Analysis of a DigiPak

Common DigiPak Layout

LinkinPark- Meteora Digipak

Outside Cover
Fold 1-
This panel is usually unseen when the digipak is folded in the correct way. However when fully open this side is lined with the 'Front and Back Cover'.
The dull colours used reflect the setting that the band is related to, which is a backstreet urban setting. In contrast the panel is laminated which also reflects their professionalism. The different titles shown such as 'Linkin Park' 'Meteora' and the 'Titles' are shown using different fonts revealing the different characteristics, for example, Linkin Park is written in a bold stencilled text as this is their logo, however the album name is printed using a more formal font, which reveals that this album has its own traits compared to previous albums.

Back-
The back of the digipak also has an image taken from an interesting perspective, this again reveals the band's individuality and unique perspective on the music that they create. However along the bottom, the text is superimposed on a black background as it helps the text to stand out since it is most important. The text again reveals the song titles on the album with numbering. Furthermore, the back cover has the legal details in small print about the production, institution, and copyright details. Moreover, there are a number of promotional techniques such as short bullet points revealing the best aspect of the Cd, for example 'Exclusive access to web-based media'. Additionally, the bar code is shown on the bottom right hand corner, which is conventional for an album.

Front-
The front on the album makes use of the same text structure as the outside fold 1. This is because it uses the same layout in the same position on the cover. However, the image shows a male wearing a gas mask and spray painting on the concrete, the use of a male immediately attracts a predominantly male audience. Furthermore, the military colour scheme reflects the urban grunge theme. Moreover, the black strip across the bottom shows builds a fluency in the art from the back cover to the front.



Inside Cover

Front (Inside) & Fold 1(Inside)-
Unlike Linkin Park's previous albums (that make use of computer generated animation), the images used throughout the digipak are from edited photography. Moreover, the images share a 'rebellious' semantic field as they are of graffiti walls and spray cans, which is commonly associated with rebels. Moreover, the lack of text on these panels create a narrative though images, this reveals the creation of graffiti beginning with the artists, the spray cans and the final piece. This is then linked to the creation of music as the image on the back panel is of an amplifier.

Cd Compartment-
The Cd compartment also continues the graffiti design, however is is laminated with a Cd mould that appears similar to the 'jewel casing'. Nevertheless, the image is still apparent under the packaging. This is common in digipaks as it keeps the Cd secure, and yet is still lightweight. However, when the Cd is placed over this the continued photo is cut short as the Cd is printed with a bird's eye image of standing spray cans. This the Cd to stand out against the background art, bringing most attention to the Cd itself.



I am fond of this digipak model as it allows space for an image based narrative,I also feel that audiences are attracted to casing with more cover art as it provides a different perspective on the artists' music, hence influencing their ideas on that particular artist. Moreover, there is more space for information to be printed without making the case appear dull with paragraphs of text on a single panel. Nevertheless, I believe that it is still important to carry out an audience questionnaire to find out the best model of digipak, that would attract my target audience.