Your artwork is the gateway to your music

You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Why put your worst foot forward with amateur album art? Far too many independent artists put 110% into their music and production, only to slack on the other details surrounding their “product.” Imagine you’re in a super market and trying to choose a breakfast cereal. Brand X may be the greatest tasting thing since the invention of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but you’re never going to try it if it comes in a bland box with a washed out, pixilated photograph on the front. Now imagine Brand X comes in a blank white box with Sharpie magic marker writing on the front. (Yes, we get CDs like that at CD Baby all the time). Chances are you’d assume the FDA should be notified, and quickly.

When it comes to artwork (the first impression many people will get of you and your music), don’t leave the design in the hands of a well-meaning friend unless they’ve got skills. Look at professionally-made albums in record stores. Notice how most of the artwork doesn’t look like it was whipped up in 5 minutes? Neither should yours.

So how do you avoid amateurism in your album art?

Don’t make a quick snapshot your album cover. People can tell it’s a snapshot and they will think you just don’t care.

Don’t put random pictures of animals next to pictures of people. You’d be surprised how many people do this, and it always looks ridiculous.

Don’t use a low-res digital picture. When it’s on a 4×5 CD cover, your image should at least be 300dpi.

Don’t use a piece of clip art. Again, this reveals a lack of creativity

Don’t make your album cover just text on a white page. It’s boring and people will think you don’t care about presentation.

Do hire a professional to design the cover art. Yes, it costs money, but if you want to be a real contender, every part of your album’s creation must be done right. After all the hours and energy you’ve devoted to the songs, why would you skimp on something that could turn people off before they even give your music a try?

Do brainstorm a bunch of ideas first. Think about your favorite album art of all time. What do you like about those covers? Is there a theme? A thread that connects them? Shoot for that aesthetic.

Do make sure your band name and album titles are clear and striking. Gothic fonts may fit your sound, but they’re really hard to read.

Remember, you do NOT have to be on your album cover. If you’re photogenic and attractive then appearing on the cover could help you sell some music. But if you’re camera shy, don’t feel like you need to force it. Hundreds of millions of albums have sold without any sign of a band member on the cover (Back in Black, Dark Side of the Moon, etc.)