Inspirations for my digipak & advertisement

Above I have shortlisted some images that give off the concept of 'classy elegance', which I want for the theme of my album and artist image to represent. I'm not really going for a specific look as I want little color, maybe a splash of color in makeup or something. Like nail varnish, eye shadow or lippy. I don't want color to over do my artists image as that will damage her branding. The fonts will be very simplistic yet also again classy and elegant. I am not exactly familiar with the font that is on the Audrey Hepburn pic above(second top, on the right), but I know for a fact that I'd be using the same font because it is very sophisticated and compliments the image that will be on the digipak and advertisement package. I will be having no design ideas as this will again clash with the concept that I'm visioning. Everything that will be used during this production will be simple simple simple yet CLASSY BRITISH ELEGANT CHIC! 

Before being allowed to start producing the actual ancillary product, a mock up of my plan was needed to be put together. This involved me having to place text, images and color onto an appropriate template using old fashioned methods(glue, tape and scissors!). During this process, I had to get some feedback from my class mates on how effective they thought my ancillary product would be in relation to being a part of my promotional package for the release of my music video 'heaven'. I am now content with my digipak and have now taken a photo of it. So watch this place to see the real thing!

Well, during the whole plan for this production I already had the concept of what I wanted my album cover and advertisement to look like. The image of my artist in her single 'heaven' was very much classy elegance, this was what I wanted as an fluent visual theme. 'Audrey Hepburn' was the visual theme I envisioned so when I had the opportunity to prove myself I went in for it. 

Audrey Hepburn is my inspiration because she is an feminine icon, who even at this period still influences many individuals. This is similar to that of the persona I crave my artist 'Emine Parker' who will be an artist redefining glamour and representing independent women who have missed out representation due to sexed up "role models". Although, Emine will be looking glam classy we will have a moderate splash of sex to her public image as this increases sales.

Audrey Hepburn regularly tops polls for being the 'worlds most stylish woman' and 'the woman we most admire', this would be an amazing title for Emine Parker to own. 

How Digipaks relate to music videos.

During the introduction to the ancillary products we viewed a variety of music videos and digipaks/poster, we discussed how both products connect and relate together.

One of the most important aspect is the artist brand image, this image conventionally covers there genre. Whilst advertising for the artist it is important to acknowledge their image/genre and make sure their identity is shown through the use of fonts, colours and image choices.

An example:

                                          The CD covers:

An image of a female wearing glasses was used on the front cover, whilst examining the music video it was apparent this image was inspire by the mis en scene in the video, during the beginning of 'ready for the week end' music video there's a female wearing sun glasses.

The image of the record player was used on another CD cover for the same song, this image was shown in the music video, this is a repeated shot from the music video.

Picture of the artist used for advertisement:

Through another platform of advertisement, being posters and inserts this image was used of the actual artist he is wearing the same glasses as the women on the CD cover. The repetition of glasses in advertisement and the music video, creates a signature item, which people are able to identify, this all works towards creating more recognition for the artist.

These photo's are a good example of intertextuality from one artist, you can see the artist genre/image is being considered. Calvin Harris creates music mainly within the genres Electro house/ Synthpop/ Electropop, when you think of these genre initially vibrant images spring to mind, the music video is vibrant and compliments it's genre well. The music video situated an image for the the artist and the CD cover and advertisement had to maintain this.

Whilst creating my digipak it's important I make a clear link to the music video, for example maybe use similar mis en scene, costume choices, or props.

Introduction:Photoshop and creating a Digipak.

During our introduction lesson, we were given an tutorial on the basic skills of using Photoshop.
As a new comer to Photo shop I was taught how crop images, how to use different effects and was able to explore the range of opportunities I can create on Photo shop.

Our task was to create a digipak with the given pictures. First I started by cropping the image to a square this was appropriate as a digipak is a square hence the picture must consider that, by cropping the image prevented having to stretch the images, which is one of the don'ts.

Once the picture was cropped I edited it, by using the sketch effect. I decided on this because the effect seemed modern and suited the genre I wanted to portray (dance).

After this I saved the image and opened up the digipak template. Here I was able to create the other sides to the template, and experimented with font until I decided I was confident that the font suited my genre.

Once I hade completed the Title and the name I had to consider the other conventions, which included logos, names of songs, record labels.

This was a useful introduction as I became familiar with Photoshop, and put my knowledge of the do's and don'ts into practise.

Digipaks: Logos.

Whilst carrying out my research on digipaks, I came across the conventional use of logos. Logos can be used to create an artist identity, the logo would be associated with a certain artist, this will further their brand and create an individual touch which is important for the artist.

Example.

These images all have a similarity, the 'R' this is works as a signature logo, which her fans will notice. This gives the artist her own identity. Whilst creating my digipak, promotional posters and products I may consider including a signature logo to give my artist her own personal touch.

Digipak: Conventions.

                                          Do's and Don'ts:

      Do's.

• 4-8 panels.
• Artist.
• Associated theme which suits the genre.
• Colour scheme
• Clear font 
• Clear photos 
• Rules of thirds composition.
• Appropriate font/ images.
• Careful use of language/ images.
• Bar codes
• Dates
• Copy right

Whilst having our introduction to the digipak we were given the do's and don'ts, in order to achieve a professional digipak. The do's stated above are the conventions of a digipak, following these do's will help produce a digipak, as thoughtfully planing the layout will assure clarity on conveying information such as, the artist, the albums name and record label. By following rules of third composition draws the audiences attention to the important features. Clarity is important, it is about the audiences first impression to gain their interest, the layout must attract those interested in their specialised genre.

       Don'ts.

• Stretch images.
• Use layer styles.
• Use unnecessary effects.
• Place text across artist face.
• Use features because you personally like it.

The don'ts, also help you to remember your goal, to attract the audience, and promote the album. Using stretched images look unprofessional, and placing text over faces will prevent audiences from identifying the artist. It is vital to use font and images which has been thoroughly thought out, remember the genre you're trying to pursue.

Digipak: Inspirational Ideas

Our artist is quite a cool trendy urban singer from London.
I wanted to make my digipak relavent to the artist and add in a number of factors to show this.

Her representing London city, maybe add a olympic picture. 

I thought about adding images in relavent to the artists background. For E.G. where she grew up, places that inspired her and cool aspects of the artists life. E.G. being on stage.

I thought i would add in urban areas that helped mold her into who she is, various picture everyday fans would like to see an be inspired by.