3 Ways for Independent Musicians to Create Stand Out CDs

You're finally ready to record a CD. Have you thought about how your music will look on a shelf next to the CDs of other artists? Will your CD stand out or will it be passed by? Here are a few things you can do to make a statement with your CD that matches the music on it.

Hire Talent
You may have a friend who says he knows Photoshop and offers to design your CD packaging for free. It's tempting, but unless you've seen samples of his work that stand up to what other artists are putting out there, you'll probably be better off hiring a trained graphic designer or even a graphic design student to design your CD case and label. In either case, check out a sample of their previous work to make sure your ideas of "art" and "trash" match up.

Break Out of the Box
How many CDs come in the standard-and a little boring-jewel cases with no inserts or special promotional items? With creative design (contoured edges, cut-outs, etc.), CD sleeves and wallets can express your personality and in some instances are even cheaper than traditional jewel cases.

If this option isn't feasible, consider an unusual fold-out or provide song lyrics, band biographies, and behind-the-scenes trivia in your inserts as a special something extra for your fans. Cruise the Internet for some inspiration, and work with your designer to create something really unique.

Go Digital
You've already got the CD-why not add some interactive computer features to it as well? Macromedia Flash or Director can add an interactive presentation to the CD that could include band biographies and video interviews, music videos or a live performance of a favorite song, website and email links, and audio files of your music, all accessible from a computer. Your fans wouldn't even need Internet access to view all the extra content you've provided. The software isn't easy to pickup, though, but you can hire a graphic designer or interactive designer who knows it inside and out.

Stand out and people will notice you. If people like the style and personality you displayed on your CD, chances are good they'll like your music. If you hook them on those things, they'll spread the word, and from there it only goes up.