Art is incredibly subjective—what resonates with one person might not land the same way with another. That’s part of what makes cover art such a fascinating topic and one we discuss often on Judged by the Cover.
While there’s no single formula for a perfect album cover, there are a few key elements that can make a design stand out and serve the music effectively. Here are three of the most important things to consider when creating album artwork.
Artist Identity
First and foremost, your album cover needs to fit you and your music. It should visually communicate who you are as an artist and what listeners can expect before they even press play. Some bands, like AC/DC and Chicago, have built their identity around a consistent logo-based approach, reinforcing brand recognition across decades. Others, like Bruce Springsteen or Taylor Swift, use personal photography to create a direct emotional connection with fans.
Regardless of the approach, the key is cohesion. If your music is dark and moody, a bright, bubbly album cover might feel misleading. If your sound is raw and unpolished, an overly sleek design could clash with your artistic identity. A strong album cover is one that not only looks great but also aligns with your image, genre, and the emotions you want to evoke in your audience.
Visual Impact
In an era where thousands of new albums drop every week, your cover needs to command attention instantly. Think about how people discover new music—whether scrolling through Spotify, flipping through vinyl at a record store, or seeing a thumbnail on social media. Your album cover should stand out in these crowded spaces.
A great example of this is Charli XCX’s Brat. At first glance, the cover might seem underwhelming—just a block of neon green with simple text. But that bold simplicity works to its advantage. When placed next to other album covers, it jumps out. It’s instantly recognizable, making it impossible to ignore.
Color choices, typography, and composition all play a huge role in visual impact. High-contrast designs, unique imagery, and striking focal points help ensure that your album cover catches the eye and leaves a lasting impression. The goal is to make someone stop scrolling, take notice, and feel compelled to explore the music behind the cover.
Memorability & Storytelling
Some of the greatest album covers of all time are the ones that stick in our minds long after we’ve seen them. What makes them so memorable? Often, it’s because they tell a story—or at least spark curiosity.
A prime example is Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. This cover has no words, no band name, and no elaborate imagery—just a simple, geometric prism refracting light. Yet, it’s one of the most recognizable and enduring album covers in history. Why? Because it’s both strikingly simple and deeply symbolic. It invites interpretation, allowing listeners to project their own meanings onto it. (view our discussion on Dark Side of the Moon below)
Storytelling doesn’t have to be literal. Sometimes, an abstract or ambiguous cover is more effective than a direct representation of an album’s themes. The key is to create a design that resonates emotionally, sparks curiosity, or feels iconic in some way. If people can form a personal connection to an album cover—whether through nostalgia, intrigue, or emotional association—it becomes more than just packaging; it becomes part of the music’s legacy.
Final Thoughts
While personal taste will always play a role in how people perceive cover art, keeping these three elements in mind—Artist Identity, Visual Impact, and Memorability & Storytelling—can help ensure your album cover serves its purpose. It should grab attention, represent your music, and become a lasting part of your artistic identity.
If you’re an artist looking for a standout album cover, be intentional with your choices—your music deserves artwork that truly represents your sound and vision. If you’re looking to collaborate with someone who is passionate about creating compelling cover art, use the form below to connect with me. I’d love to hear about your project and explore how JW Creates can bring your vision to life!
And if you love diving deep into album art, be sure to check out Judged by the Cover podcast— where we break down the good, the bad, and the legendary of cover design.