Design stunning Album Covers with Affinity Photo

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Setting up the Canvas
3. Isolating the Model from the Background
4. Blending the Model with an Oil Painting
5. Applying Masks for Composition
6. Adding a Background
7. Adding a Title
8. Changing Blend Modes
9. Saving and Exporting the Cover
10. Placing the Cover on a Vinyl Mock-up

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to Create an album cover using Affinity Photo. We will start by setting up the canvas and then proceed to isolate the model from the background. Next, we will blend the model with an oil painting and Apply masks to create a visually appealing composition. We will also add a background, a title, and experiment with different blend modes. Finally, we will save and export the cover and place it on a vinyl mock-up.

Setting up the Canvas

To begin, we need to set the canvas to a perfect square, similar to the Dimensions of a CD or a vinyl Record. Open Affinity Photo and go to File > New. Set the page width and Height to 2400 pixels, ensuring it is a square Shape. Import the main pictures for the cover by either dragging them into Affinity Photo or using the File > Place option.

Isolating the Model from the Background

We will now isolate the model from the background. Select the model using the Selection Brush tool, which can be found in the Tools menu or by pressing the W key on your keyboard. Paint over the model to make a quick selection, ensuring to capture all the details, especially around the hair. Refine the selection using the Refine tool in the top toolbar. Increase the brush size if needed. Preview the selection with a white matte to ensure accuracy. Set the output as a new layer and delete the original background layer.

Blending the Model with an Oil Painting

Next, we will blend the model with an oil painting to create a unique effect. Rename the newly created layer as "New Model". Import the oil painting texture and rename the layer as "Oil Painting". Change the blend mode of the "Oil Painting" layer to "Linear Light". Adjust the placement of the model's face within the painting, ensuring it stands out in the lighter areas.

Applying Masks for Composition

To enhance the composition, we will apply masks to selectively reveal and hide parts of the photos. Begin by clicking on the mask button for the "Oil Painting" layer. Choose an empty mask, and the image will disappear. Use the paintbrush tool with white as the color to paint back parts of the oil painting, revealing the underlying model. Repeat this process for the "New Model" layer, using a different brush for variety. Adjust the composition until You achieve the desired effect.

Adding a Background

To give the cover a solid background, add a new fill layer at the top. Select a color that complements the overall design. Choose a light grey tone for a more subtle look. Experiment with different background options to find the best fit for your cover.

Adding a Title

A catchy title is essential for an album cover. Select a suitable font and create a text layer. Use a bold font like Impact for the main title, and a simpler font like Arial for the supporting text. Place the title creatively on the cover, ensuring readability and visual appeal.

Changing Blend Modes

To enhance the title's appearance, experiment with different blend modes. Change the blend mode of the text layer to "Exclusion" for a unique effect. This will create an interesting interaction between the text and the background.

Saving and Exporting the Cover

Once you are satisfied with the cover design, save it by going to File > Export. Choose a file format (JPEG or PNG) and export the image. Make sure to save it in a location easily accessible for further use.

Placing the Cover on a Vinyl Mock-up

To showcase the album cover, we can place it on a vinyl mock-up. Open the vinyl mock-up in Affinity Photo by either dragging the image file into the software or using the "Open with Affinity Photo" option. Import the saved cover and position it appropriately on the record. Adjust the opacity and experiment with different blend modes to achieve the desired look. Add a solid background to the mock-up to enhance the visual presentation.

Conclusion

By following this tutorial, you have learned how to create a captivating album cover using Affinity Photo. From setting up the canvas to blending images and applying masks, you have gained valuable insights into the process. Remember to experiment with different elements to make your album cover unique and visually appealing.