‘Explicit’ and ‘offensive’ are poles apart. Here’s the line not to be crossed!

When uploading your cover art to your RouteNote release, you’ll need to think about what is depicted in your artwork before you submit the release to us. Here’s a list of what may be considered offensive artwork and therefore what should be avoided:

• Nudity
  Some stores are likely to flag most nudity as pornographic content.
• Violence and gore
  Graphic depictions of violence and injury are usually rejected as offensive content.
• Culturally offensive
  This might be artwork referencing sensitive issues or events, e.g.: terrorist attacks, disasters, tragedies, etc. It’s possible to reference events like this in artwork in a respectful manner, but you’ll be at risk of some stores deciding not to accept your release because of it.
• Discriminatory
  Anything that uses stereotypes relating to, or promotes hatred towards, groups based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national/ethnic origin, or other identities, is unacceptable, even if it’s “just a joke”. Stores won’t accept it, and we don’t want to distribute it.
• Threatening
  Artwork that suggests violence towards a specific person or group, even if it’s not meant seriously, can’t be accepted. An example might be a political figure with a crosshair overlaid on them.

Have a watch of our handy video below for more tips!

Check out the full RouteNote Style Guide here!

See also:
Are there any types of things I can’t include in my release artwork?
Where can I find free images to use in my artwork?
Can I use any image for my release artwork?