Researching Ancillary products: Class discussion

Why are digipaks/Artwork still used?

- To make the product more presentable and appealing

- Appeal to niche's in the market who will buy the physical copy to support the artist. An example studied last year was Soul Jazz Records, their customer's are music purists/historians who will purchase the physical copy of an album for sentimental value, rather than illegally downloading it.

- Artwork is still need for digital downloads anyway so the presentability factor is still present here. Even illegally downloaded albums include digital artwork.

How important are the ancillary products to the artist + industry?

- They are very important as they're need for both physical an digital copies.

- Gives the artist a sense of accomplishment to see their work in that light.

- Promotes the image of the artist and his/her music.

- Its a way for the artist to connect with their fans.

- It makes money 

- It also sells the label name, bringing in money for the label too.

What is a digipak?

- A modern approach of CD packaging

- Includes more information about the artist, many artists like to include a personal message usually thanking people, employee's, friends and family etc.

A digipak should...

- Add value for the customer, otherwise there is no point of them purchasing the album. 

- Have the artist's name in the biggest font

- Have simple font

- Colour

- Album name 

- A sticker promoting special features/special edition if it applies.

- Production information

- Track-listing at the back, all in the same font

- A cover which relates to the genre of the music.

- Continue the same graphic style throughout all panels, whether it be 4 or 6 panels.

- Album reviews