Conventions of Digipaks

LIIAR Analysis on Existing Digipaks

First of all, I completed a LIIAR analysis on Rihanna's Album, Loud, I completed analysed aspects of the digipak and completed a post of denotations. Also, I focused of language, institution, ideology, audience and representation, therefore I could look at this Prezi when producing mine and take aspects of my analysis into account.




Secondly, I focused on music of a different genre, therefore I could compare the similarities and differences in the denotations and conventions of each digipak. In this case, I was comparing Rock music and Pop music. Also, when I am in the process of producing mine I will be able to refer to this information and apply it to the particular genre of my chosen song.



Thirdly I focused on Evanescence, as the digipak is not very recent therefore the conventions may vary. I focused on the genre of Metal and Rock, as my chosen song is Alternative Rock, therefore the analysis will be beneficial for my production. Also, the group has a female in, therefore it was interesting to focus on the different in gender, as there are not many bands made up of both females and males in the current music charts.

I researched existing digipaks and focused on the main themes and conventions which were present throughout all of them. I then selected a digipak and began to disect each of these elements, they were all present, therefore this shows that in particular Michael Jackson's digipak contains all of the dennotations and conventions which audiences look for. I discussed each element in detail and identified them with arrows. Also, I can use this information as I develop my research further and begin to craft my digipak personally.

The conventions of a digipak include:
Front Cover

1. Main image of the front cover
2. Title of artist
3. Name of album
4. Dramatic colour scheme
5. Something eye catching and dramatic in order to draw attention

Back Cover

1. Titles of the songs
2. Consistent colour scheme, therefore linking with the one used previously
3. Barcode
4. Name of the Record Label
5. Minor Details such as contact information
6. Possibly similar icons or photographs to the front cover

Inside Covers

1. Colour scheme used with is linked with the type of artist and genre of music
2. Photographs and images of the artist or of people involved
3. Freebies/Unique Selling Points such as posters or additional information
4. Sometimes a personal message from the artist or record label to add a personal touch
5. Continuous colour scheme to what has been used previously

Spine of the Digipak

1. Title of the album
2. Name of the artist or band
3. Record Company Logo so it is easily identifiable
4. It follows the colour scheme that has been used consistently throughout.

Digipak Templates

Firstly, I googled the definition of a digipak to provide myself with information about what it looks like and what is is used for. I also googled lots of different digipak templates, there was a lot of variety, therefore I selected a particular few which I could try and replicate using my own creativity and work. I also looked at benefits of the digipak, to give myself some insights as to what have been the pros and cons in the past. Also, it allowed myself to begin brainstorming ideas of what my digipak can be presented like.

Moodboard

I created a collage of various different existing digipaks that I could find. This gave me an insight as to what they look like and how they are presented. I also found out that it is mainly the pop genre the produces digipaks, as they are more colourful, vibrant and creative. I focused on all genres of music when I was creating the collage, rather than just the genre of my specific music video, as it would be me more of an insight, before I focus on my music genre on a deeper and more analytical level.

Possible improvements

I have thought of several different ideas and improvements for the footage that I have filmed, therefore I can consider these and analyse my current work, in order to make it of a higher standard.

Personal Improvements

• Begin to organise more shots that need to be taken
• Create a timetable that allows me to insert what location I will be using on which day and what time, in order to be more organised.
• Beginning finding and creating outfits for the ending scenes, to ensure that they look luxurious and rich

Improvements in terms of the music video

• Do some attempts at different styles of make-up on the female cast member beforehand, and then test them to see how effective they look on camera.
• Include some fast movement shots, therefore there will be a mixture of fast and slow movements within the music video, providing a contrast.
• Film the shots more than once, instead of settling for poor quality shots.
• Attempt to capture some form of positive and exciting atmosphere in the location of a nightclub, as it will add a great deal of emotion into the music video, as many people can relate.

Digipak Infomation

I found out some information about how digipaks work and how they physically look. Also, I researched further to found out the uses of the digipak and what the artists usually conveys on the front of the digipak. This stimulated some thought as what connotations and imagery I would like to convey. In this below presentation, I also included information on how these types of sales advertise the artist, and how it entered the media and music industry, and the effect that it has.