Conventions of Digipaks

Digipaks usually consist of 6 panels(or more) that include bonus information that a CD would not offer usually. A track list at the back is a staple for both CDs and digipaks. However, digipaks are often more stylized as a result of the digipak being in a cohesive theme.

There is also usually bonus information and lyrics throughout the panels located in insides of the digipak.

Bar code and every licensing information is always located on the back  of the digipak. The song names are on the back also just above this, this is a common convention of these digipaks. The spine of the CD is also usually uncluttered and black or white in order for the CD to stand out.

Digipak Research - Phildel Album Covers

Since our chosen artist is Phildel, I thought it'd be best to investigate the codes and conventions of a typical Phildel album cover. Considering there are only 4 collections, the conventions are relatively clear. 


With the anomalous 'Qi' not featuring Phildel, herself and diverging from the typical plain colours of the background in favour of a more ancient look, gives us breathing room creatively. The typical logo for Phildel is simply her name in thin lettering spaced out or squashed depending on the placement of the central image of the album design.

Noting that we have to use only original material and focusing on the song 'The Wolf' we are currently set on basing the cover of our digipak on said animal. A clear nature theme is throughout all of the albums with each containing some form of either bird or tree homage. This could benefit us as we may integrate this into our wolf themes cover perhaps featuring a forest environment while remaining as minimalistic as possible. Furthermore, with the exception of 'The Glass Ghost', the tones of the covers have been all relatively earthy, boasting shades of brown to compliment the naturalistic theme.

CD Analysis Features - Phildel CD Covers

CD Cover - Clear picture of artist/photograph that makes it instantly recognizable to the specific artist, similar to a signature

Artist's Name - The artist's name is commonly in one of the four corners on the front of the CD

Album Name - Almost always takes the main/centre of the album over the image in a text colour that stands out