Digipak and Magazine Advert!

Digipak and Magazine Advert

What is a Digipak?

Digipaks tend to consist of a book style paperboard or card stock binding, with one or more plastic trays, that are able to hold a CD or DVD, attached inside. This means that the CD comes in a cardboard flip-out case rather than a standard plastic hinged case.

Often digipak-style packaging is used for special editions of albums, or the tall DVD digipak (DVDigipak) is used as a premium package for DVD's.

So, what would be included in a digipak?

• Photographs and Pictures.

There will usually be at least one picture of the artist(s), other pictures may be of a scene that mirrors the mood/genre of the songs.

• Track List

A track list will be included, with the song writing credits also.

• Disk Impression

Sometimes there will be an image either printed behind the disk, on the back panel, or otherwise on the disk itself.

• Artist Information

This is sometime the small writing on the back of the digipak, (or in the booklet that comes with the digipak) that will mention names, instruments, additional musicians, copyrights, year of release etc. Often this section is very detailed, and will include the artists 'Thank you' section.

• Barcode, QR Code

This part of the digipak will allow the fans to purchase the digipak from a shop. The QR code, is a very new part included on CD's and Digipak's, if fans scan the code it can unlock perks from the artist, send them to the artist's website, and much more. This feature proves popular, as it can offer bonus content for the fans.

• Record Label Logo

Including their logo on the CD or digipak of an artist allows the record company to further its popularity and success. It will also allow the fans to identify certain types of artists with the record label, which again can prove to help the record label and the artist's popularity.

SOMETIMES:

Digipak's will include; Membership postcard, free posters, or fliers (related to that artist or record label)

Rihanna - Loud

On the left is Rihanna's album 'Loud' which was made as a digipak. On the inside three panels is a continuous photograph of the artist and some roses. I think this gives the album a real ladylike and gentle feel. However, it could be argued that the continuous red across the inside panels, suggests passion, desire, or possibly danger. The use of the colour red on the front cover gives the impression that this was used to draw attention to the album. I also believe that the use of Rihanna's face throughout the digipak suggests vanity, as the sole focus of the album is her. The picture used of Rihanna used on both the back and front, suggests vulnerability for she is not looking at the camera. This could also relate to her personal life. On the spine of the album is the record label with which Rihanna is signed to 'Def Jam', which could bring attention to both Rihanna and 'Def Jam' as both are popular in the music industry. The font used on the album, again gives an air of femininity, for the font is light in colour, and not harsh. The font is also easy to read so, it is more accessible to the audience. 

Evanescence - Fallen

On the right is the 'Fallen' digipak from the band Evanescence. This digipak has a very different feel to that of Rihanna's, which is key as the artists come from two quite different genres. Unlike Rihanna, Evanescence are a rock band, and I feel that is shown through their digipak. The colour scheme for the album is that of black, white and blue. I believe the colours suggest a harshness, as the colours are very bright.  The front cover of the digipak suggests that the band are recognisable by their lead singer, and the decision was to out her on the cover. However, that doesn't mean the rest of the band are not included (they are just on another panel). I feel as though the album highlights a sense of isolation or alienation, for the band seem disconnected from one another, but also the world. Even with the band looking at the camera, I get a sense of loneliness, or a sense of upset.