Do's and don'ts

These are the do's and don'ts of digipack covers / magazine adverts.

Do's

• Use a clear font
• Use appropriate sizes for images and font
• Use clear photos that are in focus
• Use photos that are an appropriate shape for the page
• Use a layout that follows the rule of thirds for composition 
• Use an appropriate type face that follows genre conventions and / or a house style
• Be careful where you place the font as it must follow genre conventions and be clear from a distance
• Have a 3 colour rule and ensure that it's appropriate for images, font and background.
• Think carefully about how you use and integrate font, text / language and image. (The placement of the text next to an image, will anchor a specific meaning.)
• Use appropriate industry logos and conventions, whilst being properly positioned. Including - Barcode, date, copyright, titles and artist name.

Don'ts

• Stretch images. As it will make them out of focus
• Use layer styles
• Use unnecessary effects. Any effects used MUST suit the genre.
• Place text across the artist's face 
• Use a font simply because you 'like it.'
• Feel like you need a separate photo on every panel - be creative!