Album Cover Designer Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does an Album Cover Designer do?
An album cover designer is a graphic designer who creates and illustrates an album cover’s artwork. Album cover designers complete all of the artwork for the album’s insert, booklet, lyric sheet, and back cover. Designers typically collaborate with the artist directly, but may liaison with label representatives depending on the size of the record label.
How much does an Album Cover Designer make?
According to Ziprecruiter, Album Cover Designers make a national average of $53,881 or $25.90 an hour (as of May 2022). In general, entry-level album cover designers make around $21,500 annually, with senior-level album cover designers making $98,500 a year. This wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the music industry?
Album cover designers create artwork that visualizes an artist’s concept. Album artwork is the first impression of what type of listening experience to expect from an album. Designers help connect artists with their fan base by designing artwork that resonates with and attracts listeners.
What is the job outlook for an Album Cover Designer?
Analysts forecast that music revenue will more than double to about $131 billion by 2030. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in graphic design (including album cover designers) are expected to grow at a rate of 3% during the 2019-2029 decade.
How to kick-off your career:
- Practice your graphic design skills by working with independent artists.
- Create mock-up covers for your favorite albums.
- Explore the Clive Davis Institute at NYU x Billboard’s Music Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Music Career Guide.
Learn from:
Ryan Leslie
Music Industry Essentials contributor, Recording Artist/Music Producer/CEO & Founder of SuperPhone
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