Researching Ancillary Products: What is a Digipak?

A Digipak:

·         Is a contemporary approach to the packaging of CDs

·         Comes with 4, 6 or 8 panels that fold outwards

·         Is visually pleasing and allows stylish graphics that run across the panels

·         Includes more information about the artist

 An Advertisement:

     ·     Promotes album and artist
     ·    Could contain reviews and tour dates
     ·    Generally has only one photo to make it the main focus
     ·    Has the release date of the album

It is important to take our target audience into consideration when generating my digipak and advertisement; it is crucial for them to be attracted by our design in order for it to be a success! In my digipak will include: our artist’s name, the albums name, track listings, production information (including copyright and record company details), a few thank yous, some lyrics, photos of artist during the filming of the video, behind the scenes information about the making of the album.

Why are CD covers still used? - So the audience can indentify the artist. It also gives something visually nice to look at and promotes the artist and their brand image. Moreover it is helpful in distinguishing the product in retail, for example on iTunes and Amazon we tend to look at the album cover when looking for a particular album and it helps when you cannot remember the name of the artist or album to look at the album cover.

How helpful are promotional ancillary products to:

1. Artist - To promote/reinforce their brand image and song. Also promotes other platforms.
2. Music Industry - To help promote their artist so there is more of a chance of selling their product, which leads to a profitable return.
3. Music Video - The ancillary products give a brief idea of what the video will be about, giving a link between the video and the ancillary products. It also reinforces the promotion.