How to Create Podcast Artwork That Stands Out

Tips on Creating the Best Podcast Logo Artwork

Do you have a favorite podcast artwork? If so, what is it that you really like about it?

Is it the message, font choice, or overall aesthetic? Maybe the color palette just pops and grabs your attention.

Either way, when it comes to just about anything beyond your actual audio and content, picking podcast artwork could be one of the most important decisions you make.

Why is that the case?

Think about it - imagine someone opening up their favorite podcast app and instead of clicking on their favorite show they decide to click browse.

Let’s say they just so happen to narrow down their search to your niche and category. Even in this specific category, there could be thousands, if not millions (looking at you, True Crime) of podcasts.

Even if you have a well-defined target audience, that’s a lot of competition.

So, how important do you think it is that your artwork pops and grabs the attention of our imaginary example listener?

Pretty imperative. And grabbing attention is just the first goal. Essentially, your podcast cover art is your podcast, in visual representation form.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about creating your podcast artwork.

Artwork Color Palette 

Why do people love sunsets and beautiful gardens? Because they pop! They are a treat for our eyes and we love taking it all in.

Just like in our example listed above, you have to consider someone is mindlessly scrolling, looking for the next podcast they give a chance.

You have to keep that in the back of your mind - what can I do and how can my artwork represent my podcast that will make the potential listener stop scrolling and spend an extra second or two looking at my podcast?

Yes, it’s a little stressful. But, once you wholeheartedly adopt this mindset great things will come. Downloads, to be clear.

So, back to the task at hand - how do you make your artwork colors pop? And beyond that, what colors should you pick?

Choose colors that jump off the mobile screen AND colors that complement each other well. So, the question is: which colors?

Sure, you could take the time to study the marketing history of colors and understand what emotion each color elicits and why.

Or, just simply do a google search and cross-reference what you learn. For instance, Color Wheel does a great job of showing you complimentary colors.

Also, you can spend about 5 minutes or so scrolling through Apple Podcasts browsing sections.

1. This is great because you’re literally seeing what type of artwork Apple Podcast is promoting.
2. It will give you ideas on styles and colors that you may have otherwise not thought of.

Artwork Image Sizing

Choosing a great color palette is critical, but it won’t matter if your podcast artwork gets rejected.

You want to make sure the dimensions and file size are proper. According to Apple Podcast (link), you want your artwork to be:

A great way to ensure that your artwork is sized properly and comes out looking great is to use a graphic tool like Canva Creative Studio. I live and die (but mostly live, thankfully) by Canva.

Sure, Adobe Photoshop might be considered the ultimate graphic design tool, but Canva gives you a lot of opportunities to create without frustration.

I’m no graphic designer by any measure, but when I log into Canva Creative Studio I feel like just about anything is possible.

The design tools available are easily conquered by amateur-hour designers like myself and give you the confidence to tackle any creative project. They also have a ton of stock images and elements.

Choose the size to be between 2500x2500 and 3000x3000 pixels on Canvas and make sure you download your file as a PNG so it won’t be too large but it will be a crisper image file than a JPG and above the minimum size requirements.

Artwork Font

There are a bunch of options and choices you can make with your fonts. Fonts, in themselves, can aid in the messaging and aesthetic of your podcast, too. They are a critical element of your messaging.

How does your chosen font and color scheme relate to and promote your podcast title and theme?

A futuristic font lets the listener know the podcast is in the digital or tech world. Blood splattered font immediately sends a hint to the listener that they can expect something spooky ahead.

Play around with different fonts either on a platform like Canva (you’re going to hear a lot about Canva in these blogs - not a sponsor!) or you can try websites like DaFonts with both free and paid options.

Word of warning: As fun as fonts can be, there are two rules for successful podcast artwork when it comes to text. First, make sure the font is legible.

Some fonts, especially on the cursive side, can be incredibly difficult to read. If someone browsing has difficulty reading the name of your show, they are 100% going to peace out.

Second, make sure the font isn’t too small. As I mentioned, you want your font to assist the overall aesthetic of your podcast without becoming a liability. Don't let a bad font ruin your design requirements or overall readability.

Design & Messaging 

What do you want your artwork to say about your podcast? This is a quick brochure and singular image to that gives your potential listener a quick peek into what your podcast is all about.

This is where you want to land somewhere in the middle of the pendulum. The two extremes are too basic and too convoluted.

On the basic side, you want to entice the listener and elicit some type of feeling. If your podcast is about the Ocean, throw some waves on there and maybe a few fish. You don’t want just a plain blue background with text.

On the flip side, an in-depth graphic on the ocean with so much detail that the name of the podcast and all of the text get lost isn’t helping you either.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a right or wrong solution here. A good way to handle this is by perusing Apple Podcast for similar podcast niches and seeing what is being pulled.

You can also come up with multiple options and poll your friends and family. 

Think of it this way - while your podcast is an audio source, your podcast cover art is a visual representation of your podcast as a whole.

Stressed about having your artwork designed? Don't want to take the DIY Canva approach?

Fiverr is a great place to find talented graphic designers for podcast logo design without breaking your budget. Typically, they respond quickly and have a super fast turnaround time so you can get your podcast launched before you know it.

Tips on What NOT to Do:

Muddy Designs

Less is more when it comes to your artwork. Lean into the minimalist design. You don't want a convoluted, complex image. I know I'm like a broken record, but you really need to make sure your podcast topic is clear as day, the color pops, and all text is legible.

If you complete those three tasks, you're already ahead of about 50% of podcasts.

Ignore Podcast Requirements

Apple Podcast lists their requirements, so it wouldn't hurt to take a minute to look over them. Choosing to ignore the requirements will cause a lot of headaches later on.

Here are the highlights pulled directly from Apple's artwork guide:

• Image size (both minimum 1400x1400 and maximum size 3000x3000 accepted)
• Accepted file types (JPEG and PNG formats are accepted)
• No Apple Podcast branding
• No explicit language

Make Your Artwork a Picture of Yourself

Sure, you are the podcast host, and making the podcast artwork yourself would be an easy and simple design. The problem is - unless you're famous or a major influencer on social media accounts, no one is going to know who you are.

It is much better for the potential listener to connect with your topic and your niche and then gradually warm up to you with your fantastic knowledge and uncanny charm.

Start Your Podcast Off Right With Compelling Podcast Artwork

Choosing your podcast artwork can be stressful because, as you see from this blog post, there are a lot of factors you need to consider.

Do you feel like a little professional podcast consultation would go a long way?

That is great! In fact, we at Alien Waves Podcast Productions offer a FREE 30-minute consultation, and we'd be more than happy to discuss artwork design, take a look at mockups you have, and whatever else you'd like to discuss to get your podcast started in the right direction.

That is our specialty and we love nothing more than to help other podcasters grow.

If you'd like to have your artwork looked over by a team of professionals for free, or collaborate on custom podcast cover art, click below today.