Album Cover Conventions

1. What are the typical features that an album cover has? Make a list of all the elements they have in common.
• Album title
• Artist name
• Cover art/clear striking image – distinct imagery (generally relates to artist iconography)
• Running colour scheme
• Track list on the back
• Pug – legal/institutional information
• Barcode
• Web address – for the Record Label, the Artist etc.
• Booklet with extras – song lyrics, photos, poster etc.

2. How would you categorise the covers in front of you? Are there any other ways of distinguishing between them other than generically?
• Genre
• Gender – male/female
• Group or solo artist
• Use of artwork?/artist image?/photography? Or a combination
• Target audience
• Different Record Labels
• Era

3. Album covers serve many different functions. What do you think these are (ie. what is their purpose?)
• Attract and catch the attention of the buyer and the target audience – stands out
• Creates a band image/identity that they are trying to sell - promotes them – it’s a marketing tool
• The style reflects the artist – recognisable to audience
• Displays the genre of music visually
• Gives a track listing with the track names, lengths etc.
• Informative eg. Legal stuff, institutional information - Record label etc.