Out of the Box Production

CONVENTIONS OF A DIGIPACK

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Digipacks for artists all have a similar style and layout. To create a professional looking digipack there are codes and conventions to be followed.

There are usually 2 or 3 compartments. If the album has 2 discs, which is usually for a compilation CD or a limited edition album with a DVD, then there will be 3 compartments, for which 2 will be for the discs and the other for the booklet (like the image above). For a 1 disc digipak there will be a compartment for the CD and and the other for the booklet and front image.

All digipaks include:
 

• A visual image.

• The band name and album name.

• Track Listing.

• Basic background information about the band/artist.

• Sometimes, some digipaks include reviews from critics.

• Bar code and the name and logo of the music label.

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The conventions of a digipack are found in similar places on each digipack.
 

Front Cover - The front cover includes a main image of either the band/artist or a piece of artwork which relates to the album title or the band name. The cover is the main attraction and is therefore designed to catch the purchaser's eye. Also, included is the artist name and the album title. The writing is usually big and bold to make it stand out.

 

Below is an example of Biffy Clyro's album 'Puzzle'. It is clear what the picture is based on as the image is of a man made to look like a Jigsaw puzzle to relate to the album name. Although the text at the top is not very big and bold the background is quite simple which, after noticing the image, draws the eye of the potential buyer. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Inside booklet - In most (if not every) digipack, you get a mini booklet with the CD. The booklet inside usually includes either lyrics to the songs or images of the band/artist or images related to album's songs, a page from the band/artist itself conveying their/his or her appreciation to the people who helped them/him or her produce the album, inspirations and general thanks. Also included at the back is the credits of producers, directors, music labels, and writers. Included in the booklet where the songs are listed, are the names of the song writers, those who produced it, those who sung it and any other credits to those involved in the song.
 

 

 

 

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Disc and Inside - Upon opening the digipack one will see the disc and the back of the booklet. On the front of the CD is usually a printed photo or words or both. Most digipacks just print the same image which is on the front of the album cover on the CD.

 

Liner - This is artwork that is visible under the tray, provided the tray is clear plastic. Some CD trays are coloured and opaque  (as seen below). The artwork selected is sometimes part of the theme of the album cover.

 

As seen below the tray is clear, behind the CD there is an image which is similar to the one which is on the disc. Most CD digipacks have a similar theme rather than keeping the background plain and to make it look more interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Spine - This is the title strip viewable from the  side of the CD case. The spine is an extension of and included as part of the back cover. There is a spine on the front as well. Below is the back cover of Barry White - The Collection CD on both sides one can view the spine extensions for the side and front as well.

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Back Cover - On the back of the digipack, the main thing is the track listing. There is usually a list or organized way in which the songs are found on the back cover. There is the barcode which is allocated at the back, usually at the bottom of the case, as most products do. Also found in small writing on the back is the credits, which are similar to what is seen in the back of the booklet i.e. naming the record label, who produced the songs, the musical directors, etc.

 

Here is an example from The Beatles, album ' Abbey Road'. Some digipcks also include another image at the back which associates with the album or artist. The image is usually similar to that on the front cover.

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REFERENCE

https://www.slideshare.net/CoombeMedia1/codes-and-conventions-of-a-digipack-52886313

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