Henrik Ipsen first said “A thousand words leave not the same deep impression as does a single deed.” And this quote was plagiarized and para-phrased into what we know now as “A picture is worth a thousand words”. The sentiment has been expressed also by Leonardo da Vinci, who wrote that a poet would be “overcome by sleep and hunger before [being able to] describe with words what a painter is able to [depict] in an instant. ” The Russian writer Ivan Turgenev wrote, in 1861, “The drawing shows me at one glance what might be spread over ten pages in a book.”
An album’s artwork is designed to show off an artist and its music. A picture can tell a story just as well as many words, so every artist should try to advertise their work correctly. The way you present your music (and yourself) is very important and has a profound impact on your career.
Remember: Your album cover could tell people a great deal about what they are about to hear, and should match the music.
Choose an image relevant to your music and your style. An image that is clear and eye-catching, even when viewed at a small size. Album covers appear to be growing simpler and less detailed than those in the past since more and more fans are staring at covers on their smartphones, iPads and other mobile devices, on which record jackets are now roughly the size of a postage stamp.
Good music tells a story, and the accompanying artwork should support that storytelling. Explore our album artwork gallery. You will discover visual cues and colours that match the feeling and the atmosphere of all kinds of music.
