Just a note to those producing recordings with the intention of publishing a CD, please don’t let the cover and sleeve artwork become an afterthought.
With full realization that hiring an artist requires effort and money, think of all the great album covers that you’d admired since you were a teeny bopper and think of your own CD this way. Do not underestimate the power of marketing and the image you present - like it or not people, more often than not, judge the CD by the cover. Present it well and you’re more likely to sell more units.
My design firm is certainly not the cheapest on the globe, but I have been known to take on “charity” cases if so compelled, but above all, some professional photography and some design spit and polish will go a long way. You probably deserve it!
[edit] This goes for web site design too BTW. And this is not meant to be solicitous in any way!
