Final DigiPak:
After receiving the feedback from my draft I have decided to make a number of changes and have come to a final decision after completing various 'draft' versions.
Changes I have made:
- No longer using the 'embossed' style font, I have decided to use a black opaque font as I believe it creates a better contrast against the stark white background, I think it also helps to create a more minimalist and 'polished' look which represents my band well and also appeals to their target market.
- Removed the image of the band from the front cover of the DigiPak. Although I was really happy with the images I took of INFLUXX, I prefer the front cover to be completely plain as it ties in well with the rest of the DigiPak panels, I also didn't really like the 'blurred' image that I produced.
- Changed the 4 Panel DigiPak to a 4 Panel DigiPak with a slot load pocket. This decision came from taking the image of INFLUXX off the front cover panel, firstly I didn't want the image to go to waste and I thought it would work well as a poster. Therefore I have made the decision to design and create an insert that will be an image of the band that is not blurred (as well as also creating a magazine advertisement).
- Removed the top 'rectangle' on the inside left panel.
- Changed the track listing: I have changed the tracks 'Kaleidescope Love' to 'Breaking Through' and I've also added another track named 'Diver'
- Rearranged the track listing into a rectangle in the centre of the back cover.
- Moved the 'AM Sounds' record label icon
- Moved and resized the barcode.
- Added the band and album name on the spine.
I think the incredibly 'bare' and stripped back nature of the front Digipak panel is what is immediately intriguing to the viewer, it is not often that the cover of a conventional Digipak is so minimalist. This makes it un-conventional and intriguing at the same time, which is probably quite reflective of the bands nature and the music they create. The consistent style and colouring of the font used for the name of the brand helps create a branded image which can easily be associated with the artists despite their lack of presence on the front cover. I feel if the artists are not going to be included on the front cover of any sort of Digipak or advertisement it is important that a certain 'image' can be associated with them in the eyes of the viewer, in this case, it is simply the recognisable 'INFLUXX' title that appears on all works attributed to the artists. This style of front cover has been adopted by The Beatles on their 'White Album' and by New Order on their album 'Substance' - showing that clearly if used appropriately and paired with artistic efficiency, such minimalist designs can work.
ReplyDeleteThe back panel which features track listings follows the similar minimalist conventions that have already been presented on the front cover of the Digipak, the font is identical to the text featured on the front panel (bar the 'INFLU' which is clearly slanted on the front panel to help create more of recognisable band identity in the eyes of the viewer.) - This helps to create a constant feel for both the artists INFLUXX and the Digipak they have released.
Interestingly the often 'boring' and typical features of a standard Digipak are made to be more interesting as they fit in perfectly with the minimalist lay out and black and white colour palette that has been adopted (the features I am in reference to are things such as the barcode, T&C's and the record labels logo, as well as the text down the spine of the Digipak.) I think it is a wise choice to feature the insert of lyrics as more often than not, most bands offer a similar feature in their Digipaks. I believe it to be wise as of course, rather than having the lyrics ruining the minimalistic design that runs through out the entire Digipak, they are instead placed on an insert. I think it is also appropriate that the artists are featured on the insert, more often than not people are going to be inclined to find out what the people look like that they are listening too, so this should answer any potential queries that a typical listener may have.
An issue that may arise is how the typical viewer is going to recognise the text of the artists name 'INFLUXX', it may require additional marketing to get the name 'out there' so that any imagery does not have to be used for recognition in the eyes of your target audience, however this depends on the bands existing popularity, if for example they are widely known, it is unlikely the target audience will have any qualms identifying with the bands name as opposed to their actual appearances (which you have not included on the cover.)
I believe that the imagery provides a fitting counterpoint to the peaceful nature and colour scheme of the remaining Digipak, for example, every panel is tranquil and almost 'calming' to an extent, however the imagery on the insert provokes more of a intimidating and brooding response from the viewer due to the artists expressions. I personally think this works well as it is in stark contrast to the rest of the Digipak and is unexpected, but I cannot speak for the entire target audience, some may think it is out of place, but if that is the case it is likely to be restricted to a small minority.