When you’re talking about a mixtape chances are you’re talking about hip-hop. Rappers love to constantly put out music but not every release can be an official album. Mixtapes may not be on the same level as full-length albums but that doesn’t mean the presentation is not important. You should definitely be concerned with how to make a good mixtape cover.
A mixtape can be put together by a single musician or by a DJ bringing in multiple artists for a collaborative effort. Although mixtapes are not exclusive to the hip-hop genre they are mostly for urban and multi-genre platform mixing. In EDM, mixtapes are more commonly referred to as compilations.
There are several ways to go about making a good mixtape cover. Here I’ve broken down some of the best covers and what makes them so successful.
Theme – The Showdown
It’s always great to have a theme that is instantly identifiable at the blink of an eye. Looking at this cover you know that Eminem and Lil Wayne are the main focus of the project. They’re not facing each other and each rapper has the city they were born in as the background.
A quick look at the title and you understand that this is not Eminem and Lil Wayne collaborating but rather a DJ pitting the artists against each other. The competition and spirit of battle are very easy to pick out in this cover.
Weezy owes much of his success to the many mixtapes he’s been a part of. Throughout the span of his career he’s released over 25 mixtapes.
Originality – Mood Swings
Just one look and you can see how amazing this cover really is. The photograph incorporates a jigsaw puzzle that gives this mixtape a unique and definitive vibe. You’re able to feel what the artist wants you to feel.
The cover represents the ideas and emotions that drive the songs on the project but most importantly it’s interesting to look at. You want your mixtape cover to be something people haven’t seen before.
Photography – Th1rt3en
Sometimes all you need is a great image. You know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and in certain instances a photograph can serve as the perfect cover for a mixtape. This picture, for example, shows JD Era wearing a Jason mask exhaling smoke.
The image combined with the title gives you a general idea of the feel of the mixtape. Come up with your concept first, plan out your shoot and spend some time getting the photo just right. Then the rest is a walk in the park.
Typography – New Slang ggget with it
A good graphic design can really go a long way. No photo, no artist profile shots, just awesome typography. Knowing the right designer to work with is the key here but you also need to know what message you are sending by your choice of design.
This cover uses the theme presented in the title and visually transforms it into graffiti splattered on a wall. It conveys the counter-culture aspect of hip-hop as a genre. At the same the image pops out at you and it’s fun to look at.
The Story – Room For Improvement
Let your artwork tell the story. These covers should remind you of a movie poster. In this mixtape you see Drake surrounded by chalkboards sitting on the floor. He looks slightly dejected but also seems to realize all the areas in which he could better himself.
The first things you think of when you look at the chalkboards are education, learning and growth. They take you back to a classroom or locker room. It’s a combination of photography and graphic design that really conveys the mind state Drake was in when he was writing these songs.
If your cover is good people will feel like they understand your mixtape before they even hear it.
The post How To Make A Good Mixtape Cover appeared first on DJ Master Course.