DIGIPAK BRAINSTORMING AND SKETCH
The idea was to transfer the theme of the "Poetry" album moodboard into the visual presentation of the digipak, ensuring a sense of coordination in the overall aesthetic of the project to uphold Lyn's representation in the public eye. It was quite difficult initially to decide whether to include more inner sleeve content within the digipak, with 2 extra pages, along with the CD, or to keep it simpler with a conventional 4-page digipak, which comprises only 1 extra page. Ultimately, I decided to go on the more demanding route; though it requires more time and designing work, it allows for more space for creativity, where Lyn's artistry can be showcased even further.
1. FRONT COVER
Inspired by the original artist Gracie Abrams herself, the use of a Polaroid photo can evoke a sense of intimacy and personalisation, as it is commonly referred to as forever-lasting and usually associated with the idea of memories, friendships, relationships, and nostalgia. By using an original, vintage-looking Polaroid photo for the front cover, with Lyn's signature right across the image, this design not only gives a quick emphasis on the artist's name (which is incredibly important for a front cover for fans' recognition), but also establishes the general theme throughout the digipak and the entire album itself. "Handwritten" font is a large size to draw attention to the album title (another crucial element to the front cover), is used to give further sustenance to the concept - a little messy, "out of place", yet incredibly fitting and chic.
Regarding the subject, in this case, Lyn, should look a little carefree, almost aloof, and unaware of the camera capturing her. The goal is to build the look of "the candid girlfriend" - a trending theme on TikTok and Instagram, where a girl who is effortlessly pretty in unposed, candid photos. It is the natural, unbothered, and most significantly, authentic element that should successfully sell the idea of a close-to-her-audience yet bright artist.
2. BACK COVER
Influenced by Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey's digipak, on which I have done thorough research and analysis, the back cover is kept quite simple, mostly focusing on the names of the tracks of the album, bar codes (for sale-tracking purposes at retail stores), and the credits - record labels, other studios or partners involved, etc. Moreover, another major reason why I thought of having the back cover without too many details is to "shine light" upon the photoshoots, which will be done for the marketing campaign for Lyn across multiple platforms. This back cover will bring a different vibe to the front cover, presenting how Lyn can adapt herself to different concepts and still thrive - a flexibility that is highly expected by the viewers in the media nowadays. It still holds a sense of sophistication and gentleness that are Lyn's main values, yet here she brings another side of her character to the market, where her maturity and sharp features are highlighted.
3. INNER CONTENT
a) The CD: To contrast the highly detailed sketches I made on the 2 extra spreads on the sides of the placement of the, I balanced the view by creating the CD with a low amount of images and/or designs, keeping it plain yet informative and visually appealing using diverse fonts (from cursive to more vintage with various sizes). The idea of the curved line surrounding the CD was derived from the "Hit Me Hard and Soft" digipak by Billie Eilish; I thought it gave the CD more shape, making it more interesting to observe.
b) The extra sleeves: I included 3 main pictures, or subjects: flowers, an eye, and a deer.
The flower is there to represent the authenticity that is Lyn as a singer, songwriter. Lilies are authentic because they exist exactly as they are, without trying to be anything else. The beauty of a flower isn't manufactured or mediated to look less imperfect and refined, but it is raw and honest => represents fully what Lyn's image stands for, especially in terms of "enhancing one's own beauty and features.
The deer, with wide eyes and a gentle presence, experiences life with optimism and purity - mirroring a teen's early understanding of society and its way of operating. The image of the creature is the representation of how Lyn upholds her innocence from those teenage years, while fostering a sense of bravery in facing the hardships that are certainly coming her way as she enters a new chapter of life - adulthood, like a deer making its way into the deep and scary forest everyday once it's old enough to be on its own. This detail reinforces the relatable aspect of Lyn's identity, aligning her with all the teenagers facing the same change, not only in age, but also in responsiblity, in social networking, as well as mentality.
Lastly, the eye. "Eyes are window into the soul," said by all the poets, writers, or even journalists. They reflect the truth, or in Al Pacino's words "The eyes, chico, they never lie." Basically, the eye is the visual representation of Lyn's true identity, one even Lyn is yet to be able to fully see herself, one that is existing but developing, learning from mistakes as Lyn's career progresses. Having the eye within the digipak is similar to sending invitations to all Lyn's supporters to join her on the journey of finding her own, real self, and encouraging them to do the same for themselves.
Apart from the personal imageries and subjects, I also made sure to include some more conventional things from an inner parts of a digipak, to ensure the "look" of the product: song lyrics and titles.
P/s: As these are only initial ideas, I am still open for alterations in the future; these designs are not fixed as changes can be considered as production is in process.
