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