2. Digipaks are away of packaging an artists discs. They fold and unfold like a normal case would however they are made from card rather than the hard plastic used for the cases. The disc is held on a thin see through tray inside the digipak. Using Digipaks is a more efficient and cheaper way of producing a packaging rather than the normal cases that are usually used. They are normally used for special edition CD's or DVD's, this is because the packaging is so easily modified in order for it to hold more than one disc by having more panels that are able to be folded into it. Digipak is a registered trademark of AGI media who originally developed the packaging style. The term digipak has come into common use for any similar style packaging, even when produced by other companies or with varying materials. Digipak weaknesses include the plastic trays used to hold the disc are brittle and liable to snap, or loose teeth, more so than jewel cases and the softer card materials used for the outer packaging are likely to get damaged easily although UV coating is sometimes used to minimise this. On the right I’ve shown some CD Digipaks to show the fold out style and materials used. DVD Digipaks are the same however with rectangular dimensions.
3. Aside from simple design conventions Digipaks seem to be relatively simple, only having the artist and disc name on the cover, possibly with a DVD logo. Age ratings aren’t often an issue with musicians releases, however if applicable this would be on the front. Information on the back may include track and content listing, Record label information and barcode including small print on copyright information. These Digipaks shown have chosen to show logos and or artwork as the front cover, this is more in keeping with these bands styles. Also both artists are quite famous and do not need a photograph of themselves on the front for self-promotion.
4. This Digipak uses the four unfolds to promote the band by having there faces on each. However it does not seem to include much information, although it looks good and creative.I like the idea of this Digipak as it is unique compared to what Digipaks usually are. It is called a ‘Maltese cross digipak’ and allows it to be unfolded from four directions so that it opens up to look like a cross. This would allow me to use 5 main images if that’s what I wanted; one for the cover and one for each unfold. However although that is what is expected of this digipak I could also use the opportunity to add information such as track list ect rather than images, to ensure that I have all the information that I need to use provided.
5. This is a more traditional Digipak, where it all unfolds into a row. This Digipak ensures that the inages are still used however are pushed into the background a little more and put into the folds of the digipak. A lot of information is included on this Digipak, However it includes everything that could possibly be needed.I find this kind of Digipak very suitable and appropriate, as it ensures all is included including nore information to that of the Maltese cross digipak, however it does not come across as so creative or attractive.
6. I feel that When it cones to doing my own digipak I will need to ensure that I get the correct balance between creativity and information. I will do this by using clear images that stand out, but at the same time making sure that I include any information that a customer may need or want.
