https://www.canva.com/design/DAHEDly27rw/L9ejIGqobypyrGJEsbv6qg/view
This was my mockup for the digipak. Initially, I tended to use a grey tone, but when I actually started, I changed my mind. A brighter, more vibrant color will better convey the playful, chaotic vibe of my album.
Final version:
For my digipak front cover, I want to create a visually striking, unconventional design that reflects the theme of rebellion and highlights the “chaotic” and playful vibe that defines the music video “STUPID IDIOT”. The final version features overlapping circular elements, with the title placed in the middle and the album name “IDIOTS” floating in faded shadows. The intention of this layered arrangement is to produce a sense of a mess and unpredictability.
picture 1
piture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4
Initially, I intended to create a gradient background in blue, with the album title centered. I wanted to approach it in a minimalist way because my music video already has high visual energy, with tons of effects and dynamic settings. Therefore, a simpler design would provide contrast and visual balance. To begin this process, I created a solid grey-toned background to avoid using harsh pure white (picture 1). Then I used the brush tool, changed it to a soft brush with a size of 1000, and applied blue tones across the canvas. I played with different shapes and placements to explore the best composition (picture 2).
After that, I selected “Gaussian Blur” and set it to around 150 pixels to soften edges and create a smooth, diffused effect, which contributes to the gradient aesthetic. Following this, I used the Liquify tool to adjust the area I had just painted, creating subtle wave-like distortions that enhanced the overall aesthetic.
However, after trying multiple versions, I found that the outcome lacked visual impact and failed to effectively capture the playful, chaotic identity of my project. Because of that, I changed the idea and developed a more layered and dynamic design approach.
I used the automatic gradient tool of Photoshop, but it did not have the color that I wanted. They only had a super light one and a little bit grey or dark blue one, while I wanted a vibrant electric blue tone
I followed Youtube tutorial of how to make a gradient background. They told me to use eraser and erase some parts of the painted area —> making it looks more art. I tried and realized that it did not look as good as what I imagined:)
Tutorials that I watched:
https://youtu.be/kYq4bBnEWuI?si=dQyj1uLyp26Rugzb
https://youtu.be/chF2HwJDp8w?si=A9QmRVcgJlK234EL
This time, I aimed to create a more graphic composition. First, I used the shape tool to create a circular element and experimented with gradients and stroke effects to add more depth and dynamism to the design.
The first problem I encountered was the circle's outline. I wanted the glowing effect to be outside, but the options in the “Fill” section only allowed me to choose between “Linear”, “Radial”, “Angle”, “Reflected”, and “Diamond”, and it all happened inside the circle, which did not align with what I was seeking.
I then tried the stroke categories and experimented with different designs, thickness, and colors. However, these adjustments did not produce the outcome I am rooting for. Most of the available options were simply increasing the thickness and prominence of the circle’s outline, rather than creating a soft, diffused glow. As a result, the circle appeared sharper and more rigid, whereas I need it to glow.
A few times later, after being scolded by me, Gemini finally gave me the correct solution for this. It mentioned using the “Inner Glow” and “Outer Glow” methods. It did come out pretty good.
I was so devastated that I had to reach out to Gemini to ask how to fix the circular elements. At first, Gemini told me to draw the circle myself, but if I did so by hand, the features wouldn't be perfect, and it would look extremely cartoonish.
