What Is A Digipak?

 A digipak is a type of packaging for CDs or DVDs, typically made from cardboard with an internal plastic holder for one or more discs. Digipaks typically consist of a gatefold paperboard or card stock outer binding with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CD or DVD attached to the inside. This product was the first alternative to jewel cases to be used by major record companies. This type of packaging is used for CD singles or special editions of CD albums. However, this packaging tends to show signs of wear more quickly than a jewel case. Big companies such as domestic U.S. printer and disc replicator Oasis Disc Manufacturing reccomend using a UV coating to protect the didgpak and make it last longer.

 Digipak-style cases grew in popularity among record labels and recording artists in the early 2000s. Manufacturers have also sought to reduce environmental impact and improve functionality by introducing recycled components into its trays - one has even been recycled from plastic bottles.

Here are some examples of digipaks:

I have chosen to look at digipaks that include a female artist as when I create my own digipak, I will be including a female artist also. The digipaks I have looked at are all relatively different styles as they all include different colours, camera shots and fonts. By researching these digipaks, it therefore gives me a range of ideas for my own. I have also realised that some sections of the digipak only include a single close-up shot of the artist, for example the Marina and the Diamonds digipak. I believe this looks professional and may include this type of style in my own product. For my own product, I would also like to include a specific house style, which makes it clear that each section belongs to the same digipak which these examples have done successfully.

 

This post will help me with the creation of my didpak by making me aware of the different conventions digipaks include and how to present them effectively in my work.