Creating podcast cover art that stands out: podcast logo ideas and examples

Everyone’s got things to say and it seems like podcasts are the way to go nowadays!

Given how easy it is to get the equipment to record a casual conversation and upload it on a platform like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, it is so enticing for people to just make their own podcast.

Unlike videos, where you have to think of setting up lights, a background, looking presentable, and editing it to make it engaging, podcasts are so much simpler to record and upload.

You don’t even have to trim it much if you guys are having a fun and engaging conversation already!

We like to listen to podcasts because we can do it while multitasking.

It’s a great background for mundane tasks like driving to work, going grocery shopping, or doing some household chores.

We just gotta find a podcast in a field we’re familiar with or interested in, and it feels like we’re listening to friends chatter while going through our day.

As long as you can attract the attention of these audiences, they can easily binge on your podcast content while they’re doing other things.

The challenge for podcasters here is getting potential listeners to click on your podcast in the first place.

Now that there are so many podcasts cluttering up their feeds, it can be difficult to stand out among the rest and say, “Hey! I’m here. You’ll love to listen to this one.”

This is why your podcast logo design is so important.

Your podcast logo, or artwork, is the visual front door to your show and sets the tone for your content.

It lets people know who you are and what your podcast will talk about.

Whether you’re having an informative, horror, conversational, or comedy podcast, you can also communicate that tone through this one image.

In this guide, I’ll run you through the things you should consider when creating your podcast logo and how you can make it stand out to your potential listeners.

Design elements to include in your podcast design

The key to your podcast’s visuals is the design elements you add to it, whether that’s in your podcast cover design or any promotional banners.

Here are some ways to make sure you’re using the right design elements for your podcast cover:

Establish your podcast name and brand with the right font typography

Depending on the podcast platform and the length of your podcast name, this name might appear cut off on the feed.

This is why people usually include their names in their podcast artwork.

You get more space, and you can easily play around with the typeface to make it more eye-catching.

However, a factor people don’t consider is how the font you choose can convey a lot about your podcast’s personality and genre.

You have to match the mood of your podcast with the font you choose.

For a serious, professional podcast, consider using clean, sans-serif, and serif fonts.

For a fun, light-hearted podcast, playful or handwritten fonts are the better choice.

Also, remember that this font is going to appear in a small image on the feed.

You want to make sure that the font is easy to read, even at smaller sizes.

Avoid overly intricate or decorative fonts that might be hard to decipher.

You can also pair fonts to add more visual interest and contrast to your logo.

You can have your podcast brand name in a bold, attention-grabbing font paired with your tagline in a simpler and smaller font.

Choosing the right colors for your podcast cover art

Color is a powerful tool in design, evoking emotions and associations.

It is particularly important to choose the right colors for your podcast cover because this art is the first thing people will see, and it can affect how they perceive your podcast even before they read your name or listen to your episodes.

First, you have to understand that each color can trigger different psychological responses in people.

For example, here are some common perceived meanings behind colors:

• Red: energy, passion, excitement
• Blue: trust, calm, professionalism
• Green: growth, nature, tranquility
• Yellow: happiness, creativity, warmth

You want to choose colors that align with the mood you want to convey.

Next, you’ll have to consider color theory.

You don’t want to overwhelm your design by using too many colors or using colors that don’t work well together.

Each color on the color wheel can be paired with another color to create a different color harmony.

For example, if you use three colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel, you get an analogous color palette.

You can use these different color harmonies to choose the color palette for your cover artwork.

This would include:

• Primary color: The main color that represents your brand.
• Secondary colors: Complementary colors that enhance the primary color.
• Accent colors: Used sparingly to highlight important elements.

To learn more about using color harmonies and color theory for a balanced design, you can read our guide at:

➡️The art of color harmony: a guide to color theory to create a balanced design

Adding relevant imagery to your podcast logo design

There are different icons and images you can add to your podcast cover art to set your theme.

You want to add imagery or icons that help convey the subject of your podcast to your listeners at a glance.

You can go for either of the following icons and illustrations:

• Symbolic icons:

These icons can be anything related to the theme or subject of your podcast.

A book icon can be added to the art of a literature podcast or a magnifying glass for a true crime podcast.

In the Potterless podcast by Mike Schubert, for example, he narrates and gives commentary on the Harry Potter series to his audience.

So it makes sense for him to use symbols you would associate with Harry Potter.

• Illustrations as metaphors

You can also have an illustration that is a metaphor related to your brand name.

For example, if you have a podcast related to daydreaming, you can have an image of someone’s head in the clouds to represent the metaphor.

• Images related to your brand

If you have an existing following or brand, you can add something that will let your followers know it’s you.

In our podcast, Deer Insights, we have our iconic mascot, Buckley the deer, wearing headphones. Anyone who knows Deer Designer can see that on their feed and identify it with our brand.

Likewise, you can add an illustration or photo of yourself to your podcast.

This also lets your potential audience know that you are the podcast host and that the podcast features your opinions or narration.

For example, The Joe Rogan Experience by Joe Rogan has both his name and his face in the image to let his fans know that it is his podcast.

To learn more about illustration and branding, Deer Designer has some guides you can read here:

➡️Harnessing the power of visual storytelling: Tell your story using illustrations

➡️Brand illustrations: How you can use illustrations for your brand and build your brand identity

The best practices when designing your podcast cover

Now that you have the design elements, how do you make sure they’re put together into a great podcast cover?

Make your logo instantly recognizable in the directory

You want to create a logo that is truly yours and will be easily recognized by your existing followers.

This means your podcast logo should align with the overall branding of your show.

Use consistent fonts, colors, and styles across all branding materials to build a cohesive brand identity.

Keeping your podcast artwork simple

While you want to pack as much information as you can into that one image, you should still keep the imagery simple and avoid clutter.

Too many details can make the logo look busy and reduce its impact, especially in smaller sizes.

Make sure your logo is scalable and looks good in both larger and smaller formats.

Get professional-quality artwork

You’ll want to avoid using free podcast logo makers and logo templates.

The only exception would be if you have the design skills and can personalize these templates with your own logo, colors, and images.

Yes, it is an additional cost to hire a graphic designer, but consider this a worthy investment if you want your podcast to be successful.

Think of all the other podcasters who are probably browsing through the same free assets as you are.

There could be thousands of them out there, and you can’t make sure that no one else is using the same logo as you are.

These free assets also tend to be more generic.

You won’t have any luck creating a good podcast cover that stands out from there.

You are better off hiring a professional designer from Deer Designer instead!

They can create the perfect podcast logo that matches your brand, stands out in the feed, and is the right size for podcast directories.

It’s just more convenient, and it will definitely pay off in the long run.

The best podcast logo is one that your audience likes best

Don’t be afraid to switch up your podcast logo design depending on what your audience likes or how your brand changes.

They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your design.

You can share a few graphic design options in a podcasting community or on social media and ask for feedback on which one resonates the most.

Create a podcast logo that stands out

Creating a standout podcast logo involves careful consideration of typography, color schemes, and imagery.

Your logo is a crucial part of your podcast’s brand identity, as the cover art is the first thing your potential listeners will see, and it can set the tone for your content even before they click to listen.

Whether you’re just starting a podcast or looking to rebrand, investing time and effort into designing a compelling logo will pay off in visibility and listener engagement.

Do you need a podcast logo and other marketing materials?

Our professional graphic designers can handle the work for you and make sure your podcast stands out among the rest.

Book a client-fit call today.

Key takeaways

• Your podcast cover is the first thing your potential listeners will see, and it can affect how they perceive your podcast, so it is important to make sure this reflects your brand.
• The font and typography you choose can not only attract the attention of new listeners but also set the tone of your podcast.
• Consider the psychology of colors and the different color harmonies when selecting the right colors for your podcast.
• Adding relevant images and icons can help give your audience a clue as to what your podcast is going to be about.
• Avoid using free templates for your podcast art, as it can make your design look generic and unoriginal. Invest in professional design instead.
• Prioritize making a design that resonates with your audience best.