Introduction

This task required our group to design our third and final draft of our digipak. Before we started making the improvements, we decided to write down a list in order of priorities by looking at the feedback we had received from our teacher/peers. After this we made the improvements to make sure that we had created a product that best suited our target audience. From the start the group decided that we wanted to make a conventional product within the genre. Below is our third draft of the digipak (click the first image to see PDF):

Introduction

Following the success of our first digipak draft, the group decided to make a second draft. This meant that we were able to develop our targets into a genuine product. We have also discovered an efficient way of working, meaning that we could get work done to a better standard and at a faster rate. Below are the current images we will be using in our digipak:

Here are the changes we have made:

• Firstly we moved the band name/logo the middle of the page. This allows the consumers to gain a faster understanding of what band produces the album.
• We also had to make a slight change of the size of the inside images.
• The group also noticed that we needed to add the album name to the spines of the digipak.
• Finally, we added an effect on photoshop to our band name.

Here is some feedback we received from our teacher:

What went well…

• Good use of depth of field,
• The photos were well shot,
• A solid concept/idea has been put in place,
• Great use of mine-en-scene, especially props.

How to improve…

• The tracklist needs to be made more visible,
• Work on making the spines more aesthetically pleasing,
• Includes frames of the front cover photo.
• Increase the size of the band logo,
• Add the copyright information and especially a barcode.

Reflection

As a group we are very happy with how how our digipak has developed, we have a created a start to a digipak that we can continue working on to make it is the best as possible. The group have discussed what we need to do in order to meet the conventions that we wish to follow, which will best suit our target audience. With the help of the feedback that we received from our teacher, I believe that we have all the tools necessary to succeed in the third draft.

Introduction

This was the task that we first drafted our digipak. We started off by making two separate copies, one that followed our DP mockup and the other which we just used our favourite shots from the photoshoot. The group decided that it would be best if we strictly followed our DP mockup because it had a good structure to it. The process of drafting our first digipak went much better than we all could have hoped it would. Below is our first drafts, click the first image to see in full:

Self Assessment

Below is a slideshow portraying my self assessment for our first digipak draft:

Conclusion

I am happy with progress that the group has made in the first draft, we have managed to take our images from the photoshoot and turn them into a basic digipak. From this stage we need to add in the more technical conventions, this will allow the consumers to gain a full understanding of the product we have created. This is the most efficient that we have worked during the beginning of a project, this is because as a group we have a good vision of what we want to create. I believe that we did the correct amount of research and planning this time, meaning that we know exactly what we need to do and in what order, allowing the group to be much less stressed, allowing us to focus on creating our digipak.

What went well?

• Everybody in the group had a clear idea of what they wanted to gain from the photoshoot, therefore there was not any time wasting.
• We were able to get all of our shots on the shot list, which meant we will have a good variety of shots when editing.
• The group were all capable of using the camera/lighting equipment well, and fixing any problems we had at the start.
• Most importantly we got all the shots needed for our digipak.

How could we improve next time?

• Ensure that the camera is ready to go, before we start the photoshoot.
• When reviewing the photos we liked the shots using a larger depth of field, maybe try and use more to our advantage.
• Take our shots from different angles.

Evaluation 

I think that this was our most successful shoot as a group, because we were able to get all of the shots necessary in the time frame given. We were all able to use the camera, to take the shots needed from different ranges and angles, allowing us to get a variety of shots that we could use in our digipak. We also used the flash lighting kit, as an experiment to see if it gave a good effect in the black studio; after doing this we noticed that we preferred the more ambient shots.

The preparation before the shoot was perfect, because we had done the planning sheets in good detail it meant that we were able to be more productive in the shoot. We also had the mice-en-scene necessary, for example scrunching up the letter and staining them in tea before the shoot.

Conclusion 

It is useful to reflect on thing such as photo shoots, because now we know what to do differently next time and what to keep the same. This will ensure that every photoshoot keeps on becoming more productive.

Introduction

Before we started creating our digipak, we decided that we needed to do another photoshoot. This required planning which we had previously done and now we were ready to take the images. Our planning for this shoot was excellent meaning that we could begin taking pictures right away. We had planned exactly what angles and distances we would use to make sure that we would have the perfect shot for our digipak.

Click image to see in full

Here are our chosen images from the shoot

The group plan to use this image as our back page, when zoomed in and made clearer you can see the song titles in the album.

This image will be used as our front cover, it states the name of the album (LETTERS FROM NOWHERE) at the top of the letter.

We decided to experiment using a different depth of field for this image, and we believe that it worked brilliantly. At the moment we think we will use this image on the right inside panel.

After taking many images of just the letters alone, we decided that we should add one of the band members into the shot. As a group we decided that it would be best if the lead singer was in shot. I think that this image portrays a large amount of suspense to the audience.

Reflection

As a group we decided that this was our most efficient photoshoot, this is because we knew exactly what we wanted from the start. We shot a variety of different angles and distances throughout the shoot, meaning that when it came to choosing the images we wanted to use we had a good variety to choose from. We worked very well as a group throughout this task, due to good planning, communication and organisation. To progress from here we will now begin editing the images on Adobe Photoshop so we can start creating our digipak.

Introduction

After completing our mockup for the digipak, we decided that it would now be best to plan our photoshoot for the digipak. The group chose to do another production meeting agenda before the photoshoot because it allows you to know:

• The aims of the photoshoot
• What mise-en-scene is required
• The visual shot list
• What camera equipment we will need
• The location of the shoot

By completing this, there is much less confusion within the group and the photoshoot can be done a lot more efficiently. Below is our production meeting agenda:

Here is our Production Meeting Agenda

Conclusion

This was an important task to undertake because it meant that we were able to fully understand who was responsible for each aspect of the photoshoot, to make sure we could use our time well on the day of the shoot. We also now know what we need to do on the shoot, therefore we won’t be wasting any time deciding on the day.

Introduction

In this task our group sat down and decided what we hoped to do for our digipak. Initially we had a lot of different ideas, which we discussed however we knew that we had to decide on just one. We sketched out each idea onto A3 pieces of paper, this allowed us to visually see which one is most compatible with our chosen genre. Below is our chosen idea:

This is what we hope our DigiPak will look like (complete layout)

Conclusion

This was an important task to complete because it meant that we now have a vision of what our digipak should look like, while editing and also once completed. We had to do some research of what the typical conventions of each digipak within the genre were, and we could use that to benefit our own. As a group, we noticed that all of the professional designs inside our chosen genre were very simplistic, therefore we tried to replicate that with our own. I like this design we have chosen because not only does it link in well with genre, however it also ties in with the album. Our mockup is also very adjustable meaning that if we like some pieces but not the others we are able to adjust later on through editing. The “Letters from nowhere”, links to the narrative of the album; with each letter relating to each song throughout the album.

Introduction

To understand the typical album covers in my chosen genre, I decided to do another conventional analysis this meant that I was able to see what featured on our competitors products.

Conclusion

It was helpful to analyze a professionals piece of work because you can really understand what a good one looks like. I also learnt what is conventional in my chosen genre which is helpful, because it means I have more understanding on how to attract my target audience. Finally I furthered my knowledge on how media producers use mise-en-scene, conventions and graphic design to create their desired piece of work.

Introduction

After previously coming up with our mission statement, and aims we decided that it was time to do some market research. This included in us looking at existing products, in our target market; allowing us to see what the typical Digipak looks like. We found that by seeing what our competitors aim to do, we could do something with a twist for our own Digipak.

Below is a Padlet displaying some of our market research:

Conclusion

This task was definitely beneficial because I learnt some of the typical conventions of a Digipak. I also gained some further knowledge on what a Digipak actually is, and why artists release them and not just an album. I now know what my Digipak will include, when I start designing/planning one surrounding the music video produced.

Introduction

Before we started to design/plan our Digipak we decided that it would be best to come up with a marketing strategy. This will be helpful because we will know how we are gonna design our Digipak to best suit our desired target audience. We decided that we need to:

• Create a mission statement,
• Create a call to action,
• Discover who our competition are,
• Discover who our target audience are,
• Come up with a USP (Unique Selling Point)

Below is a slideshow presenting our discoveries and thoughts:

Conclusion

This was a good task to undertake because it meant that we now know how we will market our product, which is necessary before you begin the planning period. By understanding our competitors it means that we are able to find inspiration in what works well in this specific genre. It is important that we use a coherent marketing strategy throughout all three of our products because our audience will have an expectation of what they want to see from their preferred stars, Nick Lacey calls this the repertoire of elements. We will look at other competitors throughout this project to ensure that we are following all typical conventions within the genre. It is important to understand that everyone uses the media for different reasons, in this case our audience are using it for entertainment purposes, as we are clear of this we will use different techniques to attract their full attention.