Your CD Cover Is Your Most Important Advertisem*nt
by Christopher Knab - FourfrontMedia & Music - Updated January 2008
Your cover is your calling card to the record industry and tothe consumer...how well you design it and the other graphics for your releasecould well determine your success or failure as a musician.
Now that I have your attention, I have put together the followingguidelines to help you realize the importance of the graphic design stagein preparing your music for the marketplace. A well designed and attractivecover, along with other detailed information you have included in the packaging,may well determine if the gatekeepers in the music business ever bother tolisten to the music contained on the record, and if a music consumer is turnedoff or on by your graphics. It is the best advertisem*nt for your music.
So, go through the following questions and evaluate the design,graphic images, text (title, credits, etc.) and concept of your release byanswering the following questions thoroughly and carefully. Then critique yourcover in a professional manner, suggesting any improvements you thinkwould help make the graphic design a more effective introduction of your musicto the industry and your fan/customers.Front Cover
Is the name of the artist clearly visible?
Is the name written with a unique logo design?
Is the name of the artist in the top third of the cover?
Is the title of the release distinguishable from the artists name?
Is the genre of music hinted at by the cover art?Back Cover
What specific type of information is included on the back cover?
( Label name, catalog number, barcode, song titles/ times, contact info, (website URL,email address, MySpace address and same for any social networking sites), production credits, Producer's name, more?)
Are the graphic images and text and colors used clear and readable? Label On Disc
Is the artist's name (logo) present and clearly visible?
What specificinformation is on the disc itself?
(Many artists leave the disc blank for'artistic' reasons, do you wish to make such a statement, or are there moreimportant considerations that you think should be addressed?) Booklet/Tray Card
Describe the type of booklet used in your packaging.
What specific images, and text information is included?
( More credits, thank yous, lyrics, pictures, etc.)
Is the artwork and design consistent with the rest of the artwork and design of the front and back covers? Spine
What specific information is on the spine of the CD?
( Label name/logo, catalog number, artist name, release name?) You have spent a long time writing, rehearsing, performing, andrecording your music. Please take some time to consciously consider all theissues listed above, subtle and not so subtle, that go into creating your CD,Tape, or Vinyl release. Once approved and sent to the manufacturer/printer it will be too late to correct any second thoughts you may have had.
Remember too that these days those pesky strips that seal the CD are more and important, so to to a record store and LOOK at several CDs to see how the record labels use that strip and what needs to be printed on them...THS IS AN ASSIGNMENT!!
Once released, your record will take its place in a retail storenext to the thousands of other artists and bands that made it to the shoppingarena where a consumer may or may not be attracted to your music by the artworkyou have created. Never forget ... the career you save by learning the craft ofcover design ... may be yours!
-----Christopher Knab is an independent music business consultant based in Seattle, Washington. Heis available for private consultations on promoting and marketing independent music, and can be reached by email at: chris@chrisknab.netChris Knab's new book, 'Music Is Your Business'is available NOW from the Music Biz Academy bookstore. Visit the
