Arelinda Records     Record Production   

Conceptual and Preliminary Design

The overall design of the graphics should be consistent with the purpose of the recording and the target audience.  Conceptual design elements include number of insert pages, content of each insert page, tray card content, CD/Tape label content.  The overall quality should be consistent with the objectives of the recording.  A demo recording may have a different level of quality than a recording that will be distributed in the tens of thousands.  It can often help to create a prototype design and layout to get a more concrete idea of what the final product might look like before starting more detailed work as outlined below.

Considering the purpose of the CD, develop a layout, images, and text that work well for the target audience.  Design may be needed for:

Layout and Detailed Design Elements

The layout and design elements used should provide some consistency across the various components such as insert and tray card.  

Colors

Colors used should have some coherence and consistency and support the conceptual design and layout.  Are colors to be bright, subdued, aggressive, splashy, ....?

Fonts

There are many fonts to choose from for the text to be used.  Font selection is a more important factor than may be apparent.  Fonts can set help set the overall tone of the graphics and add to the readability of the text.  

Photos and Releases

Photos selected should support the overall design.  Releases from photographers and models and recognizable people should be secured before final product distribution.

Text

Because the space typically available on inserts, tray cards, and labels is limited, the text used should be finely crafted and well thought out.  

Names and Credits

Names used for performers and credits should be very carefully checked.  Misspelling a person's name on a recording is an obvious error.

Cover Page

The cover pages of the insert will help sell the recording.  Its what the customer sees and what makes the first impression.  

Manufacturing Interface

Graphics
Production Process

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Last modified: Monday May 20, 2002.