Reasons You Should Never Scrimp On Your Photo Shoot
Promotional photos are a huge component of a musician’s marketing and branding. It’s necessary to have just the right images to effectively market your music and its message. …
Category: Design
5 things that can delay or degrade your CD/DVD project
1. Lack of quality photos for cover/insert Frequently I am sent low resolution or poor quality photos for the insert and even for the cover. I usually recommend reshooting them, but of course it’s too late by the time people get to the design phase. So we “make do” and I have to try to work my Photoshop magic on substandard photos. If your music
Remote Design Sessions
Usually when I design a CD or DVD, my client and I can do everything over the phone and email. They upload their photos and text to me, we discuss the design concept they are looking for over the phone, I put together a draft and then email them a jpg or pdf to review. For most projects, this works well and smoothly, and allows
Digital Liner Notes Design
Liner Notes are NOT DEAD! Get Itunes compatible Digital Liner Notes with your next album. …
5 most forgotten CD design elements
When I design or layout a CD or DVD for a client, they are responsible for providing me with the text and photos they want to include. After over 400 projects, I have noticed a few commonly forgotten elements. I don’t have time read everything, as I am usually concentrating on the design, but I do try to watch for a few critical things. #1
What Does Your Music Look Like?
Have you ever decided to purchase a CD solely because of the cover? Even in this digital age, many sales can still be attributed to the energy, style, essence or visual message captured in an image that attracts someone to take a chance. The cover is often the first impression people have of your music, and it should reflect the theme and quality of the
Recycled wallets, jackets and digipaks
100% recycled Eco-wallets, Eco-jackets and Eco-digis – for no extra charge! …
Featured
When I Do Your Graphics … What I need from you
Compile all material that you want to include in your design: photos, text, original artwork to be scanned, logos, etc. …
The secret Barcode Check Digit – how it’s calculated
The secret formula is… …
Anatomy of a Jewelcase
It is manufactured in the billions and so well known to millions, but what’s that thing in the back called? …
Creating a Compressed (zipped) folder
For Windows Open the drive or folder where your files are located Select the files you wish to include. Right-click Choose “Send to” and then “Compressed” A compressed or zipped folder with the same name as your new folder will appear in your folder. You have an opportunity to name it anything you want. It should have .zip as its extension.
Should I put the FBI anti piracy logo on my CD?
It is ILLEGAL to use the logo unless you are a member of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the Business Software Alliance (BSA) and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), subject to each member entering into a formal Uniform Authorization Agreement. Association members should contact the MPAA, RIAA, SIIA, BSA,
Stock Photo Sites
Here are some sites you can search to see if anything jumps out at you. …
Font Sites
Are a few sites I use to find fonts for my projects. …
Disc Face Design Instructions
Creating artwork for disc requires different techniques than creating artwork for paper printing. Furthermore, manufactured and Short Run disc templates are different. Duplicated Discs Download template or Create your own template. Software: I recommend using Photoshop or Illustrator. Set your page size to 120 mm (4.72″) square – do not alter this size – The duplicator will try to resize your image if you change
Virtual Jewelcase
My exclusive proofing system shows you how your graphics look in your packaging. Also great to include in your digital download packages or on your site.
Working with a designer
A good designer is part technician, part artist and part psychic.
Doing your own production files
If you are planning to do your own graphics, make sure you understand the process.
Proofs and Proofing
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Image Resolution – DPI/PPI/SPI
If you are supplying image files or creating your own graphics, you need to know this.
Hiring a photographer (or artist)
It is worth the investment – a pro will make you look like a pro.
Photography techniques & tips
Try radically different concepts – including something that does not show your face on the cover. Get crazy with your poses. Let your personality come out. Have fun. Have some funny phrases handy to use just before you take the photo for a natural smile. Pay attention to what you’re WEARING. Avoid tiny prints. Check with each other so you don’t clash. Do you blend
Photographs and Images
IMAGES can affect the way people perceive your music before they even hear it.
Preparing Your Text
File formats I prefer Microsoft Word, RTF, or you can email your text. Submit all text in a single file if possible. Don’t send pieces, changes, etc. in many different emails – this can lead to something being missed. It also makes it difficult to see an overview of how much text there really is. Spell Check and Proofread BEFORE submitting file. See Proofing section.
Other Packaging Options
Top spine labels, stickers, shrinkwrap, promos …
Packaging Choices
Different packaging styles and sizes communicate different messages.
Finishing Services
Already designed in Photoshop or Indesign (PC) but don’t know how to finish it?
The psychology of color in design
Color is a lot like music – waves of energy that effect our emotions. Your choice of colors can be as important as choosing the songs you include on your album, the instruments on your tracks or the photo for your cover.
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Project Checklist
Questions you will need to answer
CD & DVD Logo usage rules
The compact disc logo is actually owned by Philips Electronics N.V. The DVD logo is controlled by the DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation of Japan.You do not have to include disc logos on your artwork if you do not want to. If you do include the logos, then you must follow the rules regarding size, shape and color. Logos must remain Black and White – do
Writing Liner Notes
Give a lot of thought in advance to all of the credits you will be including on your liner notes. It can slow down the process and cost extra money if you realize after the work has gone to press that you need to add the photographer’s credits or a special dedication, etc. …
My Copyright Policy
DON’T USE ANYTHING YOU DON’T HAVE PERMISSION OR LICENSING FOR.
Scanning
Clean your scanner glass and photograph with a soft cloth before placing each item. Do not scan at a lower resolution and then enlarge it later! This actually lowers the resolution and can turn it into garbage. For example, a 2.5″ x 2.5″ image scanned at 300 PPI that is later doubled 5″ x 5″ becomes 150 PPI. Photoshop cannot invent pixels that were never
FREE CD Project Planner EBOOK
Full of answers to things you need to know – and a lot of questions you need to ask yourself. …
Barcodes
A barcode, or UPC code, is essential if you’re planning to sell your CDs in stores or online. …
Manufacturing Project Overview and Production Schedule
1. Graphics Time Frame: 1-3 weeks. Tip: If you are pressed for time, start your graphics before you finish in the studio. You provide: Liner notes, photos or other images, a rough layout. Troubleshooting: review all proofs very carefully. 2. Production Master You provide: The master and PQ code sheet (your mastering engineeer provides this). Be sure to ask your mastering engineer to include
Jewelcases vs. Digipaks
Digipaks Digipaks are definitely becoming more popular. Before you spend the extra money for the “look” consider this: Pros: As a designer, I love to design digipaks. Many people love how they look and feel. They are perceived as being more “eco-friendly” (which isn’t exactly true, however). They automatically include full color inside because the printing is all on one side and folded over. Cons:
What is a RELEASE NUMBER and why do I need one?
A release number, also known as matrix number or catalog number, is an identification number for your CD.