Digipak: Conventions



Digipak: Conventional Layout 1



Digipak: Conventional Layout 2

 
Here I have sourced two stereotypical layouts of a digipak that would be used for a single release. Unlike the first layout, the second case involves two CD holders which can be optional depending on special features, bonus tracks or a DVD of a live performance. The second also has 8 panels but I have included it to give an idea of the final structure and form of the digipak.

Each panel has a seperate purpose - to portraty information to the audience whether that be by a visual image, track listing, EP name etc. The digipak in split in 6 seperate panels which is then folded horizontally and folded again on the outer left and right panels inwards that would resultantly cover the central panel.



Digipak: CD holder central in panels



Digipak: CD case is on a far right panel with a central pocket

Analysing Conventions of a Digipak:
The front cover of a digipak conventionally features an image of the artist with typography showing the EP/Single name and artist name. It is important then to follow the colour scheme and tone of this image, or whether the front cover image is a graphic design, to continue with it for the rest of the panelling to create a specific house style. By using a consistant font, font size, background colour etc. then it makes the digipak more recognisable but also looks more aesthetically pleasing as the proportions and overall image equal. For example with this Digipak for Lady Gaga's 'The Fame Monster' released by Streamline Records:

Digipak design for Lady Gaga's 'The Fame Monster'

Here the house style is a striking black and white design. The front cover adheres to the conventions of featuring an image of the artist, with the proportion of the head following the Rule of Thirds by featuring in the top third of the cover. The bottom third then focuses on the typography and text of the EP name and artist name. The text is continued by featuring on the inside panels where two CD holders are, as well as on the back:

Central back panel for Lady Gaga's Digipak



Unusually the track listings have been featured vertically along the back of the cover. However, it still adheres to the tule of thirds by taking up the far right third of the image. The capitalised font with a close kerning is continued on the back to keep with the house style. Other conventions that I must remember to include is the barcode, logo of my recording label (679 recordings) with other parent companies as well as crediting contributors to the record. Again, a black and white image is used of the artist to take up the majority of the cover and follow the style of Digipak and is a continuation of another image from the left inner panel. It is important to note that if I use an image of my artist on the cover or on the back that it would be most appropriate to use the same shot (the same image of background or shot type) again on another panel to continue with a house style.

Deluxe Edition of Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream' Digipak



The continued photography and outfit style is more evident here on Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream' Digipak. The central cover would be the far right panel (this deluxe edition does not feature typography of the artist name and album title) which have tones of red (her lipstick/skin), pink (the clouds) and blue (the sky). This is evidently continued through the rest of the Digipak, such as with the back of the package. The stereotypical conventions of text alignment horizontally from the left of the page is more obvious here, using a red font over a plain pink cloud and sky. This shows that I do not necessarily have to feature an image of the artist again on the back of the package, but use the continued background style of the digipak here. The house style is also reflected in the colour of the typography:

Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream' Front Cover

On the largest font 'Katy Perry' a blue outline has been used with a red fill. The added white to represent a shine gives a finished and three-dimensional look. This scheme is continued similarly with the 'Teenage Dream' font.