Ideas For Album Artwork

Realizing the importance of album artwork, as it is the first thing people will see when they look at the physical or digital product, it is vital to get the right message across.

In my mind there are three popular types of album/single cover:

1 - A photograph of the band / artist, often in a fitting environment. 

2 - An image which represents the music, but doesn't necessarily show the band/artist. 

3 - The name of the album with a blank or abstract background, either simple lettering or stylized. 

Here are examples of the above: 

1: 'The Libertines' by The Libertines

2: 'A Weekend In The City' by Bloc Party                                                                                 

3: 'Suck It and See' by Arctic Monkeys

There is an exception however, recently it has become popular for bands/artists to feature album artwork with no words whatsoever. Instead the cover features a simple image only, which hints towards the tone of the music.

For example: 'Flaws' By Bombay Bicycle Club

Our group is still in discussion over what type of sleeve we will use.