| Graphic design is an important element in enhancing | | | | This addresses the darkening and transparency |
| the visual presentation of a product. It establishes a | | | | problems effectively. It is also useful when one has |
| specific identity and improves brand retention in the | | | | white, as in clouds, snow etc., appears on the design |
| consumers. Just as with every product, CDs and | | | | of the DVD. By applying the base coat, the snow |
| DVDs too need attractive graphic design to grab | | | | would look natural. |
| attention. | | | | Screen-printing is the technique followed for printing |
| Graphic design and DVD packaging are interesting | | | | on DVDs as well. The color scheme can be finalized |
| challenges to the designer. This is because DVDs are | | | | by spot color method or the CMYK method. |
| a technically advanced medium and the material used | | | | However, we must remember that the final product |
| presents issues relating to color effect, type integrity | | | | would have less than ideal results especially due to |
| and so on. The designer would do well to first | | | | loss of lines and detail. This sub-optimal situation can |
| understand the DVD's material make up. There are | | | | be overcome by using a variety of printing strategies. |
| four main areas: main printable area, mirror band, | | | | The designer must remember that the difficulties are |
| stacking ring and hub. The first and second have | | | | due to the material and hence he must devise |
| severe effect on tone and make colors appear | | | | methods to work around it. For example, the silver |
| darker than they are. The reflective surface shows | | | | area of the DVD presents myriad possibilities. He |
| through depending on whether light or heavy ink | | | | could use a solid base color or incorporate silver itself |
| coverage is used. In the mirror band, usually the | | | | as one of the tones. He could adopt a minimalist |
| manufacturer's name along with identification or bar | | | | design or subtle underplay of tones. The designer |
| code of the master file is etched. The stacking ring | | | | must keep in mind the limitations of using |
| prevents rubbing off between DVDs when they are | | | | screen-printing. Hence, the choice of tonal range |
| stacked up for storage. If the DVDs are molded with | | | | assumes much importance. Wide variation in tone |
| a smooth top, one can easily print on this ring. The | | | | should be avoided. |
| hub presents a diametrically opposite problem to that | | | | Besides the DVD, there are other items like the case, |
| of the main printable area. Colors here appear lighter | | | | inserts and labels and the graphic designer has to pay |
| due to the transparency effect. | | | | attention to creating a complementary design |
| In order to overcome the inconsistent color | | | | structure for these as well. Only when the overall |
| requirements over the surface of the DVD, one can | | | | packaging is appealing does the product find buyers. |
| apply a white base coat over the entire print area. | | | | Ask music album makers! |