Research - Mindmaps

The foundation of my research and planning starts with understanding the project in its entirety. I created two mindmaps about conventions in Digipaks and Music Videos.

What is a DigiPak?

A digipak is a type of card based packaging commonly used for CDs and DVDs. It is made of sturdy cardboard and features an internal plastic holder designed to hold one or multiple discs. 

These discs are securely held in place by plastic trays that are affixed within the digipak. It closely resembles a CD Jewel Case, however it differentiates itself from CD wallets or jackets by incorporating a plastic tray to safeguard the disc. Making it a durable product, popular in the music and film industries.

Digipaks offer many benefits in terms of aesthetic, customisation and eco friendly. 

Sustainability → Digipaks are made from some environmentally friendly materials, such as cardboard. This appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and artists who want to promote sustainability. 

Compactness → Digipaks are designed to be slim and lightweight, ideal for storage and transport. 

Unique Design → Digipacks have a distinctive folding design. It adds a creative touch and space for creative freedom, creating a specific aesthetic that suits the song track 

Social Media Pages

The 21st century, in particular the Gen Z generation revolves around social media, whether it is for entertainment, communication, following trends, finding out the newest releases in fashion, music or movies/TV shows 

It is at a constant increasing rate, it’s a great tool for artists to make themselves known and to market their albums. It is also a way of interacting with their audience, Instagram has a broadcast channel feature for artists (and users with a public professional account), it's a “direct line” to audiences, allowing artists to create exclusive one-to-many messaging spaces for their followers. These channels enable creators to foster deeper engagement through voice notes, behind the scenes photos and polls without the pressure of a perfectly curated feed. It is more rare, realistic and personal. 

What makes an Artist’s Instagram Page Successful 

It typically demonstrates:

• Strong brand identity 

• Visual consistency 

• Clear artist persona

• Emotional connection with the audiences

• Strategic balance between professional content and authenticity 

• Regular posting and audience engagement 

Content Strategy 

• High quality visuals 

• Video usage (reels)

• Behind the scenes → share the creative process, such as time lapse videos, it builds connection 

• Storytelling → share the story behind the artwork to increase engagement

• Consistency → post regularly, 3-4 times per week is ideal to keep audience engaged

• Cohesive Aesthetic → maintain a consistent, recognizable style or color theme  

Engagement & Community 

• Active interaction → respond to comments and messages to build a loyal community 

• Networking → engage with other artists

• Authenticity → share the ups and downs of the creative journey to create a relatable, human connection 

Profile Optimization 

• Professional Bio → use a clear, concise bio, and a professional photo

• Link in Bio → a link bio tool to direct traffic to a website or shop 

Growth Tactics 

• Strategic Hashtags → use relevant, specific hashtags rather than too many generic ones

• Collaborations 

This is a deeper understanding of Music Videos

Music Videos follow recognisable conventions that help audiences identify genre, understand the narrative, and connect with the artist