Album Cover Work


Album covers are used to portray a certain desired image of that Artist. The image usually always relates to the genre of music included in that album.
For example:

This is 50 Cents album cover for 'Before I Self Destruct.' The cover represents a typical 'Gangster' image. He has no t-shirt on, this shows his muscles and his sheer size, creating a scary, harsh image of the character. One can see big tribal tattoo's along his arms, portraying a rough, 'hard guy' image. He wears a flat cap, which is typically indicative of that 'Chavy' 'Gangster' image. This point is then further expressed because he has the cap on side ways, which could suggest a degree of rebellious attitude and not wanting to conform. His eyes are directed at the lens, challenging the audience and causing a scary, piercing look. His facial expression is stern and serious, making him seem un-approachable and tough. However he is wearing a necklace with a cross on, which shows religious connotations, and this fits with the 'prayer' like hand positions, which portrays a degree of softness and innocence. The album's text artwork relates to the artists image. The words '50 CENT' are in capitals and stand out on the page, this is important as it is the artists show name. However it also creates a bold, scary, tough effect, with relates to the gangster image of the artist. The name of the album is below the artists name: 'BEFORE I SELF DESTRUCT' the text is also in capitals to stand out, however the font chosen looks like a graffiti style, this relates to the artists image, and further suggests rebellious attitudes. At the bottom, right hand corner of the album cover, there is a 'Parental Advisory' stamp- this represents the inappropriate content of the album, and further emphasises the rebellious, hard character image of 50 Cent.