ALBUM ARTWORK

TRENDS

IMAGE BASED

An image based cover tends to centrally focus on the photograph rather than the typography, as its bold effectiveness is enough to draw attention to the albums purchasers, generally increasing cd sales in the process. Image based album covers can be individual and quirky, but can create a powerful response if they’re presented dramatically, without the additional effects such as manipulation for example. A few photography based album covers sometimes prefer to use the band name or album title, as the image generally speaks for itself.

PORTRAIT

Portrait album covers are generally popular with

highly successful solo artists as it makes them

stand out as an isolated figure compared to

bands. It also establishes their presence, and also

draws the attention to purchasers as their face

tends the cover the whole size of the CD cover.

Extreme close up photographs tend to be

effective due to the amount of detail, lighting,

shadows that can be created from the face,

which makes them strong and bold.

PHOTO MANIPULATION

Photo manipulation tends to be out of the

ordinary, or a bit bizarre. This generally tells the

purchaser what the band is like, based around

their personality, the album cover normally tells us

what their music is like and what the album is

about. However sometimes its general a bold

statement which can be anything from religion to

political issues, or just something simply random.

Photo manipulation tends to be the most bold

and creative when it comes to album covers.

TYPE BASED

Typography can be very vital when placed on an album cover. Its importance can be significant if the text represents either the bands name title, or the bands logo for example. This trend of album cover is certainly bold and ‘in your face’ making purchasers notice the album cover due to its large lettering, colour and style. Fonts can vary in many sizes, but traditionally the font is usually large as its spreads over the surface area of the front cover, making the band title more recognisable. This could also help a purchaser as they knew what band they were looking for, but they simply just wanted to listen to a different album. Alternatively it can attract new listeners as attention is drawn when typography is used.

MINIMALISTIC

The minimalistic theme is simplistic yet effective

when layed out properly and are cheap and

easy to make and reproduce. These album

covers tend to appeal more to purchasers, as

their view eye is detracted by the space

surrounding the image, as the eye is drawn to

open areas. They can be a great success when

they’re executed properly but they can also be

a hit and mess option as the simplicity is too

straightforward.