Choose a color that reflects the mood of the album. Avoid bright red for a lighthearted album; select darker blues for a more reflective, somber piece. Select and coordinate supporting colors that do not visually clash with the primary color choice.
Determine if a photograph, line drawing, image, text fragment or combination of these options will be placed on the front of the album. Choose an image that conveys the tone and mood of the album; a blurred, indistinct photo may be the perfect choice for a frenetic jazz record, while a highly focused portrait photo may be suitable for an introspective singer/songwriter. Add text either to support the image and inform the viewer, or if the text is the central image of the cover, choose a font that matches the tone of the record.
Apply the color palette to the chosen cover image and text. Listen to the album while holding a mock-up copy of the final image and consider whether or not the cover art enhances the experience. Prepare to redesign the cover if it does not enrich the listening experience.