Designing the cover of your next album or single doesn't have to be a task that consumes hours. Although at Random Sounds we value deeply the work of illustrators and designers, we know that not everyone has the possibility of having a professional like that on their team yet. That's why with a little wit and some good recommendations, it's totally possible to create a good cover in a matter of minutes. And that's great news for independent artists because every time you're about to release new music, you already have enough to do on your to-do list. Any chance to save time! (without sacrificing quality) you are welcome!
Opt for simplicity
Sometimes, less is more. Minimalism is a design trend that remains popular because it's aesthetically appealing and easy to execute. By focusing on a few elements, you reduce the margin of error and the time you spend trying different combinations. Think about music albums: when you use fewer instruments, you can quickly identify which part works and which doesn't.
The same applies to visual design. Choose a single element as the protagonist of your cover, it can be a striking color, an interesting typography or a simple image, and build around it. This way, you achieve a cover that's both impactful and quick to make.
Try the “Borrow & Destroy” approach
You don't need to be a design expert to create a unique cover. Use tools like Canva or free photo libraries to “borrow” visual elements, but don't stop there. Modify them to your liking! Destroy, alter, play with effects, colors, and textures until the result is something completely different from the original.
This approach saves time and money. If you don't have original photos or art, you can take advantage of royalty-free images and transform them into something unrecognizable and personal for your music.
Don't be a perfectionist
It's easy to fall into the trap of perfecting every detail, but sometimes “good” is good enough. With the large amount of music being released today, even big artists don't always have perfectly crafted covers. In fact, many choose designs that seem improvised or intentionally disheveled, which also convey a fresh and spontaneous aesthetic.
.png)
The key here is not to push yourself too hard. If you can make a cover you like in five minutes, great! If it takes you longer, that's fine too. The important thing is that you don't dwell on the small details. The music is what really matters, and the cover just needs to complement it.
Conclusion
These hacks will give you freedom to explore and less pressure than you thought. Designing your cover doesn't have to be a long or complex process. Experiment, have fun and, above all, do it your way!
Once you have your cover ready, you'll be one step closer to releasing your music to the world. And remember, at Random Sounds, we're here to help you distribute your music to all platforms.
