Guest Columnists

Top 10 CD Design Tips

Music industry guru Christopher Knab offers simple basics on graphic considerations when designing album artwork.

by Christopher Knab April-May 2014 · Music Business · Guest Columnists

1. Reducing is good, enlarging is bad.

2. Placement is everything. balance and use of space is critical.

3. Choose fonts with your image in mind.

4. Don't use more than six fonts total in any given design.

5. Use easy to read fonts that distinguish clearly your name from any product title.

6. Choose colors carefully, make sure lettering on colors is easily readable.

7. Work creatively within your budget, and keep things simple.

8. Put a barcode on the back cover all recordings intended for retail sales.

9. Use a graphic artist with CD/Tape design experience.

10. Put artist/band name on the top third of any CDs or records.

The writer

Christopher Knab

Throughout his fprty year career in the music business, FourFront Media & Music's Christopher Knab has shared his experience at many industry conventions and conferences, including the New Music Seminar and the Northwest Area Music Business Conference.

Knab was owner of a San Francisco music store, co-owner of the 415 Records label, and station manager at KCMU Radio in Seattle.

He currently provides a unique consultation and education service for independent musicians and record labels. His new book is entitled "Music Is Your Business".

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