Developing the Digipak

This post will show my methods in how I created my digipak.

I will be using Adobe Photoshop to create the digipak. My first step once opening the software was to open a canvas size that could cover all four panes and the spine in the right scale. After this, I pasted in and expanded my digipak layout image to cover the canvas to give me an idea of dimensions to work with on each pane.

On the background layer I created a new layer onto which I pasted my layout image, which I can use to resize the images that I'll paste over the top later on. The image should read a canvas size of height 240mm and width 246.5mm, to accomodate the spine.

I chose to create and edit each pane's imagery individually on separate canvases of 120mm x 120mm, then once they were complete copy and paste them onto the layout sheet.

I wanted to use an image of each band member on the panes. For the front cover I wanted to use a striking three-colour stripe; but also a pattern relevant to our music video. Accordingly, I used a yellow, turquoise and red stripe which reflected the shirt choices of the three band members.
To adjust each image for the 3 panes; I used the Adjustments > Curves tool to alter the brightness, contrast, shadows and highlights. This left the images of both Sam and Jake in performance poses edited with improved brightness and contrast leaving them more visible, ready to be placed onto the template.

For the rear cover of my digipak I reviewed the video as I wanted to place a group shot of us all onto the digipak so all members of the "band" would be included. I edited a still of us three using the same method as before; Curves tool again used to improve the brightness and contrast without needing to use render effects which I considered to leave lighting effects which clashed with the lighting in the background of the photo.

After this step I had all 4 panes of my digipak nearly complete. I had only the text of the front cover and spin (EP title and artist) and the rear cover (tracklisting and other generic digipak items) left to include.

I've put the text on the digipak but once I receive feedback from my font options I will change them accordingly. Also for overall feedback I will alter the looks of it to suit my target audience.





This is the first draft of my digipak: