What is a Digipak? Analysis and Influences

Digipaks typically consist of a gatefold or 'book-style' paperboard or card stock outer binding, with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CD attached to the inside. It usually consists of 6 panels and is used for CD singles or special edition CD's. It can be an alternative to jewel cases. Here is an example of a digipak template:

Here is an example of a real special edition digipak. It focuses on the artist as the selling point and was given away as a special edition pack through a facebook competition which Rihanna's team organised in order to get Rihanna's new album promoted in a new way:

In her digipak the focus is on the artist Rihanna. There are close ups of her face because she is the selling point and the whole pack is based on a colour scheme of reds and pinks. This implies that the album could be mainly about romance and love songs.

 

Another example is Katy Perry. She had such a strong theme of a 'candyland' and this is displayed in the digipak images. This also includes close-ups and sexy poses and similar to Rihanna's, the theme continues onto the CD. This theme implies that her songs are mostly fun, pop songs.

 

Benefits of digipak's are that it is made in a different way so may last longer than a jewel case. It also creates a new product out of something that has already been sold because it is 'special edition' creating more promotion and this hopefully meas that fans would buy the album again because it is special edition. It is also better for the environment as it is made from recycable materials like paper and plastic only.

However, drawbacks of using a digipak is that they can get worn out and break just like a jewel case. And they are more expensive because their USP is that they are special edition, this may effect sales, as people can get a normal version of the album for cheaper.