How To Annotate Artwork On Genius Lyrics
✧ An artwork annotation, also sometimes known as a cover art annotation, is a note that explains the meaning behind an album or song's visual content.
✧ Album pages should always host every individual artwork released for that album.
[How to add an album artwork]
Artwork should be added in the following order:
- Digital cover -> Click here for examples
- Physical cover(s) (if different) -> Click here for examples
- Early covers that weren’t used -> Click here for examples
- Artwork included in booklet/released with the album -> Click here for examples
- Liner notes (if included in the booklet) -> Click here for examples
- Single artwork, ordered by release date -> Click here for examples
- Back cover -> Click here for examples
Note that it's important to ONLY use officially released artwork. Fan art is cool but belongs in the comment section instead.
Additionally, NEVER create a [Tracklist + Album Art] page.
-> What to do with existing [Tracklist + Album Art] pages.
✧ Just as any other annotation in Genius, artwork annotations should follow the existing 10 Annotation Commandments. Besides that, here are a few examples of what one can and should (if possible) include in an artwork tate.
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Describe the Image -> It's always good to give a little overview of what the picture shows, especially if it’s a complex and abstract illustration. Nevertheless, simply describing is never enough, give us some context.
[Click here to learn more] -
Specify the Artists Involved In the Design -> Always give credits when possible. Specify who designed or photographed the image and describe what how their style shows on the cover.
[Click here to learn more] -
Chronicle the Creative Process -> Showcase what inspired the artist and what lead him to create that specific cover.
[Click here to learn more] -
Outline Possible References -> Artists are often inspired by other works of art. It's helpful to point out where inspiration can be detected and similarities arise.
[Click here to learn more] -
Detail the Color Pallet Used -> Sometimes the colors chosen for the cover hide a deeper meaning and try to provoke a specific feeling in the viewer.
[Click here to learn more] -
Mark Out Any News Surrounding the Cover -> Maybe the artwork was teased all over a city, or allegations regarding its explicit content sprouted somewhere, tell us about it.
[Click here to learn more] -
Highlight Similarities & Differences Between Covers -> If there's an alternate cover for an album, a deluxe version cover or special edition art, describe how it differs from the original.
[Click here to learn more]
About “How To Annotate Artwork On Genius”
This guide explains everything you need to know about annotating and editing artwork on Genius. Building off the basics of annotating, the guide transitions into advanced practices to master the art of incredible artwork annotations!
Table of Contents:
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Can you add information to an artwork annotation that was already created?
Just like any other annotation, feel free to suggest improvements by writing them in a comment under the annotation -> [Click Here to Learn More].
You can also propose fixes or additional information by clicking the “Edit” button at the bottom of the annotation. If you make a great proposed edit, an Editor+ may integrate it! -> [Click Here to Learn More].
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When adding artwork, should the Parental Advisory label be included?
Ideally the Parental Advisory (PA) label should not be included in the artwork since the label may obstruct another element of the art. In some cases, such as the album art for DAMN., the label was included in the creation of the artwork and should be untouched.
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Do we include deluxe versions in the album covers?
Deluxe versions, international versions, Japanese versions, Target exclusive versions, etc. should all have their separate album pages, so it’s not necessary to include them in the original album’s artwork page.
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How can I find the best quality artwork?
These pages will help you find the best quality artwork for you by going into iTunes and getting the image for you!
Genius Graph Tools
iTunes Artwork FinderIf you’re looking for the SoundCloud artwork, make sure to check this guide by @idontreallylikemusiciloveit.
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Where can I find the back cover and inside artwork for an album?
While you can always Google what you’re looking for, a great page to find all the artwork for an album is Coveralia.
Though this page is in Spanish, it’s really simple to use!
- Go to coveralia.com and in the top right write the artist/album you are looking for.
- Once found, click on the search result to go to the album’s page.
- In the album page, you’ll find five different covers: the front cover, back cover, two inside covers, and an image of the CD.
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Where can I learn more about artwork annotations?
Here’s a Tate Talk discussing this same topic!
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I still have doubts about artwork annotations, what can I do?
You can always message @FGV or @Pessoa for help.
Additionally, there’s an Artwork Annotation Quiz for you to take if you’re interested in testing your knowledge!
