Cover Art as a Clumsy, Lazy Narrative… but a Bold Soul-Stealer

What some may disregard as a “clumsy” or “lazy” cover art is often misunderstood, and sometimes, it holds a narrative. Learn more about the visual art

Clumsy, Lazy Cover Arts

What some may disregard as a “clumsy” or “lazy” design is often misunderstood, and sometimes, it holds a narrative. Cover art is a visual element, including photographs, illustrations, and other imagery, that appears on the exterior of published materials such as books, music albums, films, or video games. It is commonly assumed that an unusual design suggests a lack of creativity or clarity. However, the function of cover art extends beyond mere decoration. It often serves as the first visual interaction between the audience and the creative work, carrying the responsibility of communicating messages.

Specifically, in music, the album cover often serves as a visual expression of the themes within the sound. If the artwork appears simple or follows a popular design trend, whether from the past or present, viewers may dismiss it as empty. Yet many of these simple designs still carry artistic meaning. This shows that what matters is not always what the cover reveals directly, but what it suggests. A design that looks plain can still connect with the audience by prompting thought. In many cases, it communicates more effectively than images that try hard to impress.

Cover Arts As Storytelling Tool

Moreover, cover art tells a story without relying on words. Through visual elements such as imagery, it engages the viewer’s imagination to interpret its meaning. This form of art, which may be seen as a kind of storytelling, is more suggestive than explanatory. It creates space for interpretation, prompting the audience to reflect on the work before experiencing it fully. In this way, cover art becomes meaningful by setting the emotional direction and encouraging a personal connection. Its strength lies not in how much it reveals, but in how effectively it invites the viewer to feel, think, and step into the world it presents.

What Makes A Perfect Cover Art?

Some of the most striking covers are not the ones that look perfect. The cover of a creative work, whether a novel, music album, or film, often serves as the first point of contact with the audience. Some may appear irregular, poorly arranged, or very simple—qualities often mistaken for laziness or lack of skill. These qualities, however, can be intentional. Instead of revealing everything at once, such covers invite the viewer to pay closer attention. This first impression becomes part of the story and helps form a connection with the work.

Similarly, designs that appear careless or poorly made may result from an artistic decision. A structure that avoids smoothness can create room for emotion and meaning. These features do not always indicate a lack of effort. They may challenge common ideas of beauty or perfection. This choice allows for something more personal, sincere, and open. A cover that seems unusual or simple on the surface might still hold meaning that reaches the viewer. These decisions can act as a way to resist the pressure for all creative works to follow the same style.

Such use of imperfection encourages the viewer to observe more carefully. It breaks ordinary viewing and invites interpretation. A clear example is the Cassava Republic edition of Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi. The cover may seem unclear at first, but the tension in its look reflects the story’s inner struggles, which involve spiritual conflict and a divided sense of identity. The cover features a large python, a powerful symbol in the novel. In Igbo cosmology, the snake represents a deity and appears as part of the main character, Ada, whose body hosts multiple spiritual beings known as ogbanje. These beings, including the one linked to the snake, influence Ada’s identity and sometimes act through her, shaping the story’s meaning and visual message.

Besides, cover art often communicates its message through subtle presentation. Rather than revealing everything at once, it allows space for the viewer’s imagination to participate. A simple cover does more than serve as decoration; it can be an entry into the meaning of the work. The design may inspire interest and reflection, encouraging the audience to feel something before engaging with the content.

In conclusion, cover art does not need to follow a fixed or traditional pattern to make an impact. Art allows for creativity, expressed through different styles and choices. The effectiveness depends on how well it evokes emotion, prompts thought, and builds a connection between the viewer and the creative work. Whether detailed or basic, a cover becomes more than just an image. It acts as an entry point that attracts attention, encourages engagement, and makes a strong impression.