The Pacific Northwest native, along with photographer Rick Kosick and art director Kevin Reagan, shared insights with Jenkem in a new video feature that delves deeper into the iconic album cover.

How Did Lisa Hughes End Up on the Around the Fur Album Cover?

In the spring of 1997, Deftones traveled to Seattle, where they recorded at Studio Litho to create their second album for Maverick Records. The band rented a condo near the studio for their stay and explored the local nightlife.

In the video feature, Hughes recalls meeting the band during a night out in town.

“To me, I was kind of oblivious to who they were. I always knew a lot of people around the area, so I would go to afterparties after the bars closed down. It was always like, ‘Let’s keep doing it.’ So I just ran into them at their afterparty,” she recalled.

One night, after the party moved back to the band’s residence, she decided to use the jacuzzi, coincidentally on the same night that Rick Kosick, a photographer for Big Brother magazine, was there to capture photos for a feature on the group. Kosick briefly approached her while shooting footage of the band throughout the night.

What’s in the Drink on the Album Cover?

Those with a keen eye can spot a drink next to Hughes on the album cover. She reveals, “My friend and I always made this drink. It was so gross when I think about it. We called it Silk Panties; it was vodka and peach Schnapps. It was so gross, but that was our drink back then.”

“That drink that’s in the photo, that’s Silk Panties,” she confirmed.

How Lisa Feels About How She Was Viewed Due to the Album Cover

In her conversation, Hughes shares her thoughts on her association with the now-famous album cover. Over time, she learned that it brought her fame that she was unaware of and clarified that being depicted as a groupie was not accurate.

“There was no groupie action going on. I’m Lisa. I’m just this awesome chick from Auburn who liked to have fun; there was no groupie action here. It was just me having a kickass time.”

Even as the album gained attention in the ’90s, Hughes says she wasn’t really phased by it. “Just my friends knew [it was me],” she shares. “I wasn’t out there going, ‘It’s me.’ But I had some cool opportunities from it.” She reveals that this notoriety granted her access to some clubs and occasionally led to invitations from Stephen Carpenter to attend Deftones shows.

“What’s really happening [in this shot] is someone living their best life, having a good time in their 20s,” says Hughes.

What Else Can You Find in the Around the Fur Cover Art?

Hughes wasn’t alone in speaking during the Jenkem feature; they also interviewed photographer Rick Kosick and art director Kevin Reagan.

A closer look at the photo reveals a random pair of feet next to Hughes in the shot. Reagan explained that he preferred the imperfection of the photo and chose to leave it mostly untouched from its original state. This included leaving in the feet next to Hughes, which were confirmed to belong to photographer Rick Kosick.

Reagan also mentioned his commitment to imperfection meant leaving a tooth visible from Hughes’ expression.

READ MORE: Deftones’ Chino Moreno Names His All-Time Favorite Song

“We went back to the condo they rented during recording and there was this girl hanging out in the jacuzzi. I just took two photos and walked away,” recalls Kosick. “A few weeks later, I get a call from the label. ‘Hey, come by; check this out; we want to show you something.’ The art director asked me what I thought, and I said, ‘Wow. I was blown away. This is so cool looking. I love it.’ Of course I’m going to say I love it; it was my photo. But I was really excited because it felt right.”

“I had no idea this would make it to the album cover at all. Maybe that’s why it worked,” says Kosick. “Just go there, have fun, shoot photos, stay in your lane. That’s what I did.”

What Else Did We Previously Know About the Photo Shoot?

In 2020, Hughes’ identity as the cover model for Around the Fur was revealed by Pousta. It was disclosed that Hughes had been working as a medical worker following her brief moment of fame.

Regarding learning she would be featured on the band’s artwork, she recalled, “Funny thing is, I didn’t have a computer at that time and received a call from [Deftones guitarist] Stephen (Carpenter) asking if I would allow them to use my photo for the cover. I wanted to see it first but had trouble getting a good copy, so I had Maverick Records fax it to me. It was dark and hard to see. But I said yes for sure use it; I didn’t have doubts; I was excited!”

Deftones’ Around the Fur, released in October 1997, peaked at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart while producing singles like “My Own Summer (Shove It)” and “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away).” Although not an immediate hit, it paved the way for their breakthrough with White Pony, ultimately achieving platinum sales certification in the U.S.

Dive deeper into additional stories behind other famous album cover art subjects below this video feature.

Tracking Down Deftones’ Around the Fur Cover Model 28 Years Later