CD-Digi-Pak Analysis

CD-Digi-Pak Analysis

In order for me establish the correct design methods, materials, techniques and processes; so that I can begin to design the most proficient and well suited digi- pack design for my band. I need to research various ideas and concepts; and understand how these CD packs are designed. What audience/demographic they target? How they fit the genre of the band? How they are priced?

Designs and Covers that inspire me

This CD cover is from Janet Jacksons ‘20 Y.O.’ album, what I like and what captured my eye is the typography it’s a slick thin font it gold a very contemporary. There is a photograph of her in fore front of the image. This CD cover to me seems very inviting she is staring into the camera; there is almost a side angled mid shot of her. The jewellery she is wearing matches the type so there convergence between her and the album design, some people would have (Stewart Hall’s theory) which would be a oppositional view of this album cover as some people connotations of the gold she displaying on the album cover stems from what are publicly known as darker roots; as a lot of gold is excavated from child slave labor. So something so extravagant like gold can actually have much lugubrious connotations.  The designer of the CD cover has made her name more prominent, then the name of the CD; as the artist is more important. They are selling the artist as much as they are selling, the CD to the consumer, in order to make the CD stand out on the shelves. The design suits her as an artist as it very glamours as the gold/bling represented in this cover displays her an young artist at the time.

This is a design I also like the look of. What draws me to this image again is the gold, metallic look it has it also signifies a particular time period of the 1920’s, grandeur is also signified as it looks quite lavish and expensive, and subconsciously if made into a CD cover could target consumers as they would feel as though they have bought something opulent and worth their money. This design has been made for the movie The Great Gatsby, which is also set in that the 20’s era: I want to make an iconic representation of this Gatsby design I want to make my design similar in style and appearance; but convert the size and type to fit a CD.  This image is one that the band liked as it’s the sort look they would like for the cover of their CD. 

This is a back cover of a DOKEN CD. I like the design elements in this back cover especially the layout and is something I would like to design a signify in my design, as the layout is very centered, all the type is aligned in the middle of back cover’s canvas. The name of the CD ‘tooth and nail’ has a very interesting design format and I like the negative type this is something I want to make an iconic representation of on this back cover for my CD cover but I would like to change it to the Gatsby cover theme making it more metallic and gold.

What captures me about this design: for the band ‘SKILLET’… is the simplicity of the cover. The type has been designed specifically for the band and the rock it’s audiences, they are targeting. But someone who does not understand the connotations behind the band when looking at this cover would not realise the band SKILLET are actually a Christian Rock band. The cover has a Polysemic meaning and can it can be read in many different ways by audiences; and it allows you to decode text and uncover your own views and what it might mean (Stewart Hall). 

This design is from a less known group who have a niche audience compared to other musicians, but the design of their cover contrasts other covers I have looked at and it is very illustrative and if I wanted to produce something similar I would need to use the software Adobe Illustrator as it is best for illustration such as this one. I have also noted that unlike some of the other covers such as Janet Jacksons, the typography does not stand out much at all it is very small where as the Jackson cover has her made is large letter on the top of the cover. This makes the cover more intriguing as you wonder what the genre and who the artist are, which could work in the band favour, however this minimal style of information of the band makes it harder to understand what if any connotations or personal meaning, therefore making it hard to relate or have a connection.

This is the Cover for the ‘kaiser Chiefs’ who are an well known indie British band. I like the various materials, techniques and process that have been used to form and develop this design. The leather pattern on the background connotes wear and tear like its old but reliable maybe these are qualities that the band want to connote. However it could also could put off some people who would have more (Stewart Hall) oppostional readings due to their personal dislike for the use of animal skin, for the publicity of the cover. This also has symbolic connotations to the 60’s era of a almost box office show ticket, which they have printed their name and the name of their CD. This is very creative album cover and suits them as artists: quirky and alternative. This style of design would not fit lets say Janet Jackson's CD cover as it would not communicate well with her audiences and her pop R&B genre