This document discusses basic conventions for independent artists' album covers. It recommends that the front cover feature a picture of the band/artist to identify them, as well as the album title. For the back cover, it suggests a single location shot, a minimalist design or photograph relating to the music type, and a list of songs to show potential listeners what is included. The goal is to attract an audience simply and without overly promotional images.

1. BAND/ARTIST NAME
PICTURE OF
BAND/ARTIST
The long-shots of the band
members shows that they are all
equal. The mise-en-scene of
black clothing also reinforces
that they are of equal value.
However, some pop group
mainstream artists ensure that
the lead singer is what your eyes
are drawn to first (so they’d have
different clothing, close-ups…
etc.)
BAND/ARTIST
ALBUM TITLE
To identify what artist
they are (especially if
they’ve just been signed
or are independent.)
ONE LOCATION SHOT
Makes it simplistic and not too
‘in your face’ as it were
BASIC CONVENTIONS – INDEPENDENT ARTISTS

2. NO PICTURE OF
BAND/ARTIST
It isn’t conventionally
needed for the CD as they
should have already been
established on the front
and back cover.
A PHOTOGRAPH OR
GRAPHIC COVER
Something that relates to
the type of music on the
back.
MINIMILISTIC
DESIGN/PHOTO
There would be no need to
attract an audience to the cd
because all they would see
when buying the product is
the front and back cover.
BASIC CONVENTIONS – INDEPENDENT ARTISTS

3. BASIC CONVENTIONS – INDEPENDENT ARTISTS
LIST OF SONGS
Showing the target
audience what songs are
featured (maybe some
have already come out on
an EP, which may
persuade them to buy the
album
SIMPLE
PHOTOGRAPH OR
GRAPHIC
Even though Miley Cyrus
featured herself on the back,
for independent artists, they
may feel less involved with
self-image and want people
to understand the meaning of
the music and the name of
the songs
BARCODE
RECORD LABELTERMS AND CONDITIONS