FINAL digipak

Back                                                                                                                   Front

I decided to change our idea from a 6 spread digi-pak to a 4 spread case. This way we would have more time to focus on the design ideas for the 2 main covers. 

As you can see the same image was used for the front of the digi-pak as the magazine advert. This way a consistent trend can be seen and understood. Another theme that we have kept consistent is the usage of the same cross. This was used to display the trend of religion. Religion is a very well recognised aspect of hip-hop conventions. Furthermore, we felt that if we maintained the image of the cross throughout the main product and the ancillary products, it would enable the viewer to recognise that all the products are linked together with the same artist being 'Aim'.

Why were certain images chosen?

Whilst creating the digi-pak, i used photoshop to alter the two images. Different images were played around with before the final two images were chosen. For example with the cross, there were multiple images taken in various locations such as on the ground or the steps. However, we felt that this final image was the most powerful as the cross was displayed a lot clearer than the other images. Furthermore, the brick background displayed a beautiful red backdrop for our picture, again fitting the convention colours of hip hop as red is very prominent. With the front cover we decided to use the same image as the magazine advert as it is very common within hip hop to continue the theme from magazine advert to digi pak cover. This highlights the importance of keeping the audience familiar with the artwork of products. Also, the location of the image was very apt as it was taken on a graffiti backdrop which contributed towards the scene.

What types of effects were used through Photoshop?

With the front image involving our actress (myself) against a graffiti covered wall, the first effect that was chosen was adjusting the brightness to darken the image and playing around with the colours of the image to try and push it towards a red colour to match the image on the back of the case. I felt that it was important that the digi-pak looked like it matched together and that it had a reoccurring theme. After adjusting the image to darken it, i used a burn tool to add darkness to the actress' eyes. This was done because i felt that it was necessary that she looked dirty and rough in order for the audience to understand her story. We felt that this gritty image would fit our conventions as the woman would come across as being poverty stricken.

Whilst i was still using the burn tool, i added a bruise to her hand holding the cross. This continued the rough image. As i was bruising the hand in the front image, i had to ensure that i was bruising the hand in the back image also.

After the burn tool, i used a magic wand tool to select specific areas of the cross the actress is holding. I then chose to brighten these areas. This way there was a real contrast of a darkened background and a shining white cross. Furthermore, this meant we could really play on the theme of religion.

I chose to add the font for 'Aim' in large, bold, red letters as this would continue the conventions that we have used for our main products and ancillary products. Finally, i added the record label image used on the magazine advert and a 'parental advisory explicit content' label on also.

With the back of the digi-pak, the first thing i did was again darken the image. I also, played around with the colour saturation adding some more reds to fit with the front cover of the case. Afterwards i used the burn tool again to add some more bruising on the hand. This was very affective as the hand is very close up with the cross, therefore it is exposed well. Again, like before i used the magic wand tool to select specific areas to brighten on the cross. I did struggle with getting rid of the chosen sections but my teacher taught me to press ' ALT' then 'D' as it disabled the section that i was on. Finally, i added the fonts for the song titles and the spine of the digi-pak including a fan website. I chose white font for the back of the cover because it stood out the best on the red brick background. Furthermore, it fitted the conventions of using 2 colours. Red and white came up a lot during our research and we thought that it linked well into religion also to symbolise purity and evil. The same font was used here as the magazine advert continuing the theme. As this is a digi-pak i ensured that there were some added bonus features for the buyer.

Once all the text was added i placed a barcode on the back of the case for effect.

Overall i feel that the final out come of this product is extremely effective as it is apparent that we have chosen a consistent theme of colours, fonts, images and ideas.