DIGIPAK- research and ideas

what are digipaks?

Digipaks typically consist of a gatefold (book-style) paperboard or card stock outer binding, with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CD or DVD attached to the inside. Since Digipaks were among the first alternatives to jewel cases to be used by major record companies, and because there is no other common name for Digipak-style packaging made by other companies, the term digipak or Digi-Pak is often used generically, even when the media holder is a hub or "Soft Spot" rather than a full plastic tray.

Digipak-style packaging is often used for CD singles or special editions of CD albums and the tall DVD 

Digipak (DVDigipak) is used as a premium package for DVDs and DVD sets. Because such packaging is less resistant to abrasion than jewel cases, it tends to show signs of wear relatively quickly. Licensed digipak manufacturers such as domestic U.S. printer and disc replicator Oasis Disc Manufacturing recommend coating the raw printed paper with a protective UV coating, thus ensuring greater longevity.

Although less vulnerable to cracking than a jewel case, the disc tray inside the package (particularly the "teeth" of the hub which secure the disc in place) remains rather brittle and is prone to cracking if the package is crushed. Digipak-style cases grew in popularity among record labels and recording artists in the early 2000s.

Manufacturers have sought to reduce environmental impact and improve functionality by introducing recycled components into its trays; one has announced a 100% post-consumer PET tray made from recycled bottles,which also eliminates the need for the brittle "teeth". Many printers use recycled or sustainable material for the board stock.

Historically, Digipak was only available in large quantities. However, AGI has recently introduced a new product called digipak i-create for the consumer market. Digipak i-create is a web-supported concept that is aimed at music, photo and creative markets.

examples of Digipaks!

 

above is Tupacs Digi-pak, for his album "notes of life"

how does this packaging encourage fans to buy the CD instead of downloading? 

the  pack is a memorabilia of tupac, a download wouldnt give anyone the presence of having this on their shelf, and the way all the colours co-ordinate works well, so the design of the pack is immaculate, and the images can't all be found on google either! its an authentic case, with 2 pac's songs in high quality, and inside the pak is tupacs short autobiography about his ghetto days, which can't simply be downloaded and put in the same format as its presented in the digipak.

how do images etc.. link to artist image?

tupac was known for his songs about struggle in the ghetto, keeping it real and writing about the more serious issues in life, the pictures show how he isn't posing to show off his riches or money (as he's not wearing clothes, only his cross), he's showing his faith in god by posing in prayer with the cross, looking up as if he's seeking guidance from god, which was a key factor in most his songs, even on the front cover, the cross is there, and he's seen kissing the cross hanging off his chest with his hands together. which shows he's not like todays rappers, singing about material wealth etc.. 

what features of this digipak can i use in my one?

i liked the idea of the autobiography on the inside cover of the digipak, as this will help people get to know the artist more, and i like how ALL the colours co-ordinate, which is something i'll look into!

Above is the Cd cover, front and back for Eminems album "recovery", i chose this becuase he is a solo artist, like KiNGSTA, who writes about their life experiances, so there could be some things i could incorporate into my digipak

how does this packaging encourage fans to buy the CD instead of downloading? 

its different to anything ive seen before, the idea for the back image is clever, a picture of eminem walking a long road on his own, and i took the sticker in the bottom right corner and put it into my digipak as i thought it was a cool idea, this actually looks good, which will make people want the digipak, as the design overall is innovative, and the graphics on the front are snazzy too! simply downloading the tracks wouldnt give you the pleasure of having this CD case.

how do images etc.. link to artist image?

when people hear Eminem, they think of a rapper, they think of his film 8 mile, they think of his disappearance from music for a while, and the title "recovery" is all about him making a massive comeback into the industry! 8 mile road is whats on the back cover, and we know eminem for how different he is to other rappers, as he sings about real things, not just about the money, cars and girls, on the front cover you see him being an "everyday guy" reading a book, watching tv etc.. in the city, which shows he still is "with his roots", but the images have also "modernised" as has his music

what features of this digipak can i use in my one? 

i thought the back was quite a clever move, so i might get a picture of KiNGSTA looking over docklands and get a picture of the back of him!