Research: Digipak Analysis

The first aspect of this CD cover that makes it noticeable to the audience is that it is in black and white. The Black, white and grey tones make the image of Beyoncé stand out against the blended background because her outline is harsh and defined. This simplicity makes the CD cover eye catching even though it isn't popping with colour. This mix of colour can also be connected to the title of the album, “Platinum Edition”. The word platinum brings the colours grey and silver to anyone’s mind once heard and so therefore the CD cover has been matched this way for added effect. The concept becomes coherent to the audience.

The lettering immediately tells the audience that this album is Beyoncé's and shows them who she is. It is positioned to the left of the Beyoncé’s image and is also big. The Artist name is the biggest and boldest type of font of the front cover as people are more likely to notice from a glace that it is her. The smaller writing underneath is the title of the whole album, it reveals who Beyoncé really is as well. This is an essential factor to the album and yet the font size is smaller… why? It means a response is drawn out from the audience reading these words because they are well hidden and unexpected. They find out the Artist’s real name and are taken aback by having not seen it at first.

The majority of the space on the cover is filled with the outstanding image of Beyoncé. This indicates to the audience that she must be the artist of this album and that she has presence. The expression on Beyoncé's face is distant. The impression given is that she is staring into space however this is unnerving because her eyes are wide-set and big showing that she is actually looking directly into the audiences eyes at whichever angle the psychical CD is held. It almost proves what has been written on the cover, “I am… Sasha Fierce” her appearance truly is fierce.

Many artists in the music industry today have been criticised for standing by stereotypes. For example Hip-hop stars are accused of promoting ‘gangsta’ ideas by including violence and cars within their images. Beyoncé can be included in this as she has a consistent image constructed around glamour sex appeal and attractiveness. The image on this particular CD cover certainly portrays seductiveness. She is wearing a formal, opaque dress coupled with a delicate accessory. Beyoncé's image may encourage young girls to strive for beauty and perfection in order to be successful and this is not a message that should be sent out in the modern world. A positive of Beyoncé's image on the other hand is that she demonstrates self-confidence. It gives the impression that she is “fierce” and will fight for her goals. 

On the back of this CD there are labels indicating the parent advisory. Material that is exempt from classification sometimes uses symbols similar to BBFC certificates, for example an E certificate. There is no legal obligation, nor a particular scheme, for labelling material that is exempt from classification and this is something which has been featured on this cover. Next to this symbol Sony Music is also featured and this tells that audience that they are responsible for producing the CD. All of these labels are black and this is to make them easily noticeable as they are important. 

The front and back of the CD is contrasting in colour. The front background is a light shade of grey compared to the back. This means the list of songs that are on the album at the back have been written in a white font. This makes it easier for the audience to read however because the style of font is thin and small the audience do have to concentrate. This is an advantage because it causes more attention to be paid to the album and the information featured. 

Below the featured labels is a paragraph of small print. This contains details about copyright laws and publishing information. For legal reasons all this information has to be present on the psychical CD cover and that is why it has been written in a small font. This paragraph should not affect the audience in any way and so to ensure it doesn’t take up to much space and become dominating for them it has been made discreet.

The image of Beyoncé on the back cover also contrasts to the front image of Beyoncé. The image at the back still shows a defined edge and outline and her facial expression is similar but it is her exterior that has changed. She is now seen to be wearing a lot more eye makeup, with her hair tied back and a much bigger accessory. This contrast makes her seem a lot less relaxed and the severity of how fierce she really is has increased. 

The spine of the CD cover has the same shade of grey from the back and white lettering. This makes it stand out and easy for the audience to read if they are stacking them in a collection of CD’s on a shelf. The lettering is the title of the Album again with the artist’s name. 

The inside of the CD cover contains the CD itself and a small booklet. The cover of the booklet is a close up of Beyoncé. She once again wears the passive expression that is mixed with determination. A Shadow crosses the right side of her face which is atmospheric and the audience can see that once again her hairstyle is different, this time, wavy. The fact that the Artists appearance keeps changing issues the feeling that she is very versatile and is not afraid of change. It repeats this idea of her being strong minded and capable. The audience have no doubt that Beyoncé is who she wants to be. 

The CD is illustrated with another image which features Beyoncé however it is the first long and only long shot of her. This is a big aspect because before this the audience have only ever seen a part of her so they may have felt limited. The image of Beyoncé shows her leaning on one hip with her dress flowing through her fingers behind her. This pose is quite flirtatious because it shows off the Artist’s flattering figure. This can again be interpreted as showing young girls how to be sexy with only appearance and perhaps not supporting the idea that attractiveness isn't everything and that personality matters.

Also on the actual CD is the list of songs included on the album with the order in which they are numbered.