The album cover is the visual face of your music, a gateway to your sonic world. But in the realm of artistic expression, there are some boundaries you must be aware of. To make sure your album cover doesn’t cross any lines, here are the rules you should follow.
No Explicit Content: Keep It Classy
Album covers should be a form of art, not a platform for explicit content. The most obvious rule is no pornographic imagery. Keep it tasteful and respectful, ensuring your cover is suitable for all audiences.
Stay Copyright Compliant: Seek Permission
Your creative vision might lead you to images created by other artists. However, using copyrighted material without written permission is a big no-no. It’s essential to respect the intellectual property of other creators.
Leave Out Sales Pitches: No Retail References
Your album cover should be about the music, not the marketing. Avoid any references to physical or digital packaging, as well as retailers. Keep the focus on the artistic message.
Explicit Lyrics Call for Explicit Labeling
If your music contains explicit lyrics, it’s essential to let the audience know. Using a Parental Advisory logo when your content isn’t explicit is misleading. So, be honest and transparent about your music’s content.
When designing your album cover, remember these essential guidelines to ensure your artistic expression remains respectful, lawful, and focused on the music itself.
Feel free to contact us at Pixaab if you have any questions or need further assistance.