How to Build a Cover Concept From Pop Culture

Most artists who struggle with a concept are trying to invent one from nothing. Working from recognisable motifs is easier and usually stronger, because the viewer arrives already knowing the reference.

Film

You can be the western hero on a horse in the middle of the desert, or the one getting out of a car chase. Think about the films you actually like and look at their posters — there are motifs in there that will fit your music. This works particularly well in a realistic digital style.

Animation

For cartoon work, lean on animation everyone knows and put yourself inside it. Different traditions carry different characters: Disney runs on bright saturated colour, DC on darker undertones, Pixar's look translates well into 3D.

Other artists' covers

Covers by musicians you grew up on are fair inspiration. Reworking a known image into your own is how you build a reference to the people you listened to — and famous artists have always done exactly this.

Anything else that is recognisable

It does not stop at film and animation. Games, paintings, books, music videos — anything recognisable that carries meaning for your listeners can seed a concept. The test is whether the reference means something to the people who will see it.

Borrow the technique, not the picture

Do not copy anything one to one. Use someone else's technique and build your own image on top of it. Beyond the question of originality, a cover that reproduces existing artwork can put your release on the wrong side of a copyright claim.