CD Packaging: How to Spend Less Without Compromising Quality

Limit the number of pages. If you’re planning to have a booklet, as in the ones inserted in a standard jewel case, try to limit the number of pages. Just include the very essential information. Putting the bio of each band member may not be that necessary especially if you already have a website. Putting the lyrics may not be that necessary as well- in fact, that’s so nineties. As long as it will not cripple the creativity of the whole package, don’t put it there.

Use White. Using light colors is much cheaper than using dark colors because dark colors require more ink.

Don’t rush it. You do not want to spend more dollars on Rush Fees. So either you start early or move your CD release date.

Let an expert design your artwork. Or if you are lucky, you can just ask the advice of experts (if you know some people who won’t charge you for consultation) and design it yourself. Just make sure you know the basics (required DPI, templates,etc) or else you would be wasting lots of time –and even money. Now if you have no time, resources, or skills to design the artwork, I strongly suggest that you let a CD designer do it. If you can find a student designer who’d do it for free, then that’s great but sometimes it’s much better to just hire someone who’s had enough experience. Also, you cannot demand much from those people who offer to do it for free.

For almost a decade now, Unified Manufacturing has been helping indie musicians develop their brand thru creative CD packaging. Here’s a link to our website . DO check us out.