Maddie Black A2: Digipak/Album Artwork

Why is album artwork still important?

- An album cover / artwork can sell its self and the product on its own.

- Show the genre and style of the music it may be using conventions and attract target audiences.

- Helps to create and maintain the artist / band's image (Dyer Star Theory).

- Can become iconic and well known and a USP.

- Show the ideology of the band / artist.

- Sells the physical music.

The album artwork provides information of what the listener / audience may expect from an album and possibly what type of artist the artist actually is. Strong and bold album covers make a statement, the imagery / artwork provides an opportunity to make the right first impressions and let those impressions stick.

Artists who create album art are providing the listener with an extra dimension through this additional media. Album covers and art work can stand out and make an imprint in someones mind. For example this album cover:

Straight away from seeing this album cover, we know this is Pink Floyd and the album is The Dark Side Of The Moon. Strong album covers leave an imprint.

More examples: Arctic Monkeys, Album - AM.