A step by step description of how I created my CD cover and traycard to match the conventions that I was basing my designs on originally.

1. The Process Of Creating
My CD Cover
Bethany White

2. Firstly, I took a variety of different
photographs. In these photographs, I
experimented with different camera angles
and different positions for the model. It was
important to convey the emotion that the
album includes through the positioning of
the model.

3. The first photograph that I took was of the model underneath a
large tree. I chose this particular location as it seems very minimal
and natural. This hints to the consumer of the album that the songs
included aren’t too complex and spread messages that would be
considered as being important and have meaning.
I then chose for the model to pose in this specific way to show his
vulnerability and sensitivity. This also would link to the songs on the
album as they are emotional in the way they are written and also
could be seen as being relatable for the consumer. The songs on
the album are very open and honest contrasting against the models
pose which seems rather closed.
In my final edit of the photograph, I have added text. This text
includes the name of the artist/band and the name of the
album. For the name of the band, I chose Blink - Line. This is
because I still wanted my album to be based on the band,
Kodaline, so I fused the word blink with the word line in order
to create Blink – Line, which would be more of a tribute title.

4. Firstly, I edited my original
photograph by increasing the
brightness and contrast. This
meant that the photograph
seemed more enhanced and
clearer to the viewer
Increasing the exposure meant
that the photograph seemed to
stand out more than it had
originally done and the colours
became sharper.
By increasing the vibrance, I
was able to ensure that the
grass stood out – especially the
few blades of grass and straw
that overlap the model
emphasising the relaxed and
natural feel of the album.

5. My second edit is formed by using a similar photograph to my
first edit. I made the focus of my second edit about
experimenting with different colours and removing colour
altogether in specific areas. The colours and tones used within
my edit would have given the album more of a punk/pop feel
instead of being soft rock/indie which is the main genre that I
was meant to be focusing on. This edit also doesn’t look as
real and natural as the first edit meaning that the specific
message that I wanted to convey through the album cover
wouldn’t have been conveyed through this design.
The text that I have added is of a similar style to
the text used on Kodaline’s albums, but after
receiving feedback, I was advised that the text
should be more spread out and should match the
text that would be shown on the traycard at the
back of the album.

6. I edited this photograph by
completely changing the brightness
and contrast. This is shown in the
vibrancy of the grass which
contrasts against the black and
white colouring of the model
where colour has been removed.
This was in order to achieve the
dark colours usually associated
with rock albums, although I found
that it was far to dark and heavy
for the specific style of rock that I
am basing my album on.
I then decreased the exposure so
that more shade was being
created underneath the tree
making the background stand out
less so the main focus was
actually on the model rather than
his environment.

7. My third shot was taken in exactly the same position, but I zoomed in
on the model and part of his environment in this photograph. With this
particular shot, I tried experimenting with using a mixture of black and
white tones and vibrant colours by splitting the photograph in half. I did
this in order to symbolise happiness and sadness as I feel that the
songs included on the album vary between these two emotions. I also
ensured that the font for the text that I used was fairly simple in order
to link my CD cover design back to Kodaline and the style of writing
that is included on their album covers.
Within my edit I have ensured that the different tones of
colour used on the coloured areas are bright in order to
create more of a contrast between the black and white filter.
By making the coloured tones a lot brighter, I am able to
emphasise the positive messages spread through many of
the songs on the album, whereas the black and white filter
helps to emphasise the slightly more emotional and heart felt
messages that are conveyed through many of the songs on
the album.

8. I edited my photograph so that
one half of the photograph is
still in colour whereas the other
half has a black and white
filter. I have done this to show
experimentation in the editing
of this particular design. I have
kept the text as being simple
so that it links back to the
band that I was basing my CD
cover on.
In the coloured section of my
design, I have tried to make
the colours more enhanced by
increasing the brightness and
contrast and the exposure
creating a contrast against the
black and white filter.

9. My fourth shot was taken at a different angle but the model was still in the
same position as in the other shots. This meant that a different perspective on
the subject was given. In this photograph, I ensured that the simplicity of the
other shots were carried through enabling this design to link to the band,
Kodaline. This is because on many of their album covers, they keep the
designs simple ensuring that they reflect the more emotional side to the album.
Yet again, I made sure that the font of the text was also simple linking back
to the band. This may mean that the band are less concerned over the image
and style of the band but more concerned over the message that is spread
throughout their songs.
I edited my photograph so that the colours were a lot brighter and more
vivid creating a contrast against the colour that has been removed from
the model. This is so that the CD cover design reflects the selection of
songs that are on the album ranging from slow and emotional songs to
more upbeat and fast paced songs. Next, I made the text so that it was
fairly simple but stood out due to the underlining of the bands name.
This would result in the CD being easier to find as it is clearly marked.

10. I increased the brightness and contrast
first in order to make the photograph
seem more enhanced making it stand
out more. Although, I did not make the
tones within the photograph too bright
as I felt that they needed to be calming
rather than being harsh and bold. This
reflects the bands genre of music and
the way in which their music usually
sounds.
I made sure that the font of the text
was simple but was also considered to
be bold. This is because I wanted the
text to link to the text that appears on
many of Kodaline’s album covers which
also is fairly simple. I made sure that
the bands name was slightly larger in
size compared to the name of the
album for identification purposes, as it is
easier for a consumer to identify a CD
by the band or artist’s name rather than
the album name.

11. My first shot for my traycard was taken using the same model and in a similar location to that on
the CD front cover. This is so that both photographs easily link to one another and highlight the
running theme throughout the album. I purposefully have made sure that the models true identity
is not revealed as the band that I am basing my CD cover n often don’t appear on the front covers
of their albums, instead they use models. I have carried this through to my work making sure that
not only do I use a model, but also I have kept it so that his face is also hidden. This means that the
style and image of the band is less important than the messages that are conveyed throughout
each of their songs.
I have edited this particular photograph so that the colour has been removed from the
background but still remains on the model. This is reversed compared to some of the edits that
I have completed for the front cover of the CD case which show the background in colour and
the model in black and white. I have kept the colour on the mode so that the front cover is able
to link to the traycard meaning that overall, the whole of the CD will be easier to identify.
I have also kept the same font on the traycard as on the front cover so that a similar theme of
simplicity is carried out throughout the whole of the album making it more about the music
rather than the image of the band.

12. I have edited this photograph so that the
background seems a lot darker than the model
meaning that it is bolder and also creates a
contrast between the two tonal qualities. It also
creates a certain level of calmness within the
environment reflecting the style in music that is
included within the album.
I also increased the brightness and contrast so
that the colours on the models clothing became
more enhanced and vivid making the model
stand out more compared to his background.
Additionally, I then added the track listings,
copyright information and a barcode. All of
these little details make the album seem
slightly more professional that it originally
would have been without them. The track
listings are needed to be able to identify which
songs are included on this album. The copyright
information I needed to display the restrictions
that come with buying an album similar to this.
Finally, the barcode is for complete
professionalism and also to understand
whether a space was left for a barcode on the
design of the traycard or whether it just needs
to be placed over the top of the original design.

13. The second shot is exactly the same shot used as my first shot for my traycard. I have used the same
shot so that I am able to experiment more with the layout of my traycard rather than different edits.
I have purposefully taken a photograph with the models head turned so that we, as the viewer, are
not able to identify them. This is pre-planned as I am basing my CD cover and traycard on the band
Kodaline, who also do not like to show their identity on the covers of their albums. This may
symbolise that they care more about their music and the message that is conveyed within their
music than their style as a band and how popular they are.
I edited the photograph so that it seemed more enhanced and a lot brighter. I made the
image smaller so that most of the traycard was taken up by a block colour of grey making
the overall CD seem fairly minimalist emphasising the simplicity of the band, much like
Kodaline. Next, I then included the track listings, copyright information and a barcode so
that the traycard seemed slightly more professional and of a higher quality. I listed the
tracks in their order but I staggered the text to add slightly more character to the traycard
so it didn’t seem as bland. This could also symbolise how each song on the album helps the
consumer of the album to ‘build – up’ an overall perspective of the band through each
song. I then added copyright information to display restrictions that come with consuming
this album, but most importantly, the copyright information makes the overall design of
the traycard look more professional. I then added a barcode to also make the CD look more
professional but also to give the consumer the ability to pay for it using more technological
based items.

14. I increased the brightness and contrast
on the photograph so that it would seem
more enhanced, but also stood out
against the slightly more bland colour of
grey that takes up most of the area of the
traycard. This means that more of a
contrast was created.
I then increased the vibrance of the
photograph so that the green colour of
the grass also stood out along with the
colouring of the models clothing making
the photograph seem more vivid and
clearer to see.
By increasing the exposure of the
photograph as well, I was able to make
the photograph easier to see and a lot
more enhanced resulting in it standing
out.

15. My Final Edits For The Front
Cover And Traycard