CD Digipak Inside Sleeve First Draft

CD Digipak Inside Sleeve First Draft

This is first draft we have produced, for the inside sleeve of our CD digipak. We are very pleased with first result of the inside sleeve, as it appears to be very similar to the initial design we had hoped to create. We also are particularly happy as the design appears to be very fitting with both the front cover of our CD digipak and the magazine advertisement, which ultimately will allow the overall package to look professional and consistent. We are also very pleased with how the image appears to have maintained very realistic qualities. When we initially drew the flat plan image we were happy with our design, however we felt, the image if not created correctly could become too 'animated' or 'cartoon' like. This could cause the image to loose the overall emphasis on the  realism, which was an important factor. As we wanted to create a layout and image that appeared similar to the desk of perhaps our target audience, featuring items which they may have or use regularly, which may heighten the uses and gratification featured, in particular personal identity, providing our target audience with the ability to successfully identify their own values, behaviour etc within the image.  Therefore instead of creating images using Photo Shop, we chose a collection of images from the web containing the items we wanted then cut them out and placed them into the inside sleeve using Photo Shop. Initially, we have created the overall layout for the inside sleeve, however as evident above, the polaroid photographs contain no images. Therefore as we have yet to participate in the photo shoot and take the photographs, we will place them images in the polaroids when complete.

Feedback - CD Digipak Front Cover First Draft & Magazine Advertisement Second Draft

After producing the first draft for our CD digipak front cover and the second draft for our magazine advertisement, we felt it would be useful to gain feedback, in order to see if we had created successful products or whether there were any improvements we could make. We gained this, by asking our lecturer to assess the work we had produced, using specific feedback forms. 

For both of the printed tasks, we received a grade B, which is our target grade. Therefore we seem to be making sufficient progress with our project and producing high level work. However, If were are to make the appropriate improvements, it could be possible for our group to achieve an A grade for our project.

Below are the feedback forms, which display which aspects of the tasks we have successfully completed, the strengths of the work we have produced and the areas in which we could improve the work we have produced.

CD Digipak Front Cover First Draft Feedback

After observing the feedback we gained on our CD digipak front cover first draft, our lecturer felt the attitude, body language and the staging we had used within our photographs was very good, specifically as it suggested we have a good knowledge of our target audience. As we have tried to reflect typical 'youth' behaviour within the image, such as having an 'care free' or 'not bothered' attitude and engaging in behaviour such as drinking or smoking, which will help to relate to our target audience age group of 16-25. She felt the text and image were well integrated with one another.  However, she felt although the font was good, it could 'lift' off the page a little more. Therefore, we could add a border or a darker shadow, allowing the text to stand off from the background more. She also felt that although we had an appropriate image, it could be slightly more punchy or controversial too suit the name of the band. Therefore,  we could possibly add some controversial graffiti, using photo shop brushes,  onto the fence featured in the background and maybe a larger use of props that are consistent with the theme, such as empty alcohol bottles or cans on the grass in the foreground of the image. To improve the overall grade of our CD digipack, we  should also complete the full digipack, including the back cover and the inside sleeve. 

Magazine Advertisement Second Draft Feedback

After observing the feedback we gained on our magazine advertisement second draft, our lecturer felt overall we had produced a very good magazine advertisement, that was very quirky, youthful and full of energy, particularly in the use of colours and images. She also felt we displayed a good understanding of the conventions for both our genre and magazine advertisements and endorsements, such as advertising where the CD could be purchased or CD reviews from various music magazines. These both overall, displayed that we had a good awareness of our target audience and how to relate and cater our product to their needs. However, she also felt we could add more endorsements, to allow the magazine advertisement to look professional and realistic. Too create a more realistic magazine advertisement, she also felt it could be beneficial too add a quotation from a music magazine, reviewing the album, which would reassure the readers that the CD would be a great purchase, specifically if it were to be reviewed by a very popular music magazine. Lastly she felt that we could also place a faint image of the CD digipak front cover onto the iPod, to allow the iPod to tie in with the overall advertisement and ensure the image looks realistic. 

Magazine Advertisement Second Draft

Magazine Advertisement Second Draft 

This is the second draft of our magazine advertisement. We have made no additional changes to the original first draft of our magazine advertisement which we created, as we felt it looked good and professional and turned out better then we had hoped. However now that we have completed our photo shoot and the first draft of our CD digipak front cover, we were able to replace the white blank CD, with our front cover image. This was the most important aspect to complete, as this is what the magazine advertisement will be advertising to audiences, allowing them to identify the CD and purchase it. 

CD Digipak Front Cover First Draft

CD Digipak Front Cover First Draft

This is the first draft for our CD digipak front cover, which we are very pleased with. This is quite similar to our initial flat plan we created, however we have made a few changes and alternatives, which I feel benefit our cover. We have used very few props compared to what we initially intended, however I feel this has turned out much better, as if many props were to be used this could have distracted attention away from the band members. I feel it would be very important to ensure the band members are the main focus, as this would allow audiences to identify them and then connect them or identify them within the music video, or visa versa, to allow the overall package to be effective and consistent. In addition we have kept the font we intended, however we have also added a crinkled paper texture, which we feel works very well and creates a very unique effect, rather then just having plain text. We also added a vintage border effect, which we feel works very well with the washed out, faded colours and compliments the entire image and theme very well. 

Magazine Advertisement First Draft

Magazine Advertisement First Draft

This is the first draft for our magazine advertisement, which we produced using the software Photoshop. This is quite similar to the original drawing we had designed for our initial flat plan, however we whilst creating the magazine advertisement, we made a few changes and alterations. Firstly, rather then having the entire background consist of colourful paint splats, we placed the paint splats onto a wooden background, whilst also making them slightly transparent. This was purely to benefit the advertisement, as when creating the background entirely with paint splats, we felt it appeared to colourful, busy and confusing on the eye, when combined with the colours of all the other objects on the page. Therefore, we have still kept the paint splats, to keep it consistent with the overall package, but allowed them to be much more subtle. Rather then just featuring an plain iPod on the page, we also thought this would be a good placement to advertise that the CD could be purchased on iTunes. This also provided us with the idea to advertise the stores in which the CD would be sold, which we did not feature on the initial flat plan. We felt featuring where you could purchase the CD, gave a more realistic and professional appearance. Also using two of the most popular places to purchase music, iTunes and HMV, could project that the CD is good and is worth being purchased, if it is willing to be sold here. This draft was intended to feature a basic layout and rough draft, which we would then change drastically later, to allow it to reach the professional standards, of a realistic magazine advertisement. However we were very pleased with how the first draft has turned out, therefore we would like to make as minimal changes as possible to it. However as evident, the CD is blank, therefore the major alteration we will need to make, will be the addition of the CD digipak front cover, which is specifically important as this is what the advertisement is advertising and will allow the audience to identify the CD in stores. 

CD Digipak Front Cover Initial Photo Shoot Practice & Chosen Image (Original Images)

Before taking the actual photographs for the front cover of our CD digipak, I first set up my camera on the tripod and took initial practice shots of the other group members in the positions they would be standing in, in the actual photographs. This allowed us to check how far away and where we needed to place the camera to ensure the correct proportion of the models and location were in the photograph, and they could be seen clearly and were not too far away. It also enabled us to see whether the location worked well and the lighting from the sky and both the flash of the camera was sufficient, to ensure we could see the models and it was not to bright. 

Photo Shoot Tester Shots

Below are the two tester photographs we took. Here it was evident that the camera was placed too far away from the models, as too much of the location was present in the photographs, specifically of the grass, whilst the models were distant, meaning their props and facial and body language was hardly visible. 

Photo Shoot Initial Practice (Unusable Photographs)

After taking our tester shots with the camera, to ensure the camera was correct, we then began to take the photographs for our CD cover.

Above is the first image which was taken. Although the props and poses and position of models were correct, the focus on the camera moved due to the windy weather conditions, causing the photograph to become blurry and out of focus.

Above is the second image which was taken. Although we fixed the focus on the camera and ensured the camera was fixed to the tripod correctly to make sure the wind would alter the camera, the timer we had set appeared to go off too soon for the photograph. This meant unfortunately some of us within the photograph had  moved or began to talk, as we were not ready for the photograph.  However we did particularly like the pose and facial expression Laurie (end left) displayed, therefore we decided we will use this image of her on the front cover image. 

Photo Shoot Chosen Photographs

For the the other images we produced, the focus, poses and facial expressions were perfect for each photograph. The only difference between each image, was a slight minor change in the body language or pose by each model. Therefore we will simply choose the best image for each model, combining the best image of myself, Chelsea and Nikki, with the image we chose of Laurie above in Photo Shop, for the front cover image. This will allow our CD digipack front cover to look professional and help us to achieve the dramatic effect we hope for.

Photo Shoot Location Recce

Before taking our photographs, it is important that we have completed the recce questions to ensure we have taken into consideration everyone’s health, and everyone will be safe whilst taking part.

Are there any potential hazards that could pose a health and safety risk where your photo shoot will take place?

As we will be taking our photographs outdoors, there are multiple potential hazards which could take place. If it does rain, this could damage electrical equipment, specifically the camera, but could also cause electrical shocks if the items are to be touched. There could also be a major risk of trips and falls, over any of the props or equipment, or any other items that maybe left lying around outside.

What will you do to ensure these risks are minimised?

To help minimise these potential hazards, we will make sure to take the photographs on a day which is dry and sunny. However if the weather unfortunately is too change, we could use a marquee to ensure the outdoor backdrop is still visible, but the equipment will still be safe and dry. We will also make sure to clean the entire outdoor area first, to make sure there are no large or sharp objects lying around. The props used must also not be left lying around after using them within the photos, and must be placed in a reasonable place, such as on a table.

Will the time of day/weather affect the outcome of the photos? Have you allowed for this?

As we will be taking the photographs outside, we will need to ensure the weather is nice and not raining as this could spoil the costume and make-up of the models and not too windy as this could disrupt the movement of the camera tripod, however if the weather is too change we will have  marquee nearby. We will also need to take the images during the day to ensure all the models, props and details will be clearly visible in the photographs and we will not need any extra lighting equipment to highlight this, as we will be relying on natural light sources. 

Have you considered the background to your photos, particularly if taken outside? How will you ensure you will get the background you want?

The background we will be using is a fence or a brick wall, which is in a closed area of our friend’s garden; therefore it will be particularly easy to ensure we get the background we want. An issue which could interfere with the background would be the weather however, which we have addressed in the above questions. 

Have you considered lighting? What about the ‘problems’ of natural lighting, either outside, or streaming through a window? Will you need to use a flash? Have you considered reflective objects that might spoil the effect?
For the photographs we will be taking, we will be using all outdoor natural lighting. Therefore an issue which could arise, maybe, if the sun is too bright, this could reflect on the camera lens and cause the photographs to be very bright, making it hard to identify any of the personnel or props within the images, which are important in our photographs to project the right effect. Therefore on my camera I will be using a flash that is best suited to a sunny weather condition, which will allow the camera to take the photographs with as much clarity and precision as possible.

Do you need permission to take photos in the place/venue you have in mind?

As we will be taking the photos in the back garden of one of the group members we will only need permission from her. This is much more reliable as it is easier to plan when we can take the photos and the most suitable time, as she is part of the group.

Are you reliant on lifts/props/friends’ equipment/models? How have you planned that these things will come together at the appointed time? Plan B?

As the entire group will be featured in the photographs and the photos will be taking place at one of the group members house, we have all arranged to come together at an appropriate time in which we will all be available and the venue will be available. The camera we will be using to take the photographs is my personal camera; therefore we did not need permission to use this. I felt this was more appropriate, as I had knowledge and felt comfortable using it could and access the photos afterwards easily. The tripod which we will be using for the photographs, we have borrowed from the media department in our college.  Although these are rather easy to gain access to, it could also gain problems for our group. If the images need to be delayed and taken at a different time, another group may require the the tripod for their coursework, therefore it will not be available to us. Therefore we must plan in advance, when the tripod will be available to us with our lecturer. 

Photo Shoot Planning

Before taking the photographs for our CD digipak, we must ensure to plan sufficiently before hand in order to make sure we have the correct equipment and props for the photographs, our location is appropriate and each member of the group is aware of exactly how we want the image to appear.

What emotional impact do you want your photography do have upon the reader? How?

Rather than emotional, we would like our photo to have a very dramatic impact on the reader. As the music promo video will feature teenagers at a party, participating in very wild behaviour, we would like our image to be consistent with this, and having a shocking effect on the audience.

What personnel do you need? Who are you going to photograph?

For the photographs, we will be featuring the members of the band. We felt this was appropriate as it allows the viewer to identify with who the band are, specifically the image on the front cover by connecting the image in with the band featured in the video.  We also felt this would be best as young bands are very popular with the teenage and young adult audience we are targeting our product towards. Also featuring band members that are almost same age as our target audience will be more relatable and possibly enhance the gratification of personal identity, allowing the audience to identify themselves with the values of those in the band.

What props will you need?

We will be using minimal props, as we want the image to be very dramatic and too many props, could cause the image to be too busy and distracting from the members of the band. The props we will be using, will consist of cigarettes and alcohol, to be both consistent with the music video, therefore allowing the overall package too look professional and emphasise the shocking behaviour.

How are you going to emphasise colour?
For the photographs we want to use quite a large amount of colour, to allow the images to maintain consistent with the colourful layout and effects we have used on the magazine advertisement and the layout of the CD digipak. We will be emphasising the colour featured on the models and props, by using a plain and washed out coloured backdrop, in the form of a fence or brick wall. This block colour will contrast with the many colours featured on the models clothing, creating more emphasis on each person, to attract the reader’s attention to them. This is important as we want to attract the viewer to the  members of the band, encouraging them to notice the behaviour they are taking part in such as drinking or smoking, increasing the shocking impact we hope to achieve.

Have you briefed your personnel/models?

The models we will be using for the photographs will be the other members of the group. This will be much easier as they are aware of what needs to be done for the photographs and when they need to be produced, as they have participated in every part of the planning of the project.

What lighting will you need? Any other equipment?

To maintain the photographs realistic and natural approach, we will be using natural outdoor lighting. A piece of equipment we will be using whilst taking the photographs will be tripod. Although we want the images to look very candid, therefore the photographs do not need to perfectly straight, we will need the tripod for convenience purposes as all the members of the band will be appearing in the images, we need to have the camera at a high angle and we would have no personnel to take the photographs from such a angle. 

Where will you shoot? Will you need a backdrop?
For both the images placed on the front cover and the inside sleeve of our CD digipak, we will be shooting the images outside, using a fence or wall as a backdrop. We decided to use this, as we felt we wanted the images to appear more realistic and candid, rather then using a a stylised, studio background. A regular outdoor backdrop, would allow the image to appear like just a regular photograph, which adds to the realism.

Make-up? Costume?

As featured in our costume and make-up research, we will be using fashion and make-up that is highly influenced by the indie rock/rock vibe, consisting of grungy clothing and dark and bold make-up, which is very popular with bands and artists of the music genre we have chosen, which will therefore allow us to create a professional appearance to our overall package. As this has become very popular in the current fashion market, specifically with our target audience in clothing stores such as Top Shop/Man and H&M, this will also help us to relate to our target audience, and  increase the gratification of personal identification.

Photo Shoot Chosen Location (Original Images)

For the photographs which will be featured on the front cover and inside sleeve of our CD digipak, after discussing with the other members in my group, we would like to use an outdoor environment for the location of the photographs, specifically so we can use either a fence or a brick wall as our backdrop. Below are images of the two possible locations we would like to use:

CD Digipak Photo Shoot Location 1

CD Digipak Photo Shoot Location 2

We have chose these as the locations for our photo shoot, as they will allow us to create the candid style photos we are hoping to achieve, in order to allow us to relate to our target audience, who may identify themselves with the images that appear like every day ordinary photographs. These plain and block coloured backgrounds, will also contrast with the busy and bright use of colour, allowing us to enhance the personnel and props used within the images and allowing them to stand out. This is necessary, as we want to draw as much attention to the personnel and props as possible to emphasise the shocking behaviour. 

Magazine Advertisement Flat Plan

Before we create the design for our magazine advertisement, on Photoshop, we have first drawn an initial rough draft as an idea of how we wish the magazine advertisement to appear, which will provide us with a guideline for our creation. This initial rough draft can be displayed below.

Magazine Advertisement Flat Plan Initial Design

Rationale Questions

Colour
On our magazine advertisement, we will be using a large variety of bright colours. We have chose this particularly, as it will allow the advertisement to catch the readers eye, whilst they are looking through the a magazine. We also feel it is important to use a large variety of bright colours as we will also be using them on front cover of the CD digipak, and therefore this will allow the printed tasks to be consistent with one another and allow the audience to identify the CD digipak with the magazine advertisement for it. The use of bright colours, will also help the advertisement to be consistent and reflect the party and chaotic nature of the theme.

Image

The images which will be displayed on the magazine advertisement, will mainly be animated/photo shopped or computer generated imagery. As our theme is based highly on our target audience, we want to create an advert which is highly relatable to our audience, whilst also ensuring the image is very in keeping with the overall theme. Therefore we will be including items and props on the advertisement, such as iPods, earphones, playing cards, party streamer ect, which display items that reflect the party theme of the overall project and the lifestyles of the teenager/young adult target audience. We will also be placing information onto these props,  which by incorporating all the information onto the props which tie in with the theme, will help to keep the design of the advertisement and the entire package, consistent. For the background of the magazine advertisement, we will be using a wooden textured background with a large variety of bright coloured paint splats, placed on top. This will help to reflect the messy and chaotic nature of all the aspects of the project, ensuring it looks consistent and professional. We will also be placing the image of our CD front cover, onto a CD case which will be slightly tilted to the side. This again will help to tie in the reckless and party theme of the music promo video. In contrast to being neat and orderly, the layout and image is seems somewhat messy.

Text

The first item of text which we will add too the magazine advertisement, will feature the words 'Out Now'. Although magazine advertisements for CD, conventionally feature a release date in the near future, we feel it would be more benefitial to add 'Out Now' as it will add more of a sense of excitement and urgency, somewhat saying you 'must buy it now' to the reader.  We will also be featuring a review rating from a well known music magazine, on the playing card which is located at the top of the page. We feel this would be very suitable as it displays the reader a critics opinion on whether the CD would be a good purchase or not, which can be very influential on the reader. For example, if a magazine which is very popular with our chosen target audience, such as NME, which is trusted to provide good reviews by its readers, were to give a good review of the CD, this may encourage our target audience to listen to and purchase the CD. As it is an advertisement for a CD, will also be featuring 'available on iTunes' and 'available in stores at HMV'. We feel this would be very appropriate as not only are these two of the most popular methods for purchasing music, therefore they will be easily accessible to the reader, but are also very common within the lives of our target audience who often purchase items on iTunes and in HMV stores and therefore allow our magazine advertisement to relate to our target audience.

Font
For the text featured on our magazine advertisement we will be using a font called Nova Solid, we have chose this font simply as it is a solid, bold font, which will allow the text to be seen clearly and read easily by the reader. We will also be using the same font for the band name on our CD cover. Therefore we have also chose this font as it is quite unusual, therefore if viewers were to be reading through a magazine, they could notice the font used and easily recognise that it is to promote our CD. We will also be placing the text, in a white coloured font. This ensures the text will contrast with the busy bright colours which are featured on all the areas of the magazine advertisement, allowing the text to stand out and be easily read by the reader. If the text were to be in colour, it may blend in with the background and be too confusing on the page, to be seen or read.

Layout

As the magazine advertisement is indeed advertising the CD digipak we have created, we feel it would be necessary to place the image of the CD front cover in the centre focal point of the advert, to ensure this is what the the readers notice first. This will allow the readers to memorise the image of the CD digipak front cover and identify the magazine advertisement with the CD digipak in stores. We will be placing the words 'Out Now' around the outside of CD digipack, away from any other items, which we feel would be appropriate to ensure the text could be seen and read clearly, which is important to inform the reader of when they can obtain the CD digipak. All the other items which will be located on the page, will be located around the outer edge, to ensure they can be seen yet they are not inflicting with the CD front cover and the text, which could cause the magazine advertisement to seem busy and uneasy on the eye and difficult to read.