Digipak Editing - Front Cover

Front Cover

In lesson time I decided to go a PC computer in the study centre, as I am well practised in photoshop on these computers. I took screen shots while creating my front cover to explain how I created the image:

 I started by selecting a section of image near the split between the two pieces of wood that were covered in graffiti. I then copied and paste this selection into my image.

 I then moved this selection and to cover the black line, and then erased the edges to blend the colours together. 

I then flattened the image, so there was only one layer in photoshop. I then used the spot healing tool to blend the colours together. 

I then made the image the correct size. I then adjusted the amount of background space of the image by cropping the image while holding the shift key. This keeps the crop frame proportions to scale. 

I then found a modern, messy, arty font online and screenshot it. I then erased the white area within the text by hiding the other layer, and then selecting the white area on 'Select' 'Colour range' and deleting it. I then changed the colour of the black area, using a 'Cool Blue' filter. 

I then enlarged the text to fit the width of the CD Cover. I then duplicated the image of Esther and erased the background. I then put this image above the text layer. This made the text look like part of the background. I then used a similar technique as above to create the text 'Feline', however I inverted it. 



Here is my initial CD cover edit: 

I purposely kept the scratched and chipped paint as it was as it shows the audience that Esther is actually standing in front of a real graffiti wall, not a studio wall. I think this detail links in the rough messy font style I chose, which makes the overall front cover have a consistent and unique but fashionable style. 

I am really pleased the composition of the image. For an example, I like how pink arrow is pointing at Esther's face. This arrow leads a viewers eyes to Esther's face which leads the target audience to acknowledge Esther complies to a pop's audience ideology. Esther is attractive, fashionable and independent.  As a result, I think my Digipak front cover effectively creates a star image for Esther. Details such as Esther's undercut, her long eyelashes and relaxed posture work really well together. I think by studying photography at A level, I was able to direct Esther in a way that enabled us to work together to capture an image that reflected a stereotypical female pop artist. 

The only design judgement I am unsure about is the colour of the font. My initial idea was to use a similar blue to the blue in the graffiti, however this made it hard to read the text. I experimented with various other colours, but eventually decided on the colour above. I have saved the image as a TIFF file, meaning I will be able to adjust the different layers (images and text) if I change my mind.

My next step is to continue to edit my digipack, and talk to my teacher, peers and target audience. I hope to receive constructive criticism and their opinion, so I can improve upon this initial edit if I need to.