Design of
CD COVERS
What does the CD cover design service include?
Research on the style of the disc
A cover should be the visual extension of the music. In this initial phase, we immerse ourselves in researching the style of the album: we listen to the material, analyse the lyrics, the musical genre and the artist's intention. We work to capture the atmosphere and narrative of the album. This strategic stage ensures that the final design is not just a graphic, but a piece of artwork that complements and faithfully represents the essence and message of your music.
initial proposals
With the essence of the album defined, we develop several initial cover design proposals. We will present you with different conceptual, aesthetic and colour paths so you can visualise the multiple possibilities for your album. This collaborative process allows you to choose the direction that most excites you and resonates with your audience, ensuring that the design makes an impact on both physical and streaming platforms.
end product
Once we have chosen and polished the concept, we create the design of the complete final product. This includes not only the front cover, but also the back cover design (with track listing, barcodes and credits), the biscuit (central label of the album) and the booklet design. Each element is designed under a unified concept to create a coherent and memorable visual experience for the listener.
print-ready file
The final phase is the technical delivery. We provide you with the final print-ready file, strictly complying with all the technical specifications (colour modes, resolution and bleeds) required by your printer. This ensures that the printed artwork looks exactly as we designed it. In addition, we deliver the necessary mockups and adaptations for digital distribution platforms, ensuring that your artwork is perfect in any medium.
Price and estimated timeframe
I am currently working with a price/hour from 20 euros for my services as a freelance graphic designer. The final quote will be made once we know the volume of hours and work we have available.
The deadline will always be tied to the volume of the project, the bigger the project, the longer it will take to get it ready. Within this limitation, I will always have it ready as soon as possible for a last revision.
In which formats can I design your CD?
Digipack
- It is made of 300-gram folding carton, which gives it a rough finish to the touch.
- The personalisation is done directly on the cardboard, eliminating the mandatory need for paper booklets (although they can be added).
- The CD is placed in a tray (usually transparent) which is placed inside the back cover of the jewel case.
- The most common finishes are gloss or matte lamination, with special options (soft touch, UVI reserves, dry strikes) from 500 units upwards.
- There are many models, from two to four bodies, which can include 1, 2, 3 or 4 CDs or can be combined with booklets.
Digifile
- It has the same dimensions as the Digipack and the Jewel Box.
- Its main difference with the Digipack is that it does not incorporate a plastic tray to hold the CD.
- The CD is placed directly into a slot or into a side bag made of cardboard.
- The materials and finishes that can be offered are exactly the same as those of the Digipack (glossy, matt, etc.).
- As there is no plastic tray, the spine is slightly smaller, which makes it easier to carry, especially when touring.
Cardboard sleeve
- It is printed on the same folding carton used for Digipacks and Digifiles.
- It is printed in full, both front and back cover of the sleeve.
- Unlike Digipacks, it is not usually laminated (neither glossy nor matt), leaving the printed cardboard as it comes off the press.
- Although it is possible to add a small booklet (4 or 8 pages), it is not usually included in this format.
- It is recommended primarily for EPs or simpler releases, but not for albums.
Jewell Box
- This is the classic plastic box, made of polystyrene.
- It consists of three pieces: front cover, back cover and a tray (which used to be black, but is now mostly transparent).
- On the front cover is the booklet, which usually includes the title and texts of the songs.
- Underneath the tray and on the back cover is a piece of paper called an inlay, which forms the two side spines.
- Its main advantage is that it can be handled automatically, making it the most widely used jewel case in the audio CD industry.
Design for physical and digital format
I design covers with both worlds in mind: the physical and the digital.
I create high-resolution cover art that looks impeccable on streaming platforms like Spotify y Apple Musicbut also optimised for the format from print.
My work is focused on providing you with a final product that not only looks amazing, but also respects the technical standards required for production and distribution, ensuring that your music is presented in the best possible way.
Don't know where to make your CD or vinyl?
Duplicat is a company specialising in the production and copying of albums in various formats, including CD, Vinyl y PendriveThe company is a key partner for artists and musicians looking to bring their musical work to fruition.
They have more than 25 years in the field of duplication of optical media, which gives them a extensive experience and know-how in the music industry.
Frequently asked questions on
CD cover design
What information do I need to start the project?
To get started, I need you to send me your music (even if it's a demo), your ideas or visual references, and any concepts behind the album. If you don't have anything clear, don't worry; we can start with a conversation about the tone, lyrics and story you want to tell. The goal is for the cover to reflect the essence of your musical project.
Does the design adapt to physical and digital formats?
Yes, of course. My service includes design for both digital platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) and physical formats (CD, vinyl, cassette). The cover is optimised for high resolution in both worlds, ensuring that your artwork looks amazing no matter where your audience sees it. I can also design additional elements such as the booklet, back cover and CD biscuit.
What is the estimated design time?
Turnaround time varies depending on the complexity of the project and the level of detail you require. Typically, the process, from initial concept to final delivery of files, takes between 2-4 weeks. I will provide you with a detailed timeline at the start of the project so you know exactly what to expect and when.
How many revisions are included?
The service includes several rounds of reviews to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with the outcome. We start with the presentation of several initial concepts. Once you choose the direction, we will work together to refine the details until the cover is perfect for your album. My goal is for the final design to be exactly what you envisioned, or even better.