Motifs In Cover Art

On Andrew Blake's publication "Dancing in the Distraction Factory", he talks about "The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work (a visual style)". Artists often incorporate this in CD covers for albums and singles, where the album cover sets a visual theme (often based on the themes of the music), which is often then used for the corresponding singles cover arts. This is an example of synergy, and not only helps to sell music, but also makes it clear from what album a single is derived and vice-versa. Daft Punk, besides being geniuses, (listen to "Alive 2007" for the prime time of your life) are good examples of this. Look at this crude MS paint job for proof - the television screen motif is a distinct visual style, and ties the singles to the album.

Daft Punk are very good examples of this because they also used the anime styled single cover for "Harder Better Faster Stronger" as the visual style for three of their music videos and the musical film "Interstella 5555", which is based on the band.

But it's not just good bands that do this! Oh no, Keane used their undeniably cool cover art design for their singles too.

Note the similar analogous colour schemes, same font and positioning of text and "cutout" effect.

On a simpler level, notice how both bands have completely different styles, and how other bands employ very different themes in their cover art, keeping each one fresh and unique. Cover art is a major selling point for an album, especially today where the Internet makes it easy for shops and artists to display them, and so they must stand out above the rest.

If you too, enjoy looking at pretty colours, check out Autechre and Coldplay's cover arts.

P.S. See what I did there with the Daft Punk song reference?