Digipak Textual Analysis - Kieran Panchal 9652

Digipak Textual Analysis Research from Kieran Panchal

Magazine Advert Textual Analysis - Kieran Panchal 9652

Poster/Advert Textual analysis from Kieran Panchal

Conventions of a Magazine Album Advert Poster - Kieran Panchal 9652

An album advert featured in a music magazine have three main functions. These are:

• To promote the artist
• To sell the music project (album/EP/Single)
• To be eye-catching

Most tangeable adverts for music contain these main features:

• The Release Date - This is so consumers know when to expect the product to be available on the market. If an advertisement did not contain a release date, potential customers lose interest in the product, as they would not know when they will be able to own and enjoy the product.

• Album Title - This is so consumers can reference the album. Not only is this important for when the album is being bought, but this also helps spread awareness prior to its release, as it can allow the product to be a talking point. This also can give the consumer an idea of what to expect with the album due to the connotation that many titles can carry. For example, an album titled 'A guide to Love, Loss and Desperation' may give the impression to the audience that the album is themed around romance and sadness. 

• Image of Album Cover - This is so the product can be identified and recognised when it is seen both in stores or online. This can also serve the purpose of being eye-catching and helping to entice consumers to look at the advertisement.

• Name of Artist - This is imperative so that the audience know who the artist releasing the project is. In addition, if the audience are already familiar with a band, they may be more inclined to take more interest and feel that the poster is more relevant to them. 

• Information about the album - This convention is often featured in adverts for the albums of less established bands, as it shows the audience what they can expect from the music. Generally, the audience of well established artists will not require this as they would already most likely have a strong idea of the album's style.

• Point of Sale - This would give the audience an insight into where the product is available to purchase. Contemporary examples of this may be iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify or Google Play.

• Record Label Logo - This can give the audience a further idea of the genre of the artist as many labels are genre specific. This can also add credibility to an album/project as the audience may realise that a band has potential if signed to a label.

Digipak Content - Kieran Panchal 9652

This website outlines in extensive detail the different elements that should be included in/on a digipak product:
http://www.entertainerlaw.com/pdf/albumnotes_101.pdf

Digipak Layout - Kieran Panchal 9652

Digipak Layout

Cover

In terms of design, the front cover of a digipak is arguably the most important aspect of the product. This is because it is the first part of the product that is seen when it is displayed on the shelf of a store. Immediately, constomers will make assumptions on the product based on the impression that the artwork creates to them. Ultimately, in many cases, being a large contributing factor as to whether or not the product is purchased. There are many conventions generally included on the cover of a digipack:

• Artist's name
• EP/LP/Single name
• Some form of artwork/visual stimuli

Inside Cover

The inside cover refers to the adjacent cover to the CD section when the digipak is opened. This is usually an artist's opportunity to speak directly to the consumer before they listen to the CD, as this is the first thing looked at when the digipak is opened. Many artist's put 'the small print' here. This includes credits to the people involved in making the CD such as producers, studios, labels and additional supporters. Copyright information is also commonly found here. More commonly however, the inside cover is used to display a booklet.

Inner Right Panel

This is where the CD is stored, usually using a plastic mechanism to secure the disc in place, whilst allowing it to be easily 'popped' out. The CD should also be printed on in order to continue the theme of the digipak and ensure that the every aspect of the product looks aesthetically pleasing. The CD artwork is often a variation of the cover artwork and sometimes contains a track listing as a quick reference for those using the CD who may not have the case to hand.

Spine

Although often overlooked, the spine is a very important part of a digipack's design. This is because it is on view when the digipack is stacked with other CD's, either stood up straight or in a pile. It is important that this contains the artist name and the project title, and that it is big enough to be seen from a distance. Similarly to the cover, the spine can be a big influence on whether the product is picked up off the shelf or not, depending on the way it is stacked.

Back Cover

The most important aspect of the back cover is to include the track listing. Conventionally, the name of the track would follow a number (which would refer to the order in which the song appears on the CD). In most cases, the theme of the back cover will be a continuation of the front cover. It is important that there is continuity across the whole product, i.e the same fonts, colour schemes and styles are used in order for the product to appear as one complete piece.

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