Research for Ancillary Texts...

As part of our A2 coursework, as well as creating the final music video, we also have to produce the following ancillary texts...

• a cover for its release as part of a digipak (CD/DVD package)
• a magazine advertisement for the digipak (CD/DVD package)

For this part of the coursework we have to create a 6 sided digipak... 

I have done some research into existing CD/DVD digipak covers in order to see what the codes and conventions of them are in order to make mine look realistic and allow it to appeal to the audience.

Whilst looking at existing CD/digipak covers I noticed that they all have a main image (conventionally of the artist) that is the centre of attention on the product. Then the text is all placed around the main image, plus any other text on the front is placed around the image in a much less bolder text that is also a lot smaller. 

I found the conventions of a digipak this size are...
Front cover

• Artist/Album name
• Image (usually of the artist, may be abstract and/or link to the music video)

Back cover

• Track list
• Barcode
• Record label (name, logo, links)
• Other links for the artist (such as a website)

Inside

• Extra images, on both sides of CD and behind CD (artist, link to video etc)
• CD (with a design on it, relating to the front cover)

Actually creating this part of the coursework will involve using digital technology such as Photoshop. As we had to use this last year as part of making our music magazine, I feel like I am much more confident in using this programme this year, therefore the quality of my work for this aspect of the coursework should be a lot higher than it was last year. However, as it was a while ago when I used Photoshop for media, therefore, before we make these ancillary texts I will do some practice tests. 

Most album artwork that is currently in the charts is quite simple, with the name of the artist and the album, then a simple background. I like the idea of doing this for my album because it draws the audience's attention to the artist, if the name stands out on the shelf then they will notice it and will be attracted to it. Even if there are loads of images on the cover and lots going on, if the writing's bold then that will stand out the most on the whole page.



Magazine advertisement research (conventions)...
When an artist releases an advertisement for their new album/single in a magazine, it usually has the following features:

• Artist name
• Album name
• Artwork (usually similar or linked to the artwork for the digipak to help the audience establish the link between the two)
• Date of release
• Reviews or ratings from institutions such as newspapers or music magazines
• Other links the artist has (e.g. website, tour dates etc)

Here are some examples of existing magazine advertisements that follow these conventions