Feb
18
How to Conceptualize Creative CD Packaging
Filed Under CD Packaging | 2 Comments
The CD packaging is mainly used to store and protect CDs and DVDs but it has lots of other functions aside from the obvious. CD packaging can also be used to increase product sales, to define the musician’s image and style, and to convince the consumers to buy the album instead of downloading songs or buying pirated CDs. Without a doubt,, CD packaging plays a very vital role in the music retail industry.
If you are a graphic designer venturing in the CD packaging industry or if you are a musician who wants to do his own CD Packaging, here is a step-by-step guide in conceptualizing CD Packaging.
Get to know the musicians
Before you even start to think of ideas for the CD packaging, you must first get to know the musicians. Do a quick online research about them before you have your first meeting. And during the meeting, casually ask the musicians some questions that could help you define their personality. Ask them about their simple and not-so-simple life philosophies, about their music icons, about their influences. For new musicians, it would be helpful if you ask them straight out on what kind of image they want to portray. Do they want to be the cool psychedelic nerds or the intellectual hippies?
Ask the musicians what they want to see in the CD packaging
How to Conceptualize Creative CD Packaging
Most likely the musicians already has a concept running around his head before they contacted you. You need to weed it out from them so you can come up with one solid concept.
Aside from the concept, you should also ask them what they want to include inside the CD packaging. Do they want to include a brief bio, a picture gallery, or the song lyrics? Do they want to include freebies or coupons? Ask all the necessary details and specifications so you can consider them when conceptualizing the CD packaging.
Listen to the album and write down adjectives
Some designers really listen through the whole album while thinking of a concept to get the overall feel of it. A simpler way is to ask the musicians of one song that they think defines the personality of the whole album. While brainstorming, listen to it on loop and write down adjectives, movies, pegs, and images that pop on your head. Of course, do not forget to consider the musician’s personality and their concept as well. it is their album after all.
Find pegs of your design
You already have creative ideas in your head about the CD packaging design. But sometimes, it is difficult to articulate our visual ideas succinctly to our clients. The easiest way to express these abstract ideas is by presenting pegs. These are pictures, movies, or sources of inspiration that more or less resembles your concept. Look for at least 5-6 images that represent your idea and present it to your clients
Create at least 3 versions of your design
After you and the client have clearly agreed on a concept, it’s now time to do the actual designs. Make at least 3 variations so you would know what looks best. A simple detail or color change could have a huge impact on the overall CD Packaging design.
Make necessary revisions
After presenting your designs, expect some minor revisions and suggestions from the client. A good communication skill is a must if you are in this industry. The better your communication skills, the less likely you’ll make major revisions. Do not put up with a client who demands too many revisions. If you’ve clearly agreed on a concept beforehand, then both of you should respect that.
It’s ready for reproduction
Once they are happy with the CD Packaging, it is now time to send the design over to their CD manufacturing company for mass reproduction.
Jul
30
Portugal.The Man’s fourth album, The Satanic Satanist’s packaging features the band guitarist Gourley’s trademark surreal, psychedelic-era drawings. Gourley wanted to make an album package without the plastic so he and designer Austin came up with a colorful Origami-like cut-outs made of paper.
What is more amazing is that they’re doing it completely on their own - no help from any major record label to supply big budgets for high-end graphic designers. Now wouldn’t it be wonderful if we stop using our lack of resources as an excuse for our lack of imagination?
Mar
16
The Dieline’s Ted Mininni explains the importance of packaging in standing out to consumers.
Stand in the aisle of any major supermarket or mass retailer in America and notice in numerous product categories, many brands are indistinguishable from each other. If your brand looks like the rest of the product brands in the category, an overhaul is in order.
Mininni cites Pringles as an example of a retail product that generates market leader awareness and recognition based on packaging alone.
The same applies to the music inudstry. Digipaks, vinyl, and other opportunities are there to stand out. Don’t get lost in the crowd.
Feb
2
Packaging and Branding: Together Forever
Filed Under CD Packaging, DVD Packaging, Music Retail News, Vinyl Packaging | Leave a Comment
The Dieline has a comprehensive report on the importance of packaging and design when creating a brand identity for a product. This is the kind of concept anyone in the music and entertainment industry can relate to.
Consumers identify with the brands that match the perceptions of their lifestyles. The role of package designer has expanded from being a researcher, marketer and communicator to that of also being an image maker.
Think of it. Packaging makes products and their brands tangible to consumers. Shoppers can actually pick a product from the shelf, hold it, read the front or back panel, shake it, sniff it, and make a purchase decision. Since packaging is the ultimate touch point after the product itself, shouldn’t it project the brand image in a meaningful way?
There’s no question that digital music is an important factor in the way fans receive entertainment, but that doesn’t mean the physical medium is going anywhere. People like owning things they can see, touch, and store somewhere. For example, it’s no surprise that the vinyl industry–while different today than it was 30 years ago–is still going strong.
As this article shows, a smart way to market is to use physical products as a way to create and enhance a brand image.
Dec
12
Like a lot of what we love here, Polish rapper Aborab’s new album design is a work of art in it’s own right. Designed by Jan Kallwejt and featured in The Dieline, the insert folds out into a colorful, inspired mini poster that matches the rest of the piece.
Check out Aborab’s packaging.
Dec
11
Simpsons Movie Soundtrack
Filed Under CD Packaging | Leave a Comment
The Simpsons has always been a great franchise, and the packaging for their movie soundtrack doesn’t miss a beat. Though unfortunately one aspect of the design comes across as a bit of a tease.
The Krispy Kreme Box. Notice the blank space in the middle of the donut.
Opening the box, so far so good.
The tantalizing, unique, cool package.
The disappointment. Let it be known that this particular photo was not released with the rest of the promotional materials.
Ahh! No hole in the donut! Boo!
