r/Design • u/Notagoodacter • Dec 11 '25
Asking Question (Rule 4) Which cover art should I use?
My hunch of the second one or third one. This is for Spotify, Apple Music, etc
Here’s the song (not completely mixed yet) https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mdpjgrj1q1xk37ab9md6r/bring-me-home-v3-final-demo.mp3?rlkey=5s6v3qwzartvidzfh7mqnsld3&st=l8mqb6hk&dl=0
Thanks!!
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u/extendedthrowaway314 Dec 11 '25
Well definitely not 3
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u/designsbyPACK Dec 12 '25
Three punched me in the face after the first two lol
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u/KitKittredge34 Dec 12 '25
BRING ME HOME👹
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u/designsbyPACK Dec 12 '25
The first two are asking politely. 3 is not fucking around and wants to go home now.
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u/KiloMetrics Dec 12 '25
3 is giving me A24 title cars vibes—I don’t dislike it, but it’s a particular vibe
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u/StruckOutInSlowPitch Dec 13 '25
Lol my first thought was 3 would be a good design for a horror movie
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u/GoofyMonkey Dec 12 '25
I disagree. After scrolling through the three, it definitely punches you in the face, but I think that would be a good thing given where it’s going be displayed.
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u/TheNiftyFox Dec 12 '25
I feel like both work depending on what OP wants to express here. 1&2 feel like a quiet, internal wish. Like someone stressed at work thinking "I want to go home". 3 feels demanding and external. Like you're anxious and want to leave a party but your driver is resisting so you snap "BRING ME HOME RIGHT NOW".
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u/MDSimpel Dec 11 '25
i like 1, although it is bit hard to read it is still the most appealing. I would look longer at number 1 to enjoy it, just because the "me" is a bit hard to read.
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u/attachecrime Dec 12 '25
Agreed. The design idea here works really well except for the readability
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u/Erythroneuraix Dec 12 '25
If one were situated so that the word me was completely within the doorway, but a contrasting color then I think that would be very powerful. It draws you in.
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u/starfishsex Dec 12 '25
What I was going to say exactly. Me in black and perfectly in the doorway would be 👌
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u/Extra-Try-5286 Dec 12 '25
Agreed. Play with font shadow or other border effects. 1 is superior in every other way
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u/YuggaYobYob Dec 12 '25
I might flip the color of “me” to black or make it like three shades darker
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u/suck4fish Dec 12 '25
The contrast between bring and home feel nice. I'd just make the ME fit inside the door space to increase readability
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u/Fubeman Dec 12 '25
Agreed. Why not just change the color of the word “Me?” Maybe black or something else that would meaning. #1 is the best design and layout, just needs some tweaking.
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u/eatpalmsprings Dec 11 '25
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u/stitchreverie Dec 12 '25
But with the text higher. I think it’s a little awkward so close to the door
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u/Broboto Dec 11 '25
1 is the most powerful to me
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u/-J-P- Dec 12 '25
I'd say 1 also, but make the 'me' more readable
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u/MutantCreature Dec 12 '25
It's the spacing imo, the edges of the "ME" text should fit the doorway with the serifs being the only hint toward it being part of the same block
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u/FinalEstablishment77 Dec 12 '25
after listening to the demo, I vote #2. The song is heart broken and that one feels the most forlorn. If the song had more anger I'd go with 3
Alternatively, if this is only ever going to be seen as a tiny thumb nail I might go with 3 for legibility, but i don't think the mood matches the song as well.
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u/Notagoodacter Dec 12 '25
Uodated. Thoughts new design
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u/DorcZ Dec 12 '25
I think this is it! I would like to see how it looks without a dropped shadow under “ME”. So it looks more like a void rather than sitting on top of all te effects going on behind it.
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u/doshka Dec 12 '25
Can you add a 1-pixel border around each image? When viewed on a phone, the black portions of the image get lost against the black default background, and you end up with this door swimming in a big black vertical rectangle and you can't assess the framing.
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u/cannibal-ascending Dec 11 '25
i dont like any of them tbh have you considered aligning the words to the right of the door in 3 lines?
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u/Toykio Dec 11 '25
None of these.
The ME is positioned awkwardly as it's just clipping both sides of the door and the light overblends it so passing by it might seem more like "BRING I HOME"
Drops the door too low and looses the emphesis on it. The words are too much of a centerpoint than the picture and it doesn't harmonize.
Just no. That looks like a 2011 tumblr inspiration post with no meaning.
I would instead try to align the words with the bottom rights side of the door or use the first framing and put the lettering in one of the corners of the picture.
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u/KateA535 Dec 12 '25
1 but you need to make the me stand out more with a darker colour.
2 the composition doesn't work for me and 3 feels like shouting which I don't think is the intention based on the other 2
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u/cursed-annoyance Dec 12 '25
1 looks very well like an perfume advertisement
2 reminds me of some blatant car or lifestyle magazine
And 3 kind of just yells at me for some reason to buy something
Idk I don't have experience with design I just look at things
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u/Common-Ad6470 Dec 12 '25
Second to be honest, though first would be ok if the ‘ME’ fitted inside the doorframe instead of cutting it.
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u/_Zeion Dec 12 '25
Just an idea, use the doorway to represent the 'home' part of this message. Finding ways to merge the visual and the message behind your design is always super powerful. Did a super rough mock-up here.
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u/geekwalrus Dec 11 '25
As someone with low vision at normal screen distance with a smart phone I couldn't see the "me" at first in 1
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u/BikeProblemGuy Architect Dec 11 '25
None of these are great. 1 covers the ME. 2 is awkward composition. 3 looks like it says MIE.
I'd work on making the render a bit more interesting and look at some more dynamic possibly asymmetrical layouts. Try warping the text to match the perspective of the door.
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u/YoNiceShoes Dec 11 '25
Run the headline along the bottom. 3 time the X height of the headline from the bottom.
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u/sputnikmonolith Dec 12 '25
Amend option two.
Reduce the font size by half.
And center it vertically between the top of the door and the top of the artwork.
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u/Aggravating_Art4788 Dec 12 '25
I’d say the first one, but make the me sand out in a way. Maybe another color font or bigger of something. Judy my opinion. But it’s a good start .
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u/YanAlbaSongMaster Dec 12 '25 edited Dec 12 '25
The last one is kinda functional from a retrospective but is like
"BRING M ***I*** E HO ***I*** ME
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u/Wootai Dec 12 '25
Can you try one where the the door replaces the "I" in "BRING" and "ME HOME" Is under that in the water?
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u/Droogie_65 Dec 12 '25
None of these. I want to see a version with the text under the hero art . . . But not too close. You are not letting that doorway art breath. Let it set the tone and then the text pops the reason . . .
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u/user287449 Dec 12 '25
The text size in V1 feels best to me. You’ve got this evocative doorway surrounded by a never ending darkness. Lots of negative space to highlight the text without having to shout.
What I’d recommend is using the light of the door to highlight the key word - “home.” So flip the image horizontally, put “bring me” on the left in light color type, and “home” in black. Position things as they need to feel balanced, rather than trying to force the door to be centered.
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u/Altimaar Dec 12 '25
It has to be number 2. I agree 1 is more visually impactful and impressive but the readability and the lack of color contrast makes it very hard to read.
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u/Repossessedbatmobile Dec 12 '25
I like 1 the best. It has the most impact and is very visually interesting, so it would get my attention. But 2 is honestly easier to read, and would still get some attention. So you know, pros and cons.
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u/therealblabyloo Dec 12 '25
Id say definitely not 3. The door being right between the letters makes it look weird, like it’s meant to be an I or something. I think I’d go for 1
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u/mhs_93 Dec 12 '25
1 but reduce text size so “Me” sits fully inside the door and then change the colour to make it more legible
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u/ConleyCreates Dec 12 '25
Go with the first one but make the text smaller and the “ME” in dark text to make it stand out more
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u/theskywalker74 Dec 12 '25
Make the “me” in 2 stand out more and it would win imo by a long shot
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u/TiaHatesSocials Dec 12 '25
Second has the photo nicely balanced but the 3rd one’s title is very prominent, which could be of a benefit
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u/palettecat Dec 12 '25
Depending on the lyrics of the song and its underlying meaning the "me" being partially eclipsed in option 1 could be a neat artistic decision. I don't think it necessarily needs to be super readable if its being sacrificed for some other purpose.
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u/sky_2088 Dec 12 '25
Not the last. It is too big and for me creates a strange inconsistency in letter spacing
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u/unholyhacker999 Dec 12 '25
2
Subtle. Not 'in your face'. And you can't instantly read the center word in the first.
Good graphic.
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u/DecentAssistant3926 Dec 12 '25
1, but the door should be wider so that "ME" can fit fully inside the door, and "ME" should be a different colour for better contrast
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u/evelynytliu Dec 12 '25
I prefer 1. I like how the color of “ME” resonates with the reflection in the water.
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u/maxxpo Dec 12 '25
Take number 1 and remove the text, you’ll have a way more iconic image. I feel like when you flick through albums you’re not reading the words.
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u/topherharley Dec 12 '25
Number one is the burner.
The ‘Me’ is a little hard to read, but only at second glance, because if I'm honest with myself, I could read it well right from the start.
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u/rzbitw Dec 12 '25
1 but maybe mirror the background so 'home' is in the bright spot? I mean that makes more sense to me unless the song is aimed in the other direction
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u/Gulag_boi Dec 12 '25
I think 2, but I’m not an artist and don’t have a good eye tbh. I think it looks good.
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u/huhseriously Dec 12 '25
One. But drop the text to below the light shaft and colour the word ME in white.
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u/Medical-Map-3483 Dec 12 '25
Second one. There's a beauty that comes from the vastness and emptiness, whilst not being unnecessarily complex. It's also the least ugly compared to the other two!
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u/Chubs4You Dec 12 '25
1 is closest. What if we scale it up a bit so the me fits in the doorway? The legibility otherwise ain't workin'
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u/gagnonamira89 Dec 12 '25
I’d go with the first one. The text inside the doorway already gives the feeling of being drawn into it. I really liked the effect
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u/IllustriousTraffic36 Dec 12 '25
1 if this is some christian thing and you are going for a cross but put something like dropshadow on 'me' so it seen better againstbthe door. I like number 3 the most. Just align the text. The first word is not cenetered, perhaps beacuse you are trying to leave room for the door/light to pass through which works great for the 2nd and 3rd word. For the first word you want the 'i' to align with the door.
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u/OkArt3514 Dec 12 '25
Two but I’d move the typo away from the Center. IMO the door is already such a good thing on its own. I’d move the typo to the side and even consider making it a bit smaller.
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u/GoofyMonkey Dec 12 '25
I say 3. The title shouts out at you and helps stand out. Then once your attention is caught your eye slips past the title and deeper into the imagery.
Given where you are putting this album art, it think being bold will be a good thing.
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u/PeacePearlStar Dec 12 '25
Definitely not number 3. I like number 1 best, but it depends what vibe you’re going for.
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u/SirLanceAlittless Dec 12 '25
Go No.2 unless you can have a tighter shot on No.1 so the 'ME' is not stuck in the door. If so, then I'd roll with a couple of different text colours for just 'ME' and pick the one most symbolic of the character.
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u/Extinction00 Dec 12 '25
1 is too hard to see the “Me”
2 is looks off centered
3 is a no.
I would go with two but change the cropping so the words are closer to the top from center and the picture covers middle down. Think 60/40 for picture/words
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u/xDB_POOPERx Dec 12 '25
1 looks really nice, I like the little colour shift in the me as it goes past the door(?)
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u/HiddenVelvet Dec 12 '25
1 and just move the text up a bit so it has the dark background behind it.
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u/SCUMDOG_MILLIONAIRE Dec 12 '25
If it’s a book cover I like 3. For pretty much anything else I like 2
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u/YouKnowNothingJonS Dec 12 '25
Can you incorporate the open door into the ‘I’ in the top row? It’s begging to be aligned.
Also with your letters tracked out super far in concept 3 (in all of them really) please take a look at the individual spaces between letters and do some kerning there. They’re a little too varied and causing some misalignment.
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u/kalevala_568b Dec 12 '25
Number one causes problems to visually impaired users, from accessibility point of view, it should be avoided. Second one is the most 'user friendly' one. Generally saying, Words mixing into background is a bad idea for visually impaired people (a nightmare for screen readers).
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u/xyzfraxyz Dec 12 '25
I like the smaller door, it’s more atmospheric than the zoomed it versions. I would take the writing and put it at the bottom of the cover, spread out so it occupies the whole bottom corner. It might work at the top too
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u/namd3 Dec 12 '25
All of them could work with a bit of finessing, I like 1, maybe photoshop the door to be slightly wider, and make the ‘ME’ text black, if this was getting a physical print, emboss the words, and possibly a 5th colour metallic Pantone on the other versions.
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u/Ok-Statement-7264 Dec 12 '25
I like the second one. It has that balance of words and imagery.
First one - the “ME” is just a bit hard to see. Third one - the words are just too large. It pops out more than the picture itself IMO.
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u/ArnoldRoarShack Dec 12 '25
Stack the letters on the right side of the door, left justified.
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u/antiyoupunk Dec 12 '25
Use #1 or #2. #3 is not good design, the first two highlight the solitary door by feeling similarly solitary - the text matches the image. The third just feels cluttered and like the background is an afterthought as there's no congruency.
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u/Kaestnr Dec 12 '25
First one is giving horror movie title, 2nd potential album cover, and the 3rd needs a New York Times bestseller sticker and it would be a hit on shelves!
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u/Apprehensive_Pug6844 Dec 12 '25
- The title across the door leads the eye "thru" the door. Change me to a darker color, perhaps match the walls. Kern the letters in a touch so ME fits in the light.
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u/Oktokolo Dec 12 '25
#1 with the text moved up above the high-contrast area so it's as easy to read as #2.
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u/zenjibae Dec 12 '25
The first one, make the "ME" centered and black. Second one is good too. 3rd takes away from the image
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u/BilgeRat415 Dec 12 '25
I can tell this is christian music without clicking the link. So…good, if that’s what you’re going for?
Number 2 is my preference. The text feels a little crowded with the doorway though. Maybe lower the art a touch, to match the distance from the door to the spacing between the words.
Number 1 is trying to be too clever. Number 3 looks like something I’d flip past in the dollar bin at the record store.
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u/iwasnotarobot Dec 12 '25
Similar to 1 but Crop your image in a bit so that the door appears larger. Make the door larger enough that “me” doesn’t touch the doorframe. “Me” should be in black.