There are seven things an artists should never include on their cover art. I examine those things in this episode of the Tamika Hall Radio Show. For full show notes log onto: http://tamikahall.com/2015/01/what-recording-artists-should-know-about-cover-art/

First let’s examine why your cover art is even important:
The “Face” of your Music: Your music tells a unique story that only you can tell. Your cover art is a visual extension of what people will hear. Think about it, Christmas projects always have a theme of the holiday on the cover.
Used for Digital Distribution: If you are planning to make your music available Tamika Hall Show Podcast Art through outlets like iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Tunecore, CD Baby, etc. Cover Art is a requirement.
Used for Radio Distribution: Do you want your music heard on the radio? Radio stations want to see the unique cover art associated with your music. Internet radio uses the cover art when they stream
So now that you know why the Cover Art is important here are seven things your Cover Art should NOT include:
Title of a project that is different from what is being released. If you are only releasing a single, the title of the single should be on the cover even if your single is going to be part of a full project later.
Contact Information such as Website URL’s, Email, Booking Information, Social Media Contacts, should not be on the cover of your music. Remember you are selling the MUSIC.
Cost- the price of your project should never be printed on your cover art
Store Logos like Amazon, iTunes, etc. They are not endorsing your work
Words that date your project like, “Newest Release,” “Latest Single,” should not be used.
An artist name that is different from the name you used in the release information. Not sure how else to say this, if you list yourself as the artist for places like iTunes, then make sure you use that name on your cover art.

Pictures and Names of People who are not actually on the project should not be used. Let’s say you covered a song by a well-known artist, you cannot use their face and name on your project.

When you ready to create your Cover Art keep this in mind:
Great Designs Are Paramount- Don’t utilize the online creation tools by places like Tunecore because everyone uses them. You want your cover art to be unique

Blurry Photos from your phone are a hot mess, lol! Use high quality photos on your cover art.
Interesting but readable font is the icing on the musical cake. Times New Roman is wonderful font that is easily read, but it isn’t interesting. If you wanted to use it, I would use it on the back of your cover art (if you are selling physical CD’s). Fonts like Edwardian Script are pretty but they are very difficult to read, so find something that is both appealing and readable.

When your cover art is all created in its musical glory, make sure it is sized to 1600 x 1600 pixels. Digital stores require this size.