Album Cover Artist for Electronic / Afro House Music — Long-Term Opportunity

I’m looking for a talented visual artist or cover designer to create original artwork for an upcoming Afro House single titled “LMHYS”, short for “Let Me Hear You Say.” This first project is for one cover, but I release approximately **7–14 tracks per year** and would like to build a long-term relationship with the right artist. About the Track “LMHYS” is a dark, sensual, dance-focused club record built around a female vocalist whispering, “let me hear you say.” The track is intended for large Afro House stages and hot, crowded rooftop environments. The atmosphere is: * Dark and hypnotic * Sensual and intimate * Humid, energetic, and physical * Stylish and editorial * Dancefloor-focused, but not industrial or warehouse-inspired I have a mood board (some images) and some AI-generated concept images (see the image titled "Idea 1 (We Like This The Best)") here https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3fppm5li0gyunbeeh7z52/AFlYTlA6oxPLwtpi8k8xN64?rlkey=b5wc0hyd97tjk9jgn7m2a24jx&st=kpvr64yp&dl=0 Initial Creative Direction The current concept centers around: * An extreme close-up of a woman’s mouth * Lips slightly parted as though she is whispering * The mouth emerging from a soft circular or rounded opening in deep black shadow * Most of the face remaining hidden * Glossy lips and a subtle sweaty or humid skin texture * Deep blacks with controlled coral, orange, bronze, cyan, teal, or magenta lighting * Editorial fashion photography combined with underground electronic music artwork * Film grain, haze, soft blur, light movement, or breath-like effects * Minimal and refined typography featuring **LMHYS** + the name of the artists **KARABA & KMNI** The mood board and AI concepts are starting points only and the idea above is just 1 idea we like. I want the selected artist to interpret the direction and produce a distinctive, professionally finished, original cover. Deliverables The final delivery should include: * One finished square cover * Minimum size: **3000 × 3000 px** * High-resolution RGB file suitable for Spotify, Apple Music, Beatport, and other digital platforms * Final version with typography * Clean version without typography * High-quality JPG and PNG exports * Commercially usable final artwork * Reasonable revision rounds included in the quote Social media or motion-design abilities are a plus, but they are not required for this initial project. Timeline * **Deadline:** Final delivery within one week * **Project type:** Fixed-price contract Please provide a realistic quote based on your experience and proposed creative process. Quality and creative alignment matter most. AI Policy AI may be used during brainstorming, experimentation, or early concept development. However, the finished artwork **cannot simply be a fully AI-generated image delivered without significant original artistic work.** The final result should demonstrate professional human involvement through areas such as: * Art direction * Photography or licensed imagery * Illustration * Digital painting * Compositing * Retouching * Color grading * Typography * Layout and finishing Please explain whether and how AI would be used in your process. Rights and Ownership I require an exclusive commercial buyout of the final approved artwork. Upon completion and full payment: * I must receive exclusive ownership of the final artwork * The artwork cannot be resold, relicensed, reused, or repurposed for another client * Editable source files must be included * Any stock photography, fonts, textures, or other third-party materials must be disclosed before use * All third-party assets must be properly licensed for commercial music artwork * The artist must have the right to transfer the agreed usage and ownership rights Portfolio display or public sharing of the artwork should require my approval after the release has been announced. Ideal Artist You may be a strong fit if you have experience with: * Album or single cover artwork * Electronic music, Afro House, house, dance, R&B, or nightlife projects * Music-industry clients, artists, labels, or entertainment brands * Fashion and editorial portraiture * Photography, compositing, retouching, illustration, or digital painting * Dark and atmospheric imagery * Dramatic lighting and color grading * Minimal typography * Artwork that remains visually strong at thumbnail size Previous music-industry cover work is a major advantage. Experience creating artwork for recognized artists, labels, brands, or creative campaigns is also a strong plus. I value visual taste, originality, reliability, communication, and the ability to contribute ideas rather than simply copying a reference. Long-Term Opportunity I expect to release approximately **7–14 tracks per year**. For the right person, future projects may include: * Additional single covers * EP artwork * Alternate cover versions * Release campaign graphics * Animated artwork * Spotify Canvas loops * Social media assets * Artist branding and visual identity development This job is being posted for the first cover only. Any future work will be discussed and contracted separately. How to Apply Begin your proposal with the word **“WHISPER”** so I know you read the full brief. Please include: 1. A link to your portfolio. 2. Three to five examples most relevant to this project. 3. A brief explanation of how you would approach the LMHYS concept. I will not request unpaid finished concepts. Shortlisted artists may be invited to a brief call or offered a small paid concept-development milestone before the full project begins.