Introduction — 3 8 reasons why you need a CD — 4 table of contents

Questions you will need to answer — 5 Project Checklist — 6 Scanning — 42 Pressing — 72 Schedule — 7 Resolution — 43 Duplication versus Replication — 73 Design process — 8 Proofs and proofing — 44 How CDs are Pressed — 76 Proofing tips and guidelines — 45 Concept — 10 Proofing checklist — 46 FAQs — 77 Design — 11 Proofs — 47 Shipping — 77 Cover Design — 12 Doing your own production files — 49 Pricing your CD — 77 Images — 13 Working with a designer — 52 Color — 15 about the author — 78 Design Process Walkthrough — 53 Paper — 19 the printing process — 54 Layout — 20 Printing Lingo — 57 Preparing your packaging — 21 Mastering — 58 Packaging Styles — 21 Master checklist — 59 Digipaks vs. Jewelcases — 24 This is an interactive PDF. Liner Notes Checklist — 25 Mastering FAQs — 60 Choosing a Mastering Engineer — 61 Insert/Booklet — 26 Watch for hyperlinks throughout that Folding Choices — 28 ISRC codes — 63 will take you to other places in this Traycard / Back cover — 29 other mastering options — 64 document and on the web. Barcode — 31 Legal and Business Stuff — 65 Disc Face — 32 IPR Forms — 66 other packaging options — 34 Mechanical Use this Table of Contents to jump Preparing Text & Images — 35 Licenses — 67 to different sections (or use your Preparing Your Text — 36 Public Domain — 68 Bookmarks panel in Acrobat Reader). Photography / Artwork — 37 BMI ASCAP — 69 Photography techniques & tips — 39 Sound Exchange — 69 To PRINT, select "Fit to paper" in the Hiring a photographer (or artist) — 40 Copyright — 70 Print dialog box. Image Copyrights — 41 Other Legal and Business Stuff — 71

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Introduction

This publication will take you through the steps and discuss However, you still must coordinate things, so you need to the different aspects of creating your CD from the point educate yourself. You should understand the process, even you are finished in the studio. It is full of answers if you are not actually doing the work. And you to things you need to know - and a lot of should know your limits and when to hire questions you need to ask yourself. someone.

The next stages of your project - I wish I could assure you that your mastering, design and printing/ project will go perfectly, with no pressing - are all as important and glitches, delays, or problems. We technical as the recording. Don’t don’t live on that planet. Let’s cut corners or try to skip steps. be real here - stuff happens. Your project will suffer for it and Introduction The success of any project of you will end up spending more this complexity depends on money in the end. Think of your everything going smoothly. There CD as a tattoo - it will be with you are dozens of people and machines the rest of your life - you want to that will touch your project. There be proud of it and show it off. is always a possibility of one of these links in the chain failing (illness, You are entering a realm that was never machines breaking down, labor strikes, meant to be handled by one person, let alone human error), delaying your project. The the artist. Record companies used to take care of trick is to know what can happen, identify problems the technical stuff, leaving the artist to do what he/she before they happen, and find a solution if something does did best – create music. But today’s independent musician go wrong. must also be promoter, art director, photographer, designer, manager, producer, shipping clerk, finance committee, So, here we go. Please feel free to raise your hand and ask and sometimes even recording engineer. There is a reason a question at any time - or just email me: these positions have a separate titles: each has its own Diana Thornton - [email protected] set of skills, knowledge, and expertise. So don't feel bad if you are not a great songwriter, instrumentalist, engineer, And please visit my site: www.crescentmusic.com copywriter, photographer, AND graphic designer. CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 3 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> 8 reasons why you need a CD

If you're reading this, I probably don't need to convince you that you need or want your own CD. But here are some reasons beyond the emotional yearning to share your music with the world.

1. A CD says “Take me seriously. I believe in myself and that my music is good enough to sell. I am investing in my music. I’m here to stay.” 2. Many industry people won’t deal with you until you have a CD (product). They’re not being rude, it’s just that everything revolves around sales. If they feature you in their newspaper or television show but you don’t have a CD to sell, there’s no point. No matter how good you are, if you don’t have a CD to sell AFTER the review or show, you’ve wasted your time and theirs. 3. Radio. 4. You can sell them to make some money to support your music habit. 5. Producing your own CD teaches you the many facets of the music business that will prepare you to work with a record company if that's your goal. 6. You can share your music with other people without them coming to a gig. 7. You can get more gigs if you have a CD. 8. Even if you sell your music online as downloads, fans still want something for you to sign.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 4 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Questions you will need to answer Quantity? Packaging Manufactured or Shortrun? • Packaging Choice: Where will you store the discs? Use - sell / promo • How many panels/pages?

• Include lyrics? Budget: Where is the money coming from? • Full-color throughout or black and white inside?

• Color of tray (clear, black, white)? Who is in charge of coordinating the production? • Who will do your graphics? Schedule: • Photographs / Artwork: Who will take or create your Start graphics: images? What media works best for your style? Finished in studio: Mastering Date: • Color preferences: CDs IN YOUR HANDS Date: • Paper type: CD Release Party Date: • Other CDs you would like to emulate (not copy). Who owns the copyrights of the original songs? • Genre: Who owns the arrangements? Are they copyrighted? Who will own the sound recording (the master)? • Mood/Theme: happy, sad, angry, futuristic, sexy, funky, Are you a member of BMI, ASCAP or SESAC? earthy, retro, nostalgic, romantic, christian, colorful, Have you registered with SoundExchange? clean, elegant, mellow, soft, bright, artsy, grunge, metallic, conservative, traditional....

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 5 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Project Checklist • ORGANIZE YOURSELF • Verify reference copy of master.

• Preliminary meeting/phone call to designer. • Review “final” proofs. Request additional • Gather, write and edit parts for packaging. changes OR APPROVE (additional charges will apply to any changes after this once you • Meet with designer. approve so review carefully) • Submit complete, proofed liner notes, • Submit master, IPR form, copies of licenses photos and design ideas to designer. Expect about a week to get first draft. and releases, and final graphic files to factory. • Review first draft and give changes/feedback • Review factory PDF proofs of artwork - to designer. Expect about 2-5 days to receive approve or request changes (additional second draft. charges will apply).

• Review second draft • CDs are produced - usually 7-21 business days • Finish mixing and sequencing depending on packaging.

• Research and obtain mechanical licenses for • Register songs with BMI or ASCAP covered songs if applicable, and SR licenses for samples and loops used. • Register with Sound Exchange • Obtain ISRC codes • CDs ship - Allow 2-5 business days

• Mastering session • CDs arrive - check product!

• Give final design changes and mastered song • Schedule and promote CD release party. times to designer to finish design files. Expect 1-4 days to receive final proof. • Copyright sound recording.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 6 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Figure AT LEAST a month. Production time alone for a standard jewelcase is about 10 business days AFTER your graphics and master are done and you approve your proofs.

Here is a typical time line. It will vary according to time of year, problems/delays, type of packaging, and how organized you are. Count backwards from the day you need them: Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 <<<< Recording / Mixing << Photography / Write Liner Notes Packaging Design Schedule 1-3+ wks depending on how together you are Mastering and review of master Printing / Pressing / Shipping 10-26 business days depending on packaging and how far to ship START EARLY!! Don’t wait until your music is done damaged in transit. Print materials in the studio to start working on the have to be redone due to missed track Don’t book your release printed material. Factor in as many name. Weather and natural disasters. party until you have your extra days as you can to allow for Specialized packaging that needs to be CDs in-hand and you’ve given unforeseen delays (they always seem hand packaged. Factory backed up due them your stamp of approval. RUSH to happen when you are in a rush). to Christmas rush. What can go wrong? Do you want the CHARGES ARE EXPENSIVE. whole list or just the top 10? Graphics CD manufacturing is a seasonal not finished in time because of missing business. There are times, especially Once you have your CDs in-hand, info or not to spec and rejected by during the months before Christmas, pick a release party date that gives printer. Can't get mechanical license when the factory is running at capacity. for one song and have to redo master. you plenty of time for promotion Recording engineer or lead singer gets When counting workdays, do not count (between 4 and 12 weeks) and the flu. Master not finished in time due weekends or holidays (Thanksgiving, doesn’t compete with other major to mixing problems. Master rejected by Christmas, New Year’s Day, Labor Day, events in your city. factory due to high error count. Master Memorial Day, Independence Day). CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 7 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Design process Make it less about the product and more about the experience.

DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 8 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Concept > Design > Layout

Approach your visual design like you approach your music - with a symphony of inspiration, artistry and expertise.

DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 9 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Concept

A concept is an essence, an idea - it is not anything physical Keep a bird’s eye view. Don’t get too wrapped up in the or something you can see or touch. It is the emotional aspect, details YET. the message, the feeling of your music. An esoteric thought, dream, an idea. It comes from your imagination and can often Don’t design yet. You’ll do that later. be hard to articulate. Deep enough for you? Draw from your life experiences. Your music is usually the root of your concept. It will also incorporate your personality, your story and your goals. Draw from your song writing and music making self.

Generating Concepts Glance over the words in your lyrics and song titles.

Brainstorming: Fantastic ideas might come to some in the I recommend NOT looking through your CD collection. That shower, but the rest of the time, we can use techniques like tends to foster copycat ideas. brainstorming. Initially you should generate a large quantity of ideas. Your chances of coming up with a winning idea Once you’ve got your ideas on paper, choose the best two or are often directly proportionate to the number of ideas you three ideas and flesh them out a bit. Then you can permit generate. One technique, especially if you work alone, is yourself to think more about the details - type, color, photos to take a sheet of paper and write your objective at the - the design and later the layout. top. Then force yourself to quickly write or sketch twenty different ideas. Once you settle on a concept (or concepts), the next step is to manifest it - that is the goal of Design. Don’t censor yourself. You’ll do that later. All ideas are welcome at this point, even (and sometimes especially) the crazy ones.

Sketch quickly, write quickly. You’ll flesh out the best ideas later.

Use symbols, metaphor, or theme.

DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 10 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Tools Design color Design brings imagination and reality together. imagery fonts Design communicates white space Design motivates lines Design is the expression of ideas. shapes textures Design connects with the reason for being. patterns Design has a goal. paper Design tells a story. folds words Design communicates with metaphor, theme and symbolism. symbols Design links the musician and the listener. contrast repetition Good Design is invisible, quiet and subtle, like good editing and good song writing. Bad design is loud. balance light and shadow

The magic of Design is not just using these tools, it's how they're used together.

Your choices in these areas Don't let your design get in the way of will dictate how your message function - don't make people work to read it is communicated and the ultimate experience of the or navigate or find important information. package. Even how your insert is folded can effect the "feel."

DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 11 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Have you ever purchased Your cover should be a CD solely just because distinctive and memorable, of the cover? The cover even bold and graphic. is sometimes the first On the other hand, it must impression people will still function to inform. Don’t have of your music, and it Cover Design make people guess too much reflects on the theme and about what your music is quality of the sound. It is about. And don't make them the visual representation, work to read the artist name an extension even, of and album title. your music. Album covers function not only to sell Look at other covers and ask music, but to present the yourself: concepts and images behind the music. It sets the Can you tell just from the visual theme for the entire cover what kind of music it packaging. is?

While it’s true that Is the name of the artist browsing for CDs in stores clearly readable? Is it is almost a thing of the distinguishable from the title? past, cover images are still used to identify music on Does it communicate web sites, catalogs and at something about the artist or gigs. Even in this digital the music? age, many sales can still be attributed to the energy, style, essence or visual message Remember, you are not required to have an image on the captured in an image that attracts someone to take a cover. Text only can be a fresh, clean technique for a chance. distinctive cover that will reproduce well.

Sound creates mental imagery and imagery affects how we One more consideration: How will your cover perceive sound. While it will be different for each listener, look at 1 inch? Envision your cover reduced to the emotions music evokes is undeniable. The cover and a 50-pixel image on a digital music store site. packaging should capture that. You want to lure your listeners in. It should be an invitation, a tease, a temptation, an connection to a total experience.

DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 12 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Images Images can be incredibly powerful and compelling tools of communication, conveying not just information but also moods and emotions, even entire stories.

The best images keep on giving. A face with every year etched on it and eyes that look deep into your soul. An abstract painting that embodies the energy of the music. A pencil sketch capturing a moment in time. Even something as simple as a black symbol in the middle of a stark white field can provoke thought and emotion. Only you will know what images work for your project.

DESIGN 13 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 14 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> C o l o r

DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 15 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> The psychology of color

Color is a lot like music - waves of energy that effect our The amazing thing about color is that even the absence of emotions. color speaks volumes. Like a silent pause in the middle of a song, black and white set up negative and positive spaces Your choice of colors can be as important as choosing the that draw us in and focus our gaze. Both accentuate other songs you include on your album, the instruments on your colors. Basic black grounds your design like the bass line. tracks or the photo for your cover. Choosing colors Color is cultural. Color is male and female, young and old. How we perceive and choose colors can be affected by our The right colors can bring a design to life, or destroy it. My mood (or affect our mood), our immediate environment or first source for colors is often the cover image, which tends our memories of something connected to that color. And to set the visual tone for the rest of the packaging. this can change over time. Close your eyes and listen to your music - what color(s) fill Color is psychological. You may love a certain color one your mind? morning, in a certain lighting, and then the next evening it looks terrible to you. Why? It might be the light, or maybe Draw from obvious references in your song lyrics. you're more tired, or angry at your kids, who knows. The point is, color is not only a result of light waves, it is a very Don't pick colors by looking at the color name. Look at real psychological phenomenon. swatches, at color photos or artwork, color combinations, even your clothes. Like harmonies and ensembles in music, color combinations create an entirely new dimension as they play off each yellow other, creating contrast, harmony, tension or calm. Choosing a lot of dark colors sets one tone while choosing a See what I mean? lot of light colors sets another just like a group of sopranos. But don't let your color choices overwhelm or get in Color and color combinations can scream or whisper, sooth the way of the message. Color is still just a tool to or attract your attention, even laugh. Color can even communicate the message - it is not the message. create the illusion of movement on a static page.

Color's most powerful use is to elicit specific emotions and reactions. For example, red is typically thought of as an attention-grabbing, hot color, and blues more calming or convey stability. DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 16 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> True blue - someone loyal and faithful The Meanings of Color Out of the blue - unexpected Blue ribbon - first rate, top prize Consider the cultural, gender and emotional meanings colors Baby blues - Blue eyes have. Understanding these is important in order to convey the Feeling blue - feeling sad or depressed right tone or message, and make the desired connection to The blues - depression, state of sadness your music. Blue Monday - feeling sad Singing the blues - bemoaning one's circumstances Cool colors tend to have a calming effect, and can range from cold, even impersonal to comforting and nurturing. Read more - this site has a ton of interesting info about color. Blue - strong, important, peaceful, intelligent http://desktoppub.about.com/cs/color/a/symbolism.htm. Green - growth, health, environment, harmony And then there was a 2008 study led by Andrew Elliot at the Warm colors evoke emotions that range from optimism to University of Rochester in which men considered photographs violence. Red, yellow, pink, or orange can create excitement of women on red backgrounds or wearing red shirts to be or even anger. more attractive, although not necessarily more likeable or Pink - sweet, nice, romance, playful, delicate intelligent. We do tend to think of red as the most "active" Gold - riches, extravagance, bright, traditional color. Red has been shown to stimulate the senses and Red - love, passion, heat, joy, power raise the blood pressure. So if you want to make your CD or Yellow - happy, joy, cheerful, remembrance poster stand out, make the type red, right? Not necessarily. Purple - royal, precious, romantic, sacred Optically, red is a regressive color and is the first color to Green - growth, health, environment, harmony disappear at a distance (it also fades in the sun more easily due to the ultra violet wavelength). Neutral colors tend to be unifying and complementary: Brown, Beige, Ivory, Gray, Black, White While this is all interesting, don't get too caught up in what a specific color "means" or how well we see it, just be aware of The use of colors in familiar phrases provides clues to how a how colors tie in to the emotions of your music and what you color might be perceived by others. For example, blue, one of want to communicate by using them. the most common and popular colors, has many connotations:

DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 17 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> The Science of Chromatics Color is the perception of light equally and reflects none. While we reflected off objects. When light shines consider black a color, scientists do on an object some colors are absorbed not because black is the absence of all by it due to its physical makeup. color. (So, does that mean that black is Light is made of electromagnetic like looking at a vacuum?) waves, and each color is a different wavelength. White light is made up Red, blue and green are “additive” of the entire spectrum. However, no primaries because they add up to white matter how complex its composition of light. Cyan, magenta and yellow (the wavelengths, light is reduced to three “opposites” of red, green and blue) are color components by the human eye - called subtractive primaries because red, green and blue. each subtracts one of the additive primaries from white light. Remember, our eyes only see the colors that are bounced off or reflected from In printing and photography cyan, an object. So, we see yellow when the magenta and yellow dyes are most object absorbs the blue spectrum so commonly used to form the image that only our green and red sensors are colors. This is better than using red, stimulated by the light reflecting from green and blue dyes because C, M & Y the object. When white light strikes only absorb one third of white light, something white, it appears white to whereas R, G & B dyes each absorb two us because it absorbs no color and thirds. This makes twice as much use reflects all color wavelengths equally. of light when viewing images. Something black absorbs all colors

DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 18 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Paper is often taken for granted. Yet it will appear sharper and brighter. Ball different stock. Images printed on can be an important textural element point pens can smear on coated stocks. uncoated papers are often describe as in our design. Some papers just 'feel' Uncoated paper tends to dull colors more sensual and softer. better than others. Close your eyes and slightly, but can be more readable due run your fingers over some paper. Try to less reflection. They are also better Sometimes we have no choice about the a newspaper, a magazine, laser paper. for writing on. type of paper. Unless you are designing Consider how they feel — smooth, a custom package, CD standards do limit rough, slightly patterned, fuzzy, bumpy, Printing the same image on coated us to specific weights for inserts and slick, shiny, dull, crisp, soft, warm or and uncoated stock will produce very booklets, and requesting an uncoated cold - and now consider how they MAKE different results regarding colors, stock can increase the cost and delay you FEEL. brightness and feel and can dramatically a project more than we can afford. or subtly alter the mood you want to This is because printers are already Papers (also called "stock") are convey. One common example in music set up for coated paper. They charge manufactured in two classifications, packaging are Digipaks, which are extra to change the paper just for your coated and uncoated. When choosing commonly offered in uncoated stock, project. So we often just go with what your paper type, consider both function and are perceived to communicate is standard. and form. Coated papers are better a feeling of eco, retro or old. Photos for printing color images. Your images especially present differently on

Paper

DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 19 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Tools Layout computer If Design is like making music, Layout is like reading music and hitting the right notes software on the keyboard. Pantone charts

printers Layout is the technical stage of manifesting the concept and design. It consists of fonts typography, software and crop marks. It is not enough to have a great concept and an amazing design. If you can’t produce a printable file, it is worthless. Having the right tools and technical expertise is as critical as having the creativity and vision.

Requires Function over form eye for detail This is the final challenge - making the concept and design FUNCTIONAL & CORRECT. organization If you can’t read it, why bother? If the printer can't use the files or the factory can't training fit the insert into the jewelcase....

good work flow It is the designer’s job to know the industry, the terminology and the standards. For knowledge example, the barcode has to be a certain size and always knocked out, the artist dependability name is often best put at the top for people browsing the CD bins, and it needs to be readable when it’s reduced to the size of a postage stamp in catalogs and online. They need to know that DJs want the times on the traycard - and, by the way, what a traycard is.

Designers must also be organized and efficient. Most projects are on a tight time schedule, and are composed of many pieces that must be compiled and organized. The designer’s job is to literally bring and keep it all together.

DESIGN CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 20 process Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Preparing your packaging

Despite rising download numbers and decreasing CD sales overall, consumers still covet and appreciate the tactile Packaging Styles experience of opening up a package and listening to a new album while flipping through a booklet of words and imagery Different packaging styles and sizes communicate different that come from the artist, which then stay in the memory messages. A jewelcase with a 20-page booklet obviously just as the music affixes itself to the moment. informs your audience more than a 4-panel insert, and will probably impress them even more. Cedric Murac, a Paris designer, summed up how designers should approach CD design: “We should not design disc There are literally hundreds of different packaging options for packaging as a ‘cover’ but instead as a ‘box’ in which sits CDs. They range from paper and board products, an array of material that supports the work of an artist. This box has plastic products, to tin containers. People have even used a several faces both inside and out and the goal is not simply to brown paper lunch bag with the band name rubber stamped make a beautiful image to seduce the consumer, it is also to on the outside. Your choice of packaging will be based on support the artists and give them a strong presence.” your genre, your image, style, intended use, how much information you need to include, how well and how long the The role of packaging is threefold: protect, inform, and disc needs to be protected, and, of course, budget. communicate. Some packaging protects the disc better. Others last longer and are more resistant to damage. Some Unfortunately, when you're doing small quantities on a small packaging can incorporate more liner notes than others. And, budget, you're limited to industry standard packaging and ultimately, the packaging style you choose will effect how often smaller inserts. Furthermore, retailers and big record your audience feels about you and your music. labels have set the standards for the CD package to conform for transport, storage and display purposes. Likewise, our Layout and design on your project can't begin until you make home storage systems are often designed with standard this decision. formats in mind.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 21 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Generally, there are four classes of Slimline Cases, about half the thickness and can include an insert in another packaging: Unprinted, Jewelcases, of a jewelcase (about 5 mm), are pocket or slit or even glued in. Wallets Board Products, and Custom/ popular for promo CDs. They are light, can be just a folded jacket, or with Alternative. thin and save printing costs. The CD spines like a digipak for identification tray and back cover are one unit, so when stacked up but still about 1/2 the UNPRINTED packaging includes paper no printed traycard is needed, and the thickness of a jewelcase or Digi, which envelopes with see-through windows, back tray comes in a variety of colors. is great for packing. clear plastic envelopes, and clear They can still accommodate a 2- or vinyl envelopes. There are also plastic 4-panel standard insert, but also look Custom/Alternative clam shells in various colors. These good with no paper parts at all. are usually used for small-run or low- This category is limitless. It can range budget projects where image is not a BOARD PRODUCTS from handmade packaging like paper issue. They usually do not protect the bags, to tin containers (remember the disc well, and leave little room for Packaging made mostly or completely AOL mailings?) to fabric. These usually information. of cardboard is classified as a "board work best for limited runs or collector’s product." They are often more editions. They will almost always cost JEWELCASES (also called jewel boxes) expensive, take longer and need to more (if not in money, in time.) In this are still the standard packaging for be hand packaged. Cardboard is less digital age, handmade packaging can CDs and can be assembled by machine durable than jewel cases, and tends to make a great connection to the fans - quickly and cheaply. show wear relatively quickly. they will often buy the CD even if they already downloaded the music - just to There are things you can do to make Digi-style packaging come in 4, 6 and get the special packaging. your jewelcase stand out from everyone 8 panels. A booklet can be glued in or else’s. You can use a colored tray that slipped into a slit if you need additional compliments your design such as orange liner notes. You can add extra trays or or red. You can even get the box itself hubs for multi disc sets. in various colors and tints. Another fun thing is to use a clear tray and put Printed Sleeves (jackets) and wallets something in it like beads or a stick of are light and thin and a good solution incense (by hand of course). for bands on tour. These are usually used for CD singles or special editions Multi-disc sets are best in jewelcases, of CD albums, but are becoming more You can request a style that holds two mainstream as production costs have discs with the same thickness as a single reduced. The CD slides into a pocket jewelcase. (which does scratch the CD over time)

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 22 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> digipak A cardboard case with a plastic tray glued onto it. Becoming quite popular. Usually take longer and cost more.

digihub A cardboard case with a small hub glued onto it. No plastic tray.

jewelcase Standard with a black, white or clear tray. Spice it up with colored trays.

slimline Half the thickness of a standard jewelcase, but does not have a traycard or spines. The tray forms the back of the case. Can take a standard insert. Usually used for promos or preview releases. Fits better in press kits and still protects the disc.

sleeve / jacket A cardboard jacket like a small LP jacket. Usually used for promos or preview releases.

wallet A cardboard jacket that folds in half (or more folds). The disc slips into a pocket. Great for touring - can pack more with less weight.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 23 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Digipaks vs. Jewelcases

DIGIPAK JEWELCASE Many people love how they look and feel. Presents a certain “image.” Some people hate them. They are perceived as being more “eco-friendly” (which isn’t exactly Most jewelcases contain at least some recycled plastic these days. You true, however). Can’t be reused. can also recycle and REUSE a jewelcase. They automatically include full color inside because they are printed on Standard jewelcase inserts usually have black and white on the inside. one side and folded over. Full color usually costs extra. They take up more room in my CD collection. I MP3 all my CDs, take the inserts out of the jewelcase and file them in a vinyl sleeve. Digipaks get dinged easier and can’t be repaired. If the plastic hub breaks Yes, jewelcases do crack, but you can replace every part of them by there is no way to replace it. cannibalizing another case. Not water resistant. It’s ruined if it gets wet. Water resistant. You can set one on a wet table and it will still protect the insert. You can even set a cold drink on a jewelcase with no damage. If the CD comes off the hub in a Digipak, the disc can slide out and The jewelcase snaps shut, so even if the disc pops off the hub, it isn’t become damaged easily. going anywhere. People think digipaks are lighter and thinner, but they’re really not. About the same weight as a digipak. You get less and pay more with Digipaks: A 4-panel digi only has 1 panel A 4-panel insert in a jewelcase has 3 full panels for information after the to put text on after the cover, tray and back cover. You’d have to do a cover and traycard. 6-panel digi to have as many panels as a 4-panel jewelcase insert for text, which would cost about twice as much. If you need additional text, adding a booklet can be expensive. Increasing the size of the insert is inexpensive and easy. Digipaks usually take longer to produce. Can be produced very quickly.

You have to order at least 1000 to get a decent price. You can do small quantities at reasonable cost. You have to have them professionally printed. You can print them yourself. Becoming more common, but still considered an “alternative” packaging. The jewelcase remains the industry standard. preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 24 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Liner Notes Insert / Booklet Traycard Checklist

Required Required Elements • Copyright notice • Song Titles with times (minutes:seconds) • Contact information • Barcode • Recording info: studio and engineer • Copyright notice • Producer, even if it’s self produced • Artist name • Executive Producer • Players • Album title (if applicable) • Photo credits • Contact Information • Courtesy credits (signed artist) • Release/Catalog number • Mastering engineer and company • Graphic design Optional • Song Information (writer, copyright, • producer publishing, BMI/ASCAP) • description and testimonials • record label logo Optional • Featured artists • Artist/Band Bio • Lyrics • Song background/history Disc Face • Logos (publishing, record label) • Thank you’s Required • Dedication • Artist and Title • Extra band photos • Copyright and publishing info • Also available from artist ... (past albums) • Contact Info • Ordering information • Release / Catalog number • Quotes/reviews about the artist/band Optional (but highly recommended) • Song titles/times Consider limiting your insert contents - put • Record Label Logos your lyrics and long band bios on your website. • CD / DVD format logo

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 25 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Required Elements • Song Titles with track numbers Insert/Booklet • Copyright notice for disc (circle P) In a jewelcase: the front paper part • Contact information: address, email, website that has the cover. It slips in the front • Recording info: studio and engineer of the jewelcase to show through. • Producer, even if it’s self produced In a Digi or wallet: • Executive Producer the inside panels. • Players • Photo credits • Courtesy credits if a signed artist performs on your project • Mastering engineer and company • Graphic design/manufacturing information • Song Information (writer, copyright, publishing, BMI./ASCAP)

Optional • Artist/Band Bio • Lyrics • Song background/history • Logos (publishing, record label) • Thank you’s • Dedication • Misc band photos • Also available from artist ... (past albums) • Ordering information • Quotes/reviews about the artist/band

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 26 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Track titles, written by. Buckyspeak Music, BMI Song background/history Lyrics Include track numbers here Angela Motter - Vocals and Squeezed: also (not just the traycard). Acoustic Guitar Logos (publishing, record This land is your land / Ricky Keller - Bass, label) This land is my land / From Always include contact Keyboards, Sequencing California to the New York info. A website is a must, a David Strohauer - Dijerido Thank you’s Islands phone number and email are optional because they often Method Two: Combined at Dedication Regular: change. end of liner notes (takes This land is your land less room). Misc band photos This land is my land Recording info: studio and Angela Motter - Vocals & From California to the New York engineer Acoustic Guitar on tracks Ordering information Islands 1,2,5,6. Ricky Keller - Producer (even if it’s self- Bass, Keyboards on track Also available from artist produced) 4, Sequencing on tracks (past albums) 4,5,7,8. David Strohauer - Mastering engineer and Dijerido on track 3 Quotes about the artist/band company Courtesy credits if a signed Check the commercial CDs Graphic design/ artist performs on your already in your collection manufacturing album: Michelle Malone appears courtesy of Velvet Artist/Band Bio Records Don't try to squeeze Photo / Art credits - Don’t Song Information - written by, too many liner notes forget to identify people in copyright info, publishing info so they are so small the photos. You might need & BMI/ASCAP that no one can read to get permission to use a professional photograph (get Introduction: The hymns on them. Don’t waste DON’T USE ALL CAPITAL a signed release). this CD are mostly, though your money printing LETTERS. USE ALL CAPS ONLY TO EMPHASIZE not all, ones I listened to a package no one IMPORTANT WORDS. Musicians and Singers growing up as a missionary can read without kid in Mexico. In that foreign ENTIRE SENTENCES OR a magnifying glass Method One: land, my brother Michael PARAGRAPHS IN ALL Each song individually managed to amass an because you tried to CAPS ARE TOO HARD TO Pleasure and Pain (1992) impressive array of gospel save money. READ. SEE WHAT I MEAN? ©1998 A. Motter music.... preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 27 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Folder - An insert without staples - usually Folding Choices folds in on itself. Always increases in twos (4 panels, 6 panels, etc.)

If your insert or Digi has more than 1 fold, be sure 2-panel - a single sheet of paper with no folds - panels include the front cover and to create a mock up that the back of the cover where you can put credits or other info. you can fold to be sure of 4-panel - a single sheet folded in half like a greeting card. 6-panel - a single sheet folded twice like a letter. how everything lays out.

2 panels 4 panels 6 panels (2 folds) 8 panels (3 folds)

(no folds) (1 fold) Standard fold Accordian fold Accordian fold Gate Fold Half & Half Fold Roll fold

10 panels (4 folds) Poster fold

BOOKLET 8, 12, 16 ...

Double parallel fold Accordian fold Roll fold

Booklet - A folded set of I don't recommend going over a 4-panel inserts stapled 10-panel folder. It needs to be printed together. Always increases in on a larger press and usually costs more, especially at small quantities. fours (8 pages, 12 pages, etc.) Consider using a booklet instead. It also makes it hard for your fans to refold (sort of like a map).

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 28 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Irvin MayfieldIrvin and Ellis Marsalis • Love Songs, Ballads and Standards Traycard / BSR 0405

1. Yesterday (3:43) Back cover 2. Superstar (5:04) In a Jewelcase, the paper part that is 3. Romeo and Juliet (2:59) embedded in the back of the case under the 4. My One and Only Love (5:14) 5. Mo’ Betta Blues (5:26) disc. Also called an Inlay card or a trayliner. 6. Round Midnight (5:59) On a Digipak, this would 7. Don’t Know Why (4:42) be the back cover. 8. In a Sentimental Mood (5:28) 9. Come Rain or Shine (3:44) Required Elements 10. Like a Star (5:25) • Song Titles with times (minutes:seconds) 11. Blame It On the Sun (3:29) 12. A House is Not a Home (5:08) • Barcode 13. You and I (4:41) • Copyright notice 14. Yesterday (4:25) • Artist name • Album title (if applicable) Irvin Mayfield, Trumpet • Contact Information Ellis Marsalis, Piano BASIN STREET RECORDS • Release/Catalog number 5500 Prytania St. #110 Neal Caine, Bass New Orleans, LA 70115 PH: 504.483.0002 Jaz Sawyer, Drums 1-888-45BASIN Optional FAX: 504.483.7877 Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra [email protected] www.basinstreetrecords.com • producer

Produced by Irvin Mayfield • description and testimonials

Executive Producer: Mark Samuels BSR 0405

r©2007 BASIN STREET RECORDS • record label logo ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ANY UNAUTHORIZED DUPLICATION IS A VIOLATION OF APPLICABLE LAWS. Irvin Mayfield and Ellis Marsalis • Love Songs, Ballads and Standards • Love and Ellis Marsalis Irvin Mayfield • “Stock in” category • Featured artists

side spine text (artist name, title and release number) that you see when cases are stacked.

If the traycard is printed on the inside, the plastic tray would be clear to be able to see the printing through it, including the left edge next to the cover when the case is closed.

If it is printed only on one side, the plastic tray is usually black or white.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 29 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Release number: Usually 2-3 letters and Traycard Elements 2-8 numbers. Used for inventory tracking What is a during manufacturing and by stores. You Release Number After the cover, the traycard is the next pick this number - it can be your initials and why do I need one? most important part. It is where people and the date recorded (DVT 013399) or look to get more information about what’s the record label initials and a starter A release number, also known inside (since they can’t open it yet). Here sequence number (BTR 0001 or LBR 101), as matrix number or catalog is your chance to close the sale. or any combination. number, is an identification Required Elements Optional number for your CD. It is used by record stores and online retailers Song Titles with times - legible! Featured artists: Very important if you as an inventory number. The DJs plan their playlists from this - don't have someone famous playing along with factory also uses it to track the make them work for it. you. Even for one track. various pieces of your project 1. Everytime (3:39) through the production process. 2. Two-tone Cadillac (3:41) “Stock in” category: Stock in Jazz 3. Voodoo chile (10:29) The number usually consists of a Description and Testimonials: Here’s combination of up to seven letters Barcode - must be placed over a white where you really work the sale. “If you and numbers (such as CD1001), background. like Johnny Cash, you’ll love this CD.” which can be picked by you and Give the casual shopper more information pm based on any combination of Copyright notice: 1999 Penguin so they don’t feel like they’re buying Music Publishing. All rights reserved. blind. Sum up your music in 5-10 words letters or numbers - your band Unauthorized duplication is a violation of Books do this, so why not CDs? Include a name, artist’s name, special applicable laws. short testimonial that communicates how dates or numbers, etc. it made someone feel “This CD makes me Artist name feel like I am back in the 50s doing the If your music is released in HOP,” a brief description “Soothing music several formats (CD, vinyl, etc.), Album title (if applicable) that transports you to another world of you would use the same release peace and tranquility,” or even an excerpt number for each format, and Contact Information: Company name from the lyrics “You keep me going, baby. append a configuration digit to Address, email, web site I love you.” Give the buyer a preview. your release number -2 for CDs, Tease them. Logo -1 for vinyl (example: XYZ346- 2). This is the same code system Country of manufacture. used for the UPC barcode.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 30 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Barcode

barcode from Crescent Music Services or other manufacturer and you want your release tracked by SoundScan, you will need to change the barcode registration to you, the Barcode recording artist, as a “sub-label.” To do this, download the form from www.soundscan.com. You can also subscribe to SoundScan’s reporting service for a fee. CDs sold at gigs or from small stores do not get tracked by Soundscan.

A barcode, or UPC code, is essential if you're planning to sell your CDs in stores or online. Each product has a unique Anatomy of a Barcode 12-digit number encoded in the bars, which are scanned upon Reading from left to right, 12 total numbers: purchase to track inventory and sales. Digits 1-6: your company ID number assigned by the UCC. Digits 7-10: release number, assigned by you. Digit 11: Getting a barcode “configuration” digit (2 = CD, 4 = cassette, 1 = vinyl LP, etc.). Digit 12: check digit, formulated by the computer As a special service I can provide you with a UPC barcode when the barcode is generated. This is used by the scanner number free of charge when I do your design. This UPC will to confirm that it read the barcode correctly. be unique to your project, but will not be registered to you. This is quite adequate and appropriate if you are just releasing a few records. However, if you are trying to run a real record label, and intend on releasing many records over time, then you will need to invest in your own barcode.

To get your own barcode, you must join the Uniform Code Council: www.uc-council.org. The current price is about $750 I think. THE SECRET FORMULA: Here is how the check digit is calculated: Special software is needed to generate the 1. Add together the value of all of the digits in odd positions barcode. (digits 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11). 2. Multiply that number by 3. 3. Add together the value of all of the digits in even positions (digits 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10). Soundscan 4. Add this sum to the value in step 2. Nielsen SoundScan collects weekly sales data 5. Take the number in Step 4. To create the check digit, from 14,000+ retail outlets in the U.S. and determine the number that, when added to the number in Canada, which are published on their site Step 4, is a multiple of 10. and in the Billboard charts. If you receive a

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 31 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Disc Face Required • Artist and Title FLOOD WITH STACKING RING • Copyright and publishing info • Contact Info 1 Yesterday • Release / Catalog number 2 Superstar 3 Romeo and Juliet 4 My One and Only Love Optional 5 Mo’ Betta Blues 6 Round Midnight • Song titles/times 7 Don’t Know Why (DJ’s like to have it on the CD, 8 In a Sentimental Mood 9 Come Rain or Shine but it does clutter it up) 10 Like a Star • Record Label Logos 11 Blame It On the Sun 12 A House is Not a Home • CD / DVD format logo 13 You and I 14 Yesterday

. w a l y p BSR 0405-2 b d m e it 20 ib 0 oh 8 pr B n A io SI at N lic ST up RE d d ET rize REC tho OR Unau DS. All rights reserved. Crescent Music Services CD / DVD Logos You do not have to include the disc logo on your disc if you don't want to. The compact disc Always include legible logo is actually owned by Philips CD title, artist name, Electronics N.V. The DVD logo is AND numbered/timed Design Note: controlled by the DVD Format/ track listings on the CD Generally Logo Licensing Corporation of itself. What if the CD the disc Japan. If you do include the logo, then you must follow specific gets separated from its face should complement rules regarding size, shape case or put into one of and color. I highly recommend those CD binders - will or mirror the cover including DVD logos since they can you remember what it easily be mistaken for CDs. is a year later?

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 32 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Things to know about disc design

The a compact disc provides unique graphic design challenge. Parts of the disc that affect readability, from the hole out: Every manufacturer has different equipment and slightly different specs. Discs that look the same can have slight Hub variations. So be sure to use the manufacturer’s templates This is the clear innermost portion of the disc. Most factories and specs. cannot print on the innermost 20 mm, but do print on part of it. Because it is transparent, the lighter the ink Don’t expect the colors on your CD to color, the more transparent it appears. Heavy, match the colors on your paper parts. dark ink coverage over the hub reduces Colors printed on this shiny plastic the transparency effect. All colors will surface will print differently than appear different over this area as on white paper. Especially if you compared to the other surfaces of keep the silver background. the disc. Furthermore, there are certain areas of the disc that print Stacking ring differently due to different On the underside of the disc is transparency and reflective a thin ridge of raised plastic. qualities. Add to that the It acts as a spacer between differences in ink types and each disc and prevents the flat you have quite a crazy quilt surfaces from scraping against of variables. each other when stacked up. Some discs cannot be printed I usually recommend printing over the stacking ring area due to a base or “flood fill” (usually a indentation on the top surface. white) over the entire surface Other discs are smooth on the top of the disc first. This acts as a and can printing over the stacking primer coat and provides an even, ring area. Check with your factory nonreflective surface. This allows the about printing over the stacking ring. colors and text to print closer to their paperlike colors. If your disc design includes Mirror band photos, particularly faces, a white flood will make This is the area adjacent to the main print area. It is them look more natural. called the mirror band because it is much more reflective. Like printing over the transparent surface of the hub, printing on the mirror band usually results in different ink tones.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 33 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> ac er p kag th in o g o p t top spine labels Used mainly for retail product - it ensures i Those annoying sticky strips on the top edge the customer is getting an untampered with o

of some cases. You have probably struggled product, and also protects the case during n removing them. They’re hard to remove for

shipment. s a reason - they’re a combination of an anti- theft device and an identification label for CDs DO NOT WRAP PROMOS. Even if you receive all stocked in a bin. It displays the artist, album your CDs with outer wrap, remove it before title, release number and barcode number. sending to reviewers and DJs. Not required, but it does give a "big label" feel to your product and it can help your CD stand out in a retail bin. Promos My philosophy about promos and EPs: Stickers Since it costs almost the same amount of Use stickers for awards, quotes, or money to design and press a CD with 4 songs description. Usually placed on the outside of as it does one with 12 songs, I recommend the shrinkwrap and discarded. Useful for last using your full album as a promo. minute additional emphasis. You can request some of your CDs be marked for promotion only. This usually entails having Shrinkwrap the barcode punched or marked out and There are actually two types of outerwrap, “PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY” stamped on the CD but they both tend to be called "shrinkwrap" - face in white over your artwork. You will also "shrink"wrap is the softer, shrinkable plastic, want to request no shrinkwrap and top spine and Cello wrap (also called polywrap or labels on these units. cigarette wrap) is the more crisp plastic. Shrinkwrap is used on sleeves and digipaks. Cello wrap is used on DVDs and Jewelcases and has folded sealed edges instead of the fused seam. preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 34 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> ImagesPreparing Text &

Preparing your text and images

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 35 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Preparing Your Text File Names Whether you are submitting

• Use a SINGLE SPACE after punctuation. • DO mention items not included that photos and text files to you plan submit later so that I know to • Don’t double enter between leave space (ex. “Thank you’s - 2 to 3 the designer, or complete paragraphs. DO hit Enter a few extra short paragraphs - to come by Friday”). times between sections. production PDFs to the • I prefer Microsoft Word, RTF, or TXT, or printer, you should practice • Don’t use a tab to indent paragraphs. you can email your text. good file naming etiquette. • Don’t use spaces in place of tabs. • Non-digital text (handwritten or My program automatically indents paper printouts) may incur additional Name your files with the paragraphic if I tell it to. input charges and will create higher • Don't format tables or multi column potential for errors. artist and/or project title, lists: Type in a single column and then • Spell Check and Proofread BEFORE along with what part it note that you want it in columns. If you submitting file. See Proofing section. tab over for a new column, I literally is. For example, if you have to cut and paste the text out of • Submit all text in a single file if that because it doesn’t flow the same possible. Don’t send pieces, changes, are submitting production in my program. Very time consuming etc. in many different emails - this can and can lead to things ending up in the lead to something being missed. It also files, you will be submitting wrong order. makes it difficult to see an overview of “Abbey Road Traycard.pdf”. how much text there really is. • Don’t worry about formatting (making If you are submitting photos it look pretty) - that’s my job. In fact, it can even make it harder for me when and text to a designer, you I have to clean out your formatting codes. should name your files like • DO insert comments such as “for “abbey road cover pic.jpg” traycard” or “put band photo near this” to guide me. “abbey road text.doc”, etc.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 36 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Photography / Artwork

Photography / Artwork preparing 37 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> IMAGES can affect the way

people perceive your music When shooting your photos or drawing your art, consider the following:

before they even hear it. The shape of a CD insert is SQUARE, not a rectangle (although, the Digipak and the traycard are slightly wider). And the disc is donut shaped. Not every picture works on that shape. Your images should tell a How will your image translate to tiny? Remember that your story - even if it is “just” cover will often be viewed at 1-inch square online and in catalogs - will it still be recognizable. Even photos inside are usually on a few inches a band photo. What does across.

it say about YOU besides You will need room for your title and band name and other important cover text over or around the image. what you look like? Does it Allow for up to a 1/4 inch to be CUT OFF around the outside of the image (it’s called Bleed) if you want your photo to go to the edge of the describe the music? Does it paper

capture your personality? High contrast, colorful images work best for covers.

How does it tie in to your What will it look like in black and white? Some colors look the same in greyscale. music? Can you hear your COPYRIGHT POLICY: You must have the right to use and reproduce the images you include in your packaging. Do not use copyrighted materials music when you see the from artists, photographers, or other authors of original works without written permission and a release. image? Ask others what they

visualize when they hear

your music.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 38 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Photography techniques & tips Graphic file formats Try radically different Avoid banners, placards, and other concepts - including something promotional items. TIF: Best. Images should be either that does not show your face RGB or greyscale at 300 PPI or more on the cover. Get crazy with your Look around for things to eliminate at 100% of the size it will be used. poses. Let your personality come out. or tidy up in your scene. Pick up Have fun. stray papers, arrange curtains, dust A 5-inch CMYK TIF file at 350 PPI the piano, pick up your underwear. should be about 8.6 megabytes. If Have some funny phrases handy to use Outside, watch for trash and other it isn’t, there is probably something just before you take the photo for a things in your scene that you might wrong. natural smile. not notice until you're looking at proofs. JPG: OK. If you must provide JPG, Pay attention to what you’re save with the least compression WEARING. Avoid tiny prints. Check Try different angles off frontal - some with each other so you don’t clash. Do slightly off, some drastically off. and as largest file size possible (no you blend into the background? compression) to avoid degradation. LIGHTING: Avoid using flash - natural Use makeup! Airbrushing is expensive. lighting is better, even if it is an extra Do not open and resave a JPG light brought into the room. Pay multiple times - every time you do, Double chin? Turn your head to the attention to time of day and angle it degrades the image. If you must left or right about 30 degrees. of sun. How does it interact with reopen, save as a TIF first and use objects in the scene, the background that file to edit. Take many many many pictures, back or reflections on people's glasses, car to back. Like at a football game. Click windows, mirrors. Digital cameras should be set to the click click. This is particularly helpful highest uncompressed format your with group shots to get the best look To produce a dramatic effect, light camera has. Avoid cameras under 2.5 on everyone’s faces and everyone’s from the side. eyes open. megapixels. Try bouncing your flash or a light off a Don’t place images in a Word file. Don’t rely on reviewing your pics on a ceiling or wall. tiny LCD screen. Pulling images from a website: Using something white (poster board, DON’T. Unless your album is a concert for example) will reflect light onto the recording, avoid live concert pics, darkened side of the face. GIF or PICT - DON’T. especially for the cover. preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 39 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Overcast days can complement skin tones and help keep Hiring a photographer (or artist) eyes wide open. It is worth the investment - a pro will make you look like a pro. Need a basic background? Stretch an ironed sheet and illuminate with a cheap shop light. Shine the light from Ask to see their portfolio. Is their style a match with yours. the front for bright crisp feel. From the back for a Do they have an “eye?” Did they capture the essence of their dramatic glow. subjects? Do you like their stuff?

Angle your instruments slightly away from the camera Ask for references. Check them! Ask how the shoots to avoid reflections. went and what kind of response they have been getting from the images. Avoid posing people within 5 feet of a wall because of the shadows that will result (unless you Do they have experience in the music want those shadows for effect). Try angling about industry? Just because someone 5-10 degrees off perpendicular instead of straight is a good photographer doesn’t on the wall. necessarily mean that they can take a great band shot. Be aware of your background. Avoid mirrors. If you cannot avoid reflective objects in the frame, Ask them for a price - and a price position yourself with at least a 30 degree angle to list for all those "extras." avoid the reflection. Don’t be afraid to try bartering for Avoid alcohol or tobacco in your photos. Some photos (perhaps they may need a newspapers and magazines may not print them. band for their wedding this summer). Ask how to get the cost down if it is Without getting into technical photo stuff like f-stops, too high. Even if you barter, pay them if you have an SLR, try different aperture settings something. for different depth of fields, which will bring your background in or out of focus for a different feel. Ask them how they run their shoot.

Stock photos: If you need an image you simply can’t Ask how the photos will be delivered to create you can check online stock photo sites. Click you - prints or on a CD. You will need both. here for some of my favorite stock photo sites.... Will you get all photos shot, or just the ones you pick out from contact sheets?

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 40 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Ask how long it will take for you to get the images after the shoot. Be sure to tell them your schedule. If you need the pictures in a week and they are backed up for two weeks, you need to find someone else. Image Copyrights

Give them a band bio and any other information they might find helpful to get a If you hire a photographer or sense of you and your personality. artist, get an “unlimited license Hold a photography planning meeting with release” (also called "repro Interview Checklist: your band. Don’t wait until the day of the rights") to use the image(s) shoot to talk about what everyone thinks for anything you want without • Experience with musicians? the photo should be like. This will focus further payment or permission, • References you, as well as save you time and money. forever. Clear this BEFORE • Prices hiring the photographer or Try to have a preshoot meeting with the • When is the money due? photographer to go over ideas, concepts commissioning the painting. • What's included for that and locations. Photos and artwork are covered price: how many hours, by the same copyright laws that Don’t pay the photographer in full up how many poses, how many protect musical works. This front. Prints and/or a CD of photos should means that the photographer or locations, expenses. be paid for upon delivery. artist retains the copyrights to • image format (digital, print, film) and how Finding a photographer or artist: The local his or her work - that includes delivered (CD, prints, both) grapevine or word-of-mouth is usually the the film, digital files and the best method. Ask around and contact other right to say how those images • delivery date bands or their management. Local colleges will be reproduced - unless • terms of use and licensing or universities may also be a good source you work out a different for finding an inexpensive photographer, • satisfaction guarantee arrangement. So, before using although with less experience. an image, be sure to get a very Get it all in writing before you clear license that details what plunk down any $$. the image can (and cannot) be used! for and for how long.

Ideally, you want to purchase all rights forever.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 41 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Clean your scanner glass and Grayscale images should be photograph with a soft cloth saved in grayscale (8-bit) mode. before placing each item. Avoid RGB or CMYK - it tends to Scanning add a magenta tinge to them. Do not scan at a lower resolution and then enlarge it Save your scans as TIF. If you use later! This actually lowers the EPS files, save the image with an resolution and can turn it into 8-bit TIF preview. garbage. For example, a 2.5" x 2.5" image scanned at 300 Do not open and resave a JPG PPI that is later doubled 5" x mutliple times - every time you 5" becomes 150 PPI. Photoshop do, it degrades the image. If you cannot invent pixels that were plan to tweak the image and never present in the image to resave, save as a TIF first and use begin with. So you need to scan that file to edit. something that will be used at twice the size of the original MOIRÉ: Crisscross patterns or picture at twice the resolution checkerboarding in a scanned (600 PPI at 100%). I'd rather you image. This occurs when an scan too high. image was previously printed using the offset process (i.e. a Black & white and grayscale are picture from a book or magazine NOT the same type of file! A 1-bit or newspaper) which converts black & white scan contains only the image into little dots. This black or white pixels; there are may not show up on inkjet or no shades of gray at all. even laser printouts at home. Moiré problems do not occur with The bigger and cleaner the scans of actual photographs. One original artwork (such as a logo), common occurrence is scanning the better it will scan. an old CD insert you want to reprint. I do have a fix for this, Convert your color scans to CMYK but be aware that the “fix” color mode to get a sense of includes slight blurring, so you how they will look when printed should always scan from “real” - some colors, such as blues, photographs if possible. greens and oranges, can change dramatically. preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 42 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Resolution Why can't I enlarge an image from my website? If you are High quality commercial printing onto paper DPI (Dots Per Inch) is probably the most supplying requires at least 300 PPI. Web images are set at misused and confused term for resolution. And 72 PPI because that's all that monitors need to it is probably the least important as well. It is image produce a good visual image. actually your PRINTER resolution - how many dots of ink or toner a printer can place within files or Photoshop cannot accurately invent pixels that an inch. Some scanners also use the term DPI, creating were never present in the image to begin with. however, there are no dots in an image until it If you take a photograph or scan that starts at is printed. your own 72 PPI and enlarge it to 300 PPI for printing. You have just added 228 pixels for every inch of your SPI (Samples Per Inch) is the official measure graphics, photo. Photoshop now has to approximate what for image resolution in scanning. those new pixels should look like based on the you need pixels around it. What you end up with is a blurry So what term should you use? mess if you ask it to create to many because it to know has to start making pixels from other pixels it Because Photoshop uses the PPI (Pixels Per this. just made. Rule of thumb - don't try enlarging an Inch) for image resolution (go to Image menu, image more than 100%. Image Size), this is what most people end up using to measure and describe resolution. While insufficient resolution will result in lower quality printed images, too much resolution results in wasted Technically, PPI is the DISPLAY resolution - how a monitor information and unnecessarily large file sizes. I do displays an image (how an image looks on your monitor is recommend starting with scans and photos at a higher ultimately determined by the resolution of the monitor — the resolution than you think you need so that you can crop the number of pixels it can display in a given area). But it can image and use it for different purposes (posters, CD covers, also translate well to image resolution. etc.). You can always lower the resolution later.

Magnify a photo several hundred percent on your monitor THE BOTTOM LINE: I usually scan images for covers at 400- and each square (the smallest element) you see is a single 600 PPI. I set my Photoshop file resolution to that as well pixel (from the term "picture element"). This is the resolution in case I have to create a large poster from it some day. A that counts. The more pixels the photo contains per inch, 5x5-inch CMYK TIF file at 300 PPI should be 8.58 MB. At 600 the better it will look on your screen and print. It's similar to PPI, it should be 34.3 MB. Photoshop files will be even larger the quality difference between a photo in a newspaper and because of the additional layers and data it stores. magazine.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 43 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> A recent study found that the color red initiates a state of caution Proofs and and can make people’s work more accurate and detail-oriented fyi proofing (University of British Columbia). Participants performed tasks in which words or images were Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an displayed against red, blue or neutral backgrounds on computer screens. Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn’t Red groups did better on tests of mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers recall and attention to detail, like remembering words or checking in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt spelling and punctuation. Blue tihng is taht frist and lsat groups did better on tests requiring invention and imagination: coming ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The up with creative uses for a brick or creating toys from collections rset can be a toatl mses and you of shapes. “If you’re talking about can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. wanting enhanced memory for something like proofreading skills, Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed then a red color should be used,” ervey lteter by itslef but the concluded Juliet Zhu, an assistant professor of marketing at the wrod as a wlohe. university’s business school, who conducted the studies with Ravi Mehta, a doctoral student.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 44 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Proofing tips and guidelines

The most common and most frustrating problems I see with CD projects are typographic errors and omissions by the artist. Please use this proofing checklist to try to avoid as many errors as possible, ideally before even submitting your text to the designer. Some of these things may seem obvious, but when you get to the design stage and you’re tired from long hours in the studio, or late for an appointment, it’s easy to miss things.

Proof Reading Techniques

• Print out a copy - don't proof only from the computer • Scan for specific problems, such as mixing up the screen. Proof from both - you'll see things on the spelling of there, their and they're. screen that you won't notice on paper and vise versa. • Read through in different page/section orders - • Get someone else not directly involved in your start from the back, for example, or read from the project to proofread. Many errors are missed because bottom up. you already know what it’s supposed to say and you • Use a closed pen to point to each word as you read actually read missing words and typos correctly. it. There is a rule of thumb in the business - don’t proofread your own work. • Cover all of the paper except the sentence you are proofreading, and read one sentence at a time. • Have several people proof. Ideally, only a single printout should be marked so that all changes are • Read out loud. made on the same proof and all your proofers can see • Don’t take anything for granted. what the other proofers have caught. • Don’t rely on your spell checker. • Find somewhere quiet where you won’t be • Don’t assume anything. distracted. • Do not expect your designer to be your editor. You are ultimately • Slow down. responsible for making sure • Mark corrections with a red pen. everything is right.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 45 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> • Spelling and punctuation • Grammar Proofing • Dates checklist • Names are spelled correctly • Fonts • Fonts and color are consistent • Text is legible • Pay extra attention to special symbols. • Images are correctly cropped and placed • Song titles correctly spelled, punctuated and capitalized. • Song titles are consistent in the different places they are listed • Song order and times are correct for master supplied. • Song order for lyric section matches song order for master and traycard. • Spine info is correct and the same as on disc and cover. • Barcode number is correct (if applicable). • No missing elements. • Look for extra spaces and double punctuation in text. • No text is missing because of text shifting on page (look at the end of each text section) • Contact address, phone, email, web address • All facts are correct. • Pages or panels in the correct order • The mock up is correct regarding folds and panel placement. • Last minute changes were made correctly.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 46 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Proofs Every time you get a proof

PROOF: A general term something used to see what your Check that all requested changes were made. file will look like when printed. There are many different types of proofs. The most common proofing method these Keep a copy of changes so you can refer to it against the days is a Soft Proof. This is usually a PDF sent via email or proof. downloaded. It is the most economical and expedient, but it does have limitations that you need to be aware of. Do not send replacement files for text already placed and formatted by your designer - you will incur extra charges to Important: Final output can vary DRAMATICALLY from what re-place/re-format. Only individual changes and additions you see on your monitor. Because your files are printed in that refer to these proofs should be sent (unless you need CMYK, not RGB, which is what the monitor displays and drastic changes). Send all changes together in one email your ink jet printer normally prints, you cannot rely on once everyone involved has reviewed the proofs. Do not your screen or printer to proof colors. They'll be CLOSE. allow more than one person to send changes to your In addition, each monitor is calibrated differently and designer. therefore the same PDF will look different on yours and the person sitting next to you. Even the angle at which you When you get subsequent proofs, besides checking that view your monitor and the lighting in the room can effect all requested changes were made, check to be sure that how colors look on screen. nothing else was altered. Sometimes text shifts when words are added or deleted, so check to make sure copy hasn’t Printing it on your home printer is helpful and should rewrapped or dropped off or accidentally changed when always be done, but also problematic. Every printer is other things are changed or added. Look one more time for calibrated differently, and will produce different results. spelling. Look at EVERY proof as if IT IS your first proof. Even how much ink you have left or what grade paper you print it on can affect certain colors. Once you are satisfied with your final proof, you will be asked to approve it in writing. Usually you can just reply So, if color reproduction accuracy is super important, be “Approved” on the email that had the PDF proof. If you are sure to mention this to your designer - you may need to approving a hard proof, you will be asked to sign and return request a HARD PROOF from a calibrated proofing printer. it.

Note: PDF proofs are also usually low resolution to keep Remember, when you approve your final proof, you indicate files small enough to email, so the images may appear a that everything on the proof is correct. If a problem is little blurry. You should always look at a high resolution file discovered later, you will definitely incur additional costs to for at least your final proof. This will be a larger file, but fix it and may even entail scrapping a print run. more accurate.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 47 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> A few thoughts about perfection

There is no such thing as perfect. Something always seems to get missed. There's always a way to improve the design. While I strong believe in aiming for the perfection, I am a realist - it will never happen, especially since everyone has a different idea of what "perfect" is. And besides, I really don't want perfect.

Sure, you want to avoid mistakes, but your packaging is an extension of your music and the creative process.

Is your music perfect? I hope not. I hope it is a quirky unique combination of personality, emotion and beauty. How boring it would be if every note was perfect.

So, it’s not the end of the world if you misspell a word or if the blue you chose prints a little more purple. Remember, When to Stop Tweaking your fans won’t care and will buy the album, warts and all. All the best and biggest bands in the world have released albums When I conceived this ebook, I started with a bunch with mistakes and printing issues. If it's that objectionable, of articles I had written and then started adding, you can always fix it on the reorder. Otherwise, it's what rewriting, reworking. Three weeks later I ended makes your CD special. up with almost 100 pages. I had over 20 years of knowledge and experience I was trying to impart. I kept adding, rewriting, proofing, redesigning. I had to stop. I was obsessed. I was afraid I'd miss something - after all, this was supposed to showcase my knowledge and design skills. So, take a lesson, and let it go. (And if you find an error in this publication - please email me!)

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 48 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Doing your own If you or your designer cannot answer ALL these questions correctly, please consider letting me create your files for you production files to keep your project moving along quickly and smoothly.

If you are planning to do your own 1. What is Bleed? a. the liquid stuff that comes out of your finger when you graphics, make sure you understand cut yourself the process. There is more to know b. the excess image area cut off a printed piece than just how to work c. the inside margin you should not cross on your insert Production Ready means a computer program. 2. What is a Registration Mark? just that - ready for If you don’t feel a. The marks showing where to cut. production. The printer b. The cross hairs placed outside the image that help the comfortable following should have to do nothing printer line up the plates. the specifications, more than load the file into c. The © copyright symbol on your disc. please consider letting his system and print it. Your 3. What is CMYK? me handle it for you file must include bleeds, a. Stands for “Certified Media Yellowbook Kernel” crop marks, registration or hiring a designer. b. The Asian version of RGB. marks, and booklets should c. Process colors Graphic design for CDs be imposed. is unlike design for any 4. Which of these would be the best resolution at which to scan a 3x5 photo for a cover? other media. Magazines, newspapers, a. 300 LPI the web, CDs - they all have specific b. 720 PPI requirements. c. 72 DPI

5. What is a Spot Color? This is an area that is deceptively a. The color used for registration marks easy, with all the cool computer b. A color method using predetermined numbered colors equipment and software available. c. A color used for proofing. Just because you have a hammer doesn’t mean you can build a house.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 49 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> If you need a barcode, request it Use support programs like Photoshop for Preparing files for BEFORE you submit your production files images (photographic), and Freehand, to avoid extra charges to drop it into Illustrator, or CorelDraw for vector art the printer your art. I can email you a file that you (logos) and then import (link) into the can drop into your artwork. I can drop a page layout program. THIS IS NOT A TUTORIAL ON DOING YOUR barcode into your art files for you later, OWN DESIGN FILES - YOU ARE EXPECTED but this service will incur an additional While Photoshop is best image-editing TO ALREADY KNOW HOW TO DO THIS. charge. program on the market today, it is not If you don't know how to do it already, designed for page layout and does not then a 2-page tutorial isn't adequate handle text as well. Text in Photoshop to teach you, just like knowing how has to be rasterized and can print text. to master your music is something Software I will accept artwork in Photoshop, but you either know how to do or you hire please understand that your finished someone. Learn your software! product will not be of the highest Upgrade your software! quality possible. Photoshop files are also Please have your designer contact me extremely large files which can actually before starting. Use the right software for the job. choke the image processor. Process Each program has its strengths and (color correct, crop, clean) your images ALL FILES WILL BE OUTPUT AS IS, unless weaknesses. in Photoshop and then import them into adjustments or finishing services are a layout program. requested in advance. DON’T use software that is not intended for production quality graphics - eg. Steps for preparing your files If you have hired an outside designer, Microsoft Publisher, Word Perfect, 1. Download Templates it is highly advisable that the designer CD Creator, Neato Disk Software, 2. Create artwork be in charge of or at least involved with ClarisWorks, or Adobe PhotoDeluxe. 3. Proof and check files the proofing. The designer is the only Do not use Word to layout your 4. Generate production PDFs person who really knows whether the design. Word should only be used for proof is correct, and how to fix it if it WORDprocessing. Refer to a Pantone Process Color Guide isn’t. for Coated Paper for color matching. Use a Page Layout program such as Adobe InDesign or Quark for layout and Do not rely on your screen or text instead of Photoshop. inkjet printer to provide accurate representations of color.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 50 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIFIC COLOR FOR MANUFACTURED DISCS Flood fills: All images will be printed on MATCHING, please alert me. I can the silver reflective disc unless indicated arrange for custom proofing and Determine whether you will use CMYK or that a flood fill background needs to printing. SPOT colors. be printed first. Whatever is white on your computer screen or printout will Create a “Rich Black” with 100% Black Avoid thin fonts or fine lines and detail. be the silver background of the disc. If and 40% Cyan. Remember, this will be printed much you want a solid color background, just rougher than the paper parts. request a “flood fill” and tell us the PMS Print out and fold a mock up to be sure color number (or just white). You do all the folds line up correctly. Provide Lines: minimum thickness for lines NOT need to create a layer for this color me with that mock up. within positive images is .25 pt; and for since no film will be output (as long as reverse or negative images, .5 pt. you use one of our standard template Do not assume the files you provide sizes). A flood fill does count as a color. will automatically output correctly just Type: No smaller than 6 points. The use Use caution with flood fill colors other because they print fine on your inkjet of serif type faces for small text is not than white, since it can alter the shade printer. recommended. Use bolded 8 pt or larger and tone of other colors printed on for reversed text (light on dark). top of it (because the inks are slightly Booklets 8+ pages must be IMPOSED as transparent). Printer’s Spreads. Booklets received in Keep screens between 20-80%. Lower reader’s spreads will incur additional values will not be visible, higher values Delete unused layers and colors from charges. Also provide a reader’s spread will fill in. Complex designs are possible, your files. version (non-imposed) to check page but the simpler designs tend to look sequence. better. For SPOT color discs, provide AI file with text converted to curves and all linked Keep your files as small as possible Trapping: Spot-color designs are printed files. For CMYK discs, provide production without losing resolution. 15 minutes in order of lightest to darkest tonal PDF. imaging time is allotted per page or per value. We recommend that wherever plate for color separations. Jobs running two colors meet, you provide a .5 pt. longer will be charged for imaging time. stroke. This will guarantee that no silver disc (or under-color layer) is visible between colors. A final black layer may always be overprinted.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 51 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Please visit my portfolio: Working with a designer www.crescentmusic.com/portfolio.php

A good designer is part technician, part artist and part psychic. They must be creative but technically proficient. They must tap into your vision, and then communicating with your make it happen - on time. designer Choosing a designer Tell them: You want someone you can communicate well with. • when you need final files Someone who will listen to what you want, and • what you will be providing can make it happen. Yet someone who will make suggestions and guide you. You also want someone • where they can get the correct templates and who knows how to design a CD! specs. Be sure they communicate directly with your manufacturer. Every factory has it's own templates Web vs. print designers and even the slightest variation can stop your project in its tracks and cost you more money. Designing for the web and for print are completely different animals. Very few designers can do both • exactly what specs you need (how many panels, etc.) well. That doesn't mean they are a bad designer. • ideas of what you want (show examples) Choosing a designer is like hiring a doctor - you • what you DON'T want. wouldn't go to a brain surgeon to cure your cancer or fill a cavity in your tooth. Personally, I am a poor Ask them: web designer. My forté is print design, with special • how you should provide materials to them experience in CD packaging and music industry design. • when you can expect a first draft after you give them all the materials.

If the cost of hiring a designer is making you cringe, think about it this way: if a typical 4-panel design Be sure to request jpgs (high and costs $490, and you order 1000 units for your first low resolution) of your cover 49¢order, isn’t 49 cents each worth investing in making from your designer to use for your it look good? Let your fans know you cared enough website and marketing materials. to spend 49 cents on them.

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 52 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Design Process Walkthrough How I work: I approach every project as a everything before submitting. To avoid YOU: Review for changes (hopefully only unique creation with its own life, its own confusion, only one person should submit few by now). You are looking to be sure I message, its own soul – namely yours. text and changes. made all your requested changes and that things didn’t inadvertently shift during Preplanning, preproofing and coordina- ME: I do the cover first and the disc face editing. Again, send all changes together tion on your end will keep things moving last. I will place, format and design the in one email once everyone involved has smoothly and avoid additional charges text and images you have given me into reviewed the proofs. and delays. templates and then email you a Proof. If I’m still working out the concept, some- Please read “Proofing Checklist” to help First Meeting: Discuss concept, schedule, times I will send you a preliminary “Rough you avoid embarrassing and costly over- review your materials, discuss and look at Draft” of one or more concepts to allow sights. Also, please don’t assume I am images, colors and fonts. you to see the direction I’m going and get perfect either - proof everything I do with your feedback. a critical eye. You won’t hurt my feelings. Most of my clients come to me with a con- cept in mind. Others have no idea and ask The first draft can take up to 10 days de- ME: I will make the final changes and me to come up with something. pending on complexity and whether I have send you your Final Proof. Don’t worry if you don’t have an idea of everything. A PDF file will be uploaded or what the cover and insert should be. I’ll emailed to you. YOU: Review final proof. At this stage you help you with that. If you have samples are mostly checking to be sure I have not of other inserts or images you like, show YOU: Review the PDF files and email me accidentally deleted something or that them to me and I’ll use that as a guide. your feedback and changes. No replace- text hasn’t shifted during the editing pro- ment files will be accepted for text al- cess. All author alterations should have I will ask that you provide me with all or ready placed and formatted without ex- been caught by now. If everything is good at least most of the materials (text and tra charge to re-place/re-format. Only to go, email me your “approval to go to images) to start the process. If you are individual changes and additions should print.” Changes and additional proofs not still gathering or deciding on a lot of stuff be sent (unless you need drastic changes). due to my error at this point will usually (especially the cover image), it is usually Send all changes together in one email incur additional charges. better to wait to submit when you have once everyone involved has reviewed the most of it. proofs. Do not allow more than one per- ME: Once I receive your approval I will son to send changes. prepare the files for printing (called YOU: Provide me with content. Send me Prepress) and send them to the printer FINAL proofed text only, preferably in a ME: I will make the requested changes to start production. This is when all the single email or file. Be sure all people and email you Proof 2, usually within 2-4 technical production stuff happens to the involved have had a chance to review days. files (bleeds, crop marks, imposition).

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 53 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> the printing process

“Print is a blend of art, craft, and “Industry Standards” (guidelines determined process is the only practical and economical industry.”2 by the printing industry) allow for this way to create a product that is to be sold. slight variation between print runs (and Any slight compromise in quality, if any, is This is the stage when the image actually even within print runs). The pressman will far outweighed by the speed and price. gets printed onto paper and the inserts attempt to match your first print run or are folded and perforated. Music Industry the matchprint by adjusting the ink flow If color is critical, but you can't afford a printing is specialized and fast paced, with and other press features, but the reality custom run, request to have some actual little tolerance for mistakes. The finished of this mass-run printing process, which is printed samples sent to you for review pieces must be trimmed to within 1/16 of classified somewhere between Good and before the CDs are packaged. While this an inch to conform to the machines that Premium, is you may not get EXACTLY that will delay your project by a few days and will automatically package your CDs. These color of Pepto Bismol pink you wanted (you cost a little in overnight charges, it can give printers also understand the commercial may get Little Girl pink), or the text may you peace of mind knowing the inserts are quality expected with a retail product. be 1/16 of an inch closer to the top than to your satisfaction before all the packaging you expected. If you have any doubts – call is done. The Realities: any large printer and ask. For an interesting perspective of music industry standards in Even the one-up method is not perfectly It is also the most misunderstood aspect of action, read Bruce Spizer’s The Beatles’ accurate. Four-color offset printing, the the process, which is why I am going to spend Story on Capitol Records, which details all standard color printing method in the so much time on this subject (Oh, no, Toto, the cover and label variations (and errors) United States, is not capable of faithfully I don’t think we’re in Kinkos anymore!). produced. reproducing the full color range of photographs and real life. Because of the mass-production, low-cost, If you require EXACT color, then this combo fast-turn-around nature of this process, the method of printing is not for you and you How can this be?! From Dan Margulis, who printer must print your piece in a manner need to inform us that you require ONE-UP wrote MakeReady: “On the printed page, called a “gang” or “combo” run, which PRINTING. This is a process in which your as compared to a photograph, there is means it will be placed on a large, high- project is the only one on the press. The such a vastly smaller range of colors and speed press with several other jobs. This printer has much more control over the color. image data that certain details are sure may result in slight shifts in color due to the However, unless you are ordering 20,000 to be suppressed, and the picture is apt influence of other projects next to yours. units, this custom process is typically up to to look out of focus to boot. We can get a This also account for variations between 5 times the cost as gang runs and usually pretty good red and a fair green, but we’re the print runs on reorders. takes twice as long. Therefore, the combo in big trouble when a rich blue is needed. preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 54 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> There are ... plausible solutions for this slippery subject, because there is so little print quality. They are, however, reasons problem: 1. What problem? If we ignore it, agreement on what is ‘correct.’ We all why a certain range of variation is “industry the feathers will go purple. So what? The perceive color differently. When an image standard” and a fact of life, and should be viewers of the eventual printed piece will is complex, we all see different things in it considered when determining whether a have no idea what the original was like. and apply independent, individual judgment problem is really a problem or just a reality They may think the purple looks nice! 2. in deciding what’s important.” We are each of the process, and how – or even IF – it If there is something significant about the “subject to at least as many vagaries, can be corrected. There is nothing you or color, there will be no choice but to make ficklenesses and personal prejudices as I or even the press operator can do about the feathers blue [with custom printing]. any other human…” Even when comparing these limitations. I certainly don’t want you Unfortunately, by cutting back magenta two images which are essentially alike, to be unhappy with your project in any way, and/or adding black, the color will be more one may see differences that aren’t even but both you and I are bound by the laws of subdued, if more accurate....”1 there. Or it may look fine one morning, in “industry standards.” If you have a printer certain lighting, and then the next evening, you wish to work with, I will be pleased to The printing press is another major variable in the yellow incandescent lighting of do so. You are not bound by my selection of in the equation: “A press does not behave your living room, it looks terrible. Often, printers. like a computer. It behaves like what it is: a from that point on, it will never look right powerful, fast, and dangerous combination again. I’m sure there is some psychological What if something goes wrong? of machines, full of cylinders, fountains, explanation to this phenomenon. So it then bolts, and rapidly moving gears and parts of must boil down to whether it is a reasonable Yes, things do go wrong - it's called LIFE. all descriptions, all dedicated to smearing reproduction of what is represented in the Thank goodness printing problems don’t large quantities of several varieties of ink matchprint and within industry standards. happen very often. They are frustrating at great speed under less than spotless I know this sounds ambiguous and evasive, and stressful. I work with printers who conditions to paper that is flying through but I have seen cases where a print sample specialize in this type of printing to keep it at rates in the five figures of sheets or matchprint was approved by the client. issues to a minimum. If something happens per hour. Such a beast is not conducive to When the packaged CDs arrived, the client that is critical enough to require reprinting, great precision. Despite continuing quality said “the print is wrong.” When compared you should expect that your project WILL be improvements, the press is still, by far, head to head with the printed sample delayed by at least a week. First, we must the source of the most variability in our or proof I saw no significant differences. determine what actually went wrong and entire production process. Worse yet, it When shown to other people, they saw no how it should be corrected. comes at a point where we don’t want much significant differences (or they saw entirely variation.” different things). I have been in the graphics However, ask yourself - is it really a problem field for 20 years now, and I still can’t explain or is it an “incidental” (a minor incident Perception this phenomenon. within industry standards) such as a slight color shift. I know you want it the way you Another consideration is perception and OK, enough said. These are not excuses for want it, and I don’t intend to trivialize what aesthetic judgment: “Color correction is a poor print quality. Poor print quality is poor you consider important. Put your emotions preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 55 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> aside and put your manager’s hat on. Ask but nothing will be missing and readers will three different machines to do the same job: yourself - will this really affect sales? Just still understand its message. a sheet-fed press to print the sleeve, a die because it isn’t EXACTLY like the painting cutter and an envelope machine to fold and or the first run, who will know (not many Minor: when only sophisticated readers will glue the sleeve. Due to the use of different people buy 2 copies of the same album). Or, notice, and even they may not comment, processes, there are subtle (and sometimes if the lettering is a little darker blue than the flaw is minor. These little mistakes are not so subtle) color variations between you were expecting - your fans will never unfortunate but won’t cause any trouble. East Coast and West Coast sleeves.”3 These realize that what they hold in their hand different variations are collector’s items is not what you wanted them to have. And This system of categorizing errors helps you now! quite frankly, they won’t care. What they decide how seriously to consider a specific care about is the music, and whether the problem. Using it, you can decide whether References: CD cover is clean and good looking and you can live with a problem or whether informative, not that your shirt is slightly it seriously impairs your image, profit or 1. Makeready: A Prepress Resource. A greener than it was in real life or on the first message. Keep your audience in mind. Most practical perspective for electronic prepress pressing. readers will not notice or care about minor and printing professionals. Dan Margulis. flaws. 1996, MIS:Press. If we determine there truly is a problem, an error or oversight, and not an “incidental,” Let me leave you with some good thoughts 2. Getting It Printed. How to work with ask yourself: Is it really something important – I have done hundreds of projects and printers and graphic arts services to assure enough to delay sales for? No matter whose worked with dozens of printers. I want you quality, stay on schedule, and control costs. “fault” it is, the fix may mean you won’t to be happy with your printed piece, and Mark Beath, Steve Shepro, Ken Russon. 1986, have CDs for your tour. Remember, it can the music industry printers I work with will Coast to Coast Books. be fixed for the next pressing (a common work hard to make your project look great. practice in the music industry - the Beatles 3. The Beatles’ Story on Capitol Records. did it all the time). Also consider the following from Bruce An in depth history of all the different Spizer’s book about the Beatles’ records: variations of covers, pressings and labels The U.S. Government printing office rates “With the exception of Strawberry Fields of the American Beatles albums. Compiled problems with print accordingly: Forever, these sleeves were designed by by Bruce Spizer. 2000, 498 Productions. Capitol’s art department. The sleeves were www.beatle.net Critical: Errors are critical when they render printed on the East Coast by Queens Litho the product useless. If key elements are in New York and on the West Coast by Bert- totally missing or the text is illegible, the Co Enterprises of Los Angeles. Queens Litho printing has no value. used a high-speed rotary web press, a single machine which printed the image on roll Major: the printed piece will be less effective paper, die cut the sleeve and then folded or attractive when there is a major defect, and glued it, all in one pass. Bert-Co used preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 56 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Printing Lingo CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (K). Bleed: Let’s say that you want a picture or Also known as process, four-color or full-color background on your CD cover to run to the edge printing. Colors on an offset printing press are of the paper. The image has to actually extend created using a combination of the four ink beyond the edge of the page so the printer can colors. Used for CD inserts, magazines, posters trim away the extra. When selecting, scanning and other paper applications. and creating photos and drawings, keep bleed in mind to avoid cutting off more of an image than RGB: Red, Green and Blue, the three primary you want (someone's ear, for example). To see colors of light. Used to create color on a why this is so important, print out a photo and computer monitor. then try to cut along the edges with a pair of scissors. Now, try cutting slightly inside the edge 4/0, 4/1 (or 4/K), and 4/4 of the image. Much neater. 4/0 = 4-color process (CMYK) on one side and no ink on the other side. 4/1 = 4-color process Safe Area or Safety Margin. The "inside" margin. on one side and black ink on the other side. Sometimes indicated as 4/K. 4/4 = 4-color on Page/Document/Trim Size: The final size you both sides. Pronounced “four over four.” want after the page is trimmed. Always given Width first and then Height. PMS (Pantone Matching System) Color swatch books used by commercial printers for color matching. These books are a set of colors and their formulas reproduced in a Pantone chip book (much like a paint swatch book you get for painting your house). The swatch books come in many different color sets. The most commonly used are process (CMYK) and spot (solid).

preparing CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 57 your Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • packaging <<<<< >>>>> Mastering

Mastering Engineer: An Aural Enhancement Specialist.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 mastering 58 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> After you have completed your recording and mixing, you should master your music - the final step just before manufacturing. This is your last chance to make adjustments or "fix" things before Master checklist pressing. The goal is to make something that sounds good sound great. Listen to your REFERENCE COPY. Not your PMCD. If possible, listen from start to finish, in one sitting Some studios offer this service, however, I recommend that you IN A QUIET ROOM. go to an outside source for your mastering, to someone with a fresh ear and different experience who may hear something in Check for: your music that you or the engineer may not. Hearing your music on different equipment can also be helpful. Mastering engineers • tracks are in the right order (sequenced) and usually have special mastering equipment that studios don’t. match artwork listing And sometimes they will discover problems with your music you never even realized. I had a client who took his mix-down CD to a • All tracks are included. mastering engineer who informed him it was in MONO! • there are no pops, clicks or anything that should not be on it Technically, at it's most basic, mastering equalizes the highs • tracks are spaced correctly and lows and makes the volume consistent with other CDs on the market and throughout the CD. When you record each track • ISRC codes are included and correct separately, especially over time, you end up with different • barcode is encoded volumes and EQ’s. When you put them together on a CD, you want • Text encoding - check proof sheet for accuracy the listener to be able to play straight through without changing the volume between each track and for it to feel cohesive. And as • PQ Code sheet more albums are being recorded at least partly on home systems, • Give it to someone with “fresh” ears to listen the importance of mastering is even more critical to compensate to it. for lower quality equipment and non-professional techniques. A • Listen with headphones and on different good mastering engineer will know what kind of treatment your players (home stereo, car, etc.) material needs, and have the equipment to apply that treatment, without damaging the quality of the sound. • it sounds good!

The final challenge is to ensure your music will sound good on Remember: The factory will not listen to or different systems, such as in the car, on the radio, a boom box, review the content of your disc. It is your and, of course, through a high-end speaker system. responsibility. YOU WILL GET 1000+ COPIES OF WHAT YOU GIVE THEM.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 mastering 59 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Professional mastering not only prepares your master for the factory - it is an art. He polishes it, fine tunes it, puts the icing Mastering FAQs on the cake. He gives your music depth, punch, shine, continuity, volume and clarity. He balances everything out to provide a cohesive listening experience from beginning to end. He sets the How long will it take to master my CD? experience and the essence. Expect an average of one hour per song assuming the tracks are well recorded and mixed and no The mastering engineer will provide you with a production master additional processing requirements are specified. (this is what you send to the factory) - usually a CDR, which has been encoded with whatever "extras" you requested (text, How much will it cost? barcode, ISRC, etc.), along with a PQ Code sheet (which is a Don't cut corners on mastering - you could end paper copy of what is encoded on the disc). up with something that sounds worse than your Master formats: By supplying a PMCD (Production Master CD) to original mixes. Budget around two dollars a minute the factory, they need only do a direct transfer to their system. of mastering time multiplied by one hour per song There are other acceptable formats for submitting masters: DRT, to be in the ballpark. 1630, 8mm Exabyte, and specially formatted DAT among others.

Should I master my Demo? Create multiple production masters - Three or four is good - 2 to send to the factory, 1 to keep and 1 to put somewhere safe. Mastering demo CDs is becoming a standard Be sure to make reference copies directly from each master and practice in this competitive music market and listen. No sense in storing a bad master. can give you an edge over someone who doesn't master. Why send two masters? All CDs have errors. This allows the factory to Maximum Playing Time of CDs choose the one with the fewest. The Red Book standards specify the playing time of a Compact Request several reference copies so Disc should not exceed 74 minutes 44 seconds or 650 MB, you can distribute them to whomever although most newer CD players will play discs with longer needs to listen to it. playing time, sometimes up to 80 minutes (700 MB). Discs exceeding the Red Book Standards of 78 minutes may not play satisfactorily on some CD players (it might stop in the middle of your song). Most factories will not guarantee CDs that exceed 78:00 min/sec.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 mastering 60 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Don't touch your PMCD. Check the Handle your master by the edges "reference copy" made directly from only. NEVER TOUCH THE DATA SIDE. your first generation production Choosing a Even a fingerprint can increase master (PMCD). Listen to the errors. reference copy so that you are not Mastering Engineer handling the production master. If Do not set a disc on the desk - place the reference master is OK, then You are looking for someone who is a it directly from the player to the you know the production master is combination of experience, technical jewelcase. too. It’s often a good idea to listen to the CD with headphones and on knowledge, artistic intuition, good Store in a cool, dry place out of different players. Never play on the equipment, perfection, a good ear, and direct sunlight. same computer you burned it on. dedication. Mark Artist and Title with Soft China The factory will not check your (wax) markers or a water-based felt Make sure the person who masters your tracks against the listing on your tip pen designed for CDs. insert. music is someone who is an accomplished mastering engineer and not someone who Do not use a Sharpie or ball point to All media is not the same. Use high- "does" mastering. label your discs. This is because the quality Red Book approved media. xylene or toluene in Sharpies will eat A few of the most widely accepted through the top layer of the disc, and brands are, HHB, Mitsui, Maxell, Choose someone who is familiar with your the indentation of the ballpoint can Taiyo Yuden, and Apogee. genre. Every genre has different mastering damage the data you have recorded techniques and requirements. onto the discs. If you must use a HANDLING, LABELING AND Sharpie, write on the CLEAR HUB PACKAGING YOUR MASTER only. Avoid writing on the data area.

Package your master in a jewel case, NOT a paper sleeve. DO NOT USE A STICKY LABEL!!!!! Then wrap in bubble wrap and put into a box, not a mailing envelope. Do not send a master you haven’t reviewed minute by minute. Send by trackable carrier (Fedex, UPS).

Do not send your ONLY COPY. The master may not get returned, or could get lost in transit or damaged.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 mastering 61 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Mastering Lingo

So you know what your mastering PQ Information: PQ codes provide Subcode areas: A compact disc contains engineer is talking about. location and timing of each track on the several subcode areas and each area is CD. The mastering engineer burns PQ named with a letter, from P to W. CD Master: The component created by coding on the PMCD. a mastering facility which is usually Lead-in area: information about the formatted exactly the way the finished CD-R: Stands for Compact Disc whole disc and individual tracks. discs will be. Not to be confused with Recordable. AKA a "burnable" CD. the glass master used by the factory Program area: information for the during pressing. Also known as a source CDRW - CD-/+RW or DVD+RW) a current track including track title, master. rewritable burnable disc. DO NOT USE composer, performers etc. FOR MASTERS!!!! Premastering: The process normally referred to as “mastering”. Technically, CD Extra: is a CD format developed mastering is actually the process done especially for interactive music CDs, and at the plant to create a glass master. contains video and audio tracks. Must Premastering is the correct term for the be played on a computer to access the process done by CD Mastering houses video tracks. The audio tracks can be and what I'm talking about in this played on any player, however, proper section. mastering is critical because if the video is on the wrong place on the disc it will PMCD: Production Master Compact create playback issues. Disc. The CD created by the mastering engineer which contains all of the CD Text: Enables certain CD players to subcode information the pressing plant display text information such as artist, needs to create a glass master. Not to title, track names ... etc. be confused with a Reference Copy. Red Book: THE standard for audio CDs Reference Copy: A CD copied directly which specifies the physical parameters from your first generation PMCD. a disc must comply with. This allows Created so you can check the integrity industry compatibility. of your PMCD without actually touching it. If your reference copy is OK, then you know the production master is too.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 mastering 62 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> ISRC codes If you are going to sell your music, you need ISRC codes. International Standard Recording Codes Get your ISRC codes before This is a permanent and unique can usually encode them if you provide mastering - the engineer will electronic ID code for EACH TRACK. This them with a log sheet and instructions encode the disc. is NOT the barcode from the CD. It is to add ISRC codes. tied to the track, and remains attached, even if the track is extracted from Assigning ISRC Track Codes These codes must be inserted onto the original medium. In addition, the your master before submitting to ISRC remains connected to that track Once you receive your Registrant's Code the factory. Register early so you regardless of changes in ownership. from the RIAA, you will assign the track have your codes before you finish It is key for royalty collection, code. It’s your responsibility to keep your recording. administration, and anti-piracy. track of your track code assignments.

Applying for an ISRC code: The only rule is that every track code is the RIAA recommends assigning video Visit www.riaa.com for an application. unique in any one year. One approach is ISRCs with a track code that starts with The company (registrant) code costs to use a sequential numbering scheme. a “9” (US-Z9A-05-90001). $75, but this is good for an unlimited number of tracks. US-Z9A-05-00001 If you re-release or license a track, you US-Z9A-05-00002 will keep the ISRC that you originally Radio stations with automated play etc. assigned. A different recording of the systems extract the ISRC codes from the same tune, for example, a live version tracks played to produce an royalties The next year you can either continue or different recording session, would be report. So having an ISRC code is the sequence, or restart it, since your considered a new track and you would essential for radio play. year code will be different. assign a different ISRC. See the ISRC Handbook at www.ifpi.org for more If you are mastering to exabyte or you You can also assign ISRCs to music details on assigning ISRCs. just cannot add the codes to the CD-R videos. When specifying a sound master for some reason, the factory recording or an audiovisual recording,

Anatomy of the ISRC: US- G34- 04- 24385 Country Code Registrant Code Year Track Code

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 mastering 63 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> other mastering options

CD Extra is an interactive music CD. It combines This information is usually then stored on your computer. It is video and audio. NOT encoded on your disc.

CD Text: This is NOT the track info you see when you play a Album data is extensive, and includes album title, artist CD on a computer with iTunes or Windows Media Player. (See name, record label, year of released CD, genre, musicians, the section on CDDB below.) producers, ISRC, and even label website. Track data include track title, artist name, record label, year of album-released The artist, CD title, track names, etc. are encoded onto a song, credits, genre, subgenre and more. CD like a table of contents. It enables certain CD players to display text information such as artist, title, track names Believe it or not, the information can come from anyone: the ... etc. It can only be read in players that support CD text record label, the artist, or even a fan. Whoever uploads the (usually in cars or multi-disc carousels) and usually have an info first. When someone puts the CD into their computer, LCD display which scrolls the song info while it is playing each if their media player doesn't find it in the database, the track. program will ask the user to enter the album and track information and then uploads it to the online database for CDDB (CD Database) others to then download when they play their copy of the CD.

When a music CD is inserted in a computer connected to You can submit your CD information directly to Gracenote. the internet, the media player application goes online and com as a "content partner" or just wait until your first fan retrieves the album, artist, track information, and even puts in their CD and enters the information for you (correctly album cover a central database. One of the most popular, you hope!). CDDB, is an online database service from Gracenote. Gracenote recognizes a disc by analyzing the sequence To learn more about CDDB, visit www.gracenote.com. Other of tunes on the disc and their lengths. This method isn't databases include Freedb (www.freedb.org) and MUZE (www. foolproof. Occasionally you may see album information from muze.com). the wrong CD and you have to manually tell it which CD is in the drive. For individual tracks, Gracenote generates a “fingerprint” of a portion of the music file, and thereafter identifies the track with that section.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 mastering 64 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Legal and Business Stuff

This section covers some common legal documents and agreements you will need. There are many others you may need. I HIGHLY recommend consulting an entertainment attorney and a CPA for anything beyond basic mechanical licenses, work for hire agreements and copyrights. These include producer agreements, liability releases, trademarks, sampling clearances, etc.

Some of these, such as obtaining sampling clearances and mechanical licenses, can take time and can be expensive.

The information in this section is not intended as official legal advice or to be the most current, accurate or up to date. Please consult an attorney.

legal CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 65 & Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • business <<<<< >>>>> IPR Forms

All manufacturers will require you to fill out and sign an IPR (Intellection Property Rights) form stating that either you have not used any cover songs or samples, or, if you have, providing copies of your mechanical licenses and clearances. This is required by the RIAA.

DO YOUR RESEARCH EARLY. It can take time to obtain licenses if you can’t get them via Harry Fox, and the factory may refuse your project without them.

Click here to download the IPR form from Crescent Music Services site.

legal CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 66 & Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • business <<<<< >>>>> Unless you are creating recordings Mechanical that are covered under the "fair use" Statutory Rates section of the U.S. Copyright Act, you Licenses must obtain licenses for your cover song As of January 1, 2006 the statutory recordings EVEN IF YOU ARE GIVING mechanical rate is as follows: Recording someone else’s song THEM AWAY! (Covers). 9.1 Cents for songs What is Fair Use? This includes uses for 5 minutes or less If you are recording someone else’s educational purposes and for criticism copyrighted composition, you need or commentary (reviews in newspapers, + 1.75 Cents per minute or fraction to get a mechanical (“compulsory”) for example.) Fair use does NOT include thereof over 5 minutes. license in writing. It cannot be denied small quantity recordings or charity to anybody who wants to record a song or religious organizations; nor does it as long as it’s been recorded once. exempt recordings you are distributing This is different than the Master Use or Be careful to identify the correct without charge (demos). Section 107 of Performance or Synchronization license song by the right writer(s), as there the U.S. Copyright Act outlines fair uses for which you must obtain permission are many songs with the same names of a copyrighted work. and negotiate rates. (because you can’t copyright a title). For example, if you search Harry Fox for Obtaining Mechanical Licenses There is no such thing as an “Happy Birthday” (the one we typically “international copyright.” You must think of is a copyrighted song, by the 1. Find out who owns the copyright. research and comply with the copyright way), you’ll find 100 different songs laws of each country where you sell your named "Happy Birthday" by different The “owner” is usually a publisher (or in music or lyrics written by someone else. writers. This is because you cannot some cases an individual) and often not copyright a title. just the writer. Where to look: Mechanical licenses currently cover • Harry Fox’s Songfile the release of a song via CD and digital If you cannot find the copyright • Copyright Office database download only. Other uses, such as holder(s) after a thorough search, you • BMI (www.bmi.com) streaming, conditional downloads, can send the letter to the Copyright • ASCAP (www.ascap.com) require a separate license from the Office. See the Copyright Office website • SESAC (www.sesac.com) publisher. It’s rather complicated right for the proper address and current filing now. fees if you are going to be sending a “letter of intent” to them.

legal CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 67 & Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • business <<<<< >>>>> 2. Obtain Mechanical License Method #2: Follow the laborious procedure set out in the U.S. Public Domain There are three methods: Copyright Act. These crazy requirements could only be Do not assume that an old piece of music Method #1: followed by a bureaucrat and is in the public domain and not subject to Directly from the CPA. If you really want to, read: copyright. While the song may be in public publisher/copyright holder. Copyright License for Making domain, the particular arrangement you and Distributing Phonorecords chose may currently be under copyright and Publishers that handle their own (circular 73) using a Letter of the song will need to be licensed. So pay mechanical licenses often make Intent. attention to any notation about “arranged the request process available at by” or “edited by.” Public Domain rules of their websites now. Otherwise, Method #3: The Harry Fox Agency links thumb: Any song or musical work published send them a letter like this. in 1922 or earlier is in the public domain in You can sometimes negotiate The Harry Fox Agency SONGFILE the USA. No sound recordings are PD in the the license rate or even get it issues mechanical licenses USA due to a tangled complexity of federal for free. You can often obtain a online for up to 2500 physical and state law. Public domain status must be publisher’s contact info from the recordings and digital downloads verified separately for each country where “song indexing” departments at ("digital phonorecord deliveries" the music is used. Music enters the public ASCAP and BMI. However, many or “DPDs”) for many publishers domain 70 years after the death of the author publishers only license through (not all). They charge a fee in most countries other than USA. However, Harry Fox (see Method #3 below). but it’s small compared to the copyright protection may be 95 years from time and energy to do either of publication date, 50 to 70 years after the If you know the copyright owner the other Methods. You’ll have death of the last surviving author, or other personally (a friend of yours, your mechanical license almost criteria depending on where the work was for example), you can write immediately. first published and how the work is to be up a basic mechanical license used. And one more catch, due to a change between you and sign. I found If you are pressing more than in the public domain law (the Sonny Bono some examples online here, here, 2500 units of physical product Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998 - I kid here and here with a Google or downloads, you’ll have to set you not), no new works will enter the public search. I suggest you consult an up a Harry Fox Agency Licensee entertainment attorney who can domain until January 1, 2019. Leave it to the Account. draw one up in a flash. government to complicate something so that it needs a chart!

legal CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 68 & Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • business <<<<< >>>>> Caution: Songfile license fees are non-refundable, so don’t license until you are sure how many units BMI ASCAP you’re going to press or if you’re Remember to register even going to include the song on Performing Rights organizations such as BMI and your own original ASCAP (SOCAN in Canada) collect and pay out your CD. songs and CD with the royalties for music used on radio, TV, film BMI/ASCAP and If you cannot find a particular piece of and live performances. Radio and TV stations can Sound Exchange. File music listed on the HFA website, you actually refuse to play music that does not list a performing rights affiliation, since part of their “title registration” must contact the publisher directly to licensing agreement with the FCC (CRTC in Canada) forms for each of request a license (Method #1). requires that they pay royalties for all music that your original songs they broadcast. If you want to collect royalties for appearing on the If you are a nonprofit group, the public performance of your music, join one of these Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts organizations and list them in your author/publisher record so they can (215) 545-3385 may be able to help credits on your CD cover to serve notice to those pay you for any radio negotiate reduced royalties. playing your music. In the USA contact BMI www.bmi. airplay. com, ASCAP www.ascap.com. SESAC is by invitation Further Reading about only. Mechanical Licenses How to choose? Chances are, the fee will help you decide. To join ASCAP as A nice article written by someone both a writer or publisher is free. To join BMI as a writer is also free, but to from the Harry Fox agency describes join as a publisher it costs $150 if you are an individual or $250 if you are a the basic concepts pretty well. partnership, LLC, or a Corporation. If you write and publish your own songs, you WILL want to join as a publisher also, since that is 1/2 the royalties! Copyright Infringement Comparison to Theft. Wikipedia.

To learn more about digital download Sound Exchange licenses, I suggest you read this from CD Baby: How to legally sell They're like BMI and ASCAP except they collect and distribute digital downloads of cover songs. royalties for performances digital cable and satellite television music, internet and satellite radio. If you've played on an album or own master How to Investigate the Copyright rights, REGISTER TODAY (Free) and see if you have some money coming to Status of a Work (Copyright Office you. www.soundexchange.com circular 22)

legal CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 69 & Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • business <<<<< >>>>> The earliest attempt at printed Copyright musical ‘copyright’ appears in Your copyright is the deed to your music. Go to the U.S. the ‘Shir Hashirim’ of Salomone Library of Congress Official Site www.copyright.gov for Rossi (Venice, 1623) which copyright forms. includes a rabbinical curse on those pirating the text, written Use Form SR for copyrighting the CD (the sound recording). The Library of Congress requires an actual printed and by Leon of Modena. (source: pressed disc from the manufactured lot. This is the circle P Wikipedia.com) copyright on the disc. The US began Form PA copyrights the lyrics and melody for each of your protecting music original songs on the record, including your arrangements rights in 1831 (you can even copyright arrangements of songs other (but not with people wrote). curses). Form VA is for the artwork or images (if you own the artwork and wantp to copyright it). Copyright Notices for Songs Be sure to include the correct copyright information for all of the songs in your insert. This should include the writers, publisher name and the publisher’s performing rights society (i.e., ASCAP, BMI, etc.), the arranger, year written. Much of this technical publisher information can be placed COPYRIGHT POLICY: When using artwork, text or lyrics, you repre- separately in a less conspicuous section of your sent you have the right to use and reproduce them. You may not repro- notes. duce copyrighted materials from artists, photographers, or other authors of original works without express written permission from the copyright holder. © legal CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 70 & Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • business <<<<< >>>>> Publishing Companies: Anyone writing Name Trademarks. Be very sure that Other Legal lyrics, music or arrangements should you have the right to use the group and have their own publishing company so record label name you have chosen. If when the songs are copyrighted, they someone else legally owns your name and Business receive the correct credit and future already, not only could you lose your profits from potential licensing if the name, you might even get sued if you Stuff songs are used. use it publicly. Go to the US Patent and Trademark Office site http://www. Sampling Clearances. Samples are Band Agreement. You should have a uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm to pieces of another sound recording clear and simple written agreement search for existing trademarks. reused like an instrument or sound among the group members about effect. If you have any samples on your how the finances of the recording A separate checking account helps you record, you need to obtain clearances project will be handled, who owns the to keep track of your expenses. Get an from the publisher of the composition copyrights and arrangements, who owns account that has a debit card, which being sampled AND, separately, the the group’s name, how will profits (and makes purchasing goods and services record label that owns the master being losses) be divided (equally, percentage), easy. Make sure you save all your sampled. Do this as early as possible, how are members fired and hired, what receipts. because sometimes they will refuse if someone wants to quit, etc. Try to to issue a license, or the licensing fee think ahead to the worst case scenario, Quicken and Microsoft Money are two may not be affordable (they can get and then write something out about how examples of financial software that will expensive). it will be handled and get everyone to help you and your band to keep track of sign. who owes what, who gets what, and if “Work for Hire” Agreements. Most you're making any profit! session players, engineers, designers, Band Incorporation. Consider etc. operate on a "work for hire" status. incorporating your band as a legal Many of the expenses involved This means they retain no claims on entity. This might be an LLC, Partnership in releasing your CD may be tax future royalties or ownership rights to or sole proprietorship. deductible, which is another reason to their work. stay organized and keep good records.

Consult an entertainment attorney.

Have you checked whether your chosen band name is taken already? Do this before putting out your album.

legal CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 71 & Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • business <<<<< >>>>> Pressing

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 pressing 72 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Duplication versus Replication

CDs and DVDs can be reproduced either by Replication (Manufactured) or Duplication (Short Runs). There are advantages and disadvantages to each method, and reasons to choose one over the other.

The primary considerations are usually quantity and how fast you need them. Smaller runs (less than 500) are usually duplicated, while larger runs are usually replicated. Secondary considerations include budget, print quality, durability, and compatibility.

THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DATA OR MUSIC ON A DUPLICATED AND A REPLICATED DISC. Also, production methods are the same for music, data or video. Production Method Decision Chart Duplicated, Short Run, On Demand Replicated, Manufactured, Pressed Production Method Burned (copied) Pressed (cloned) Production Time 1-3 days 2-4 weeks Quantity No minimum 1000 minimum Promo, Emergency, Custom, Market Retail/Commercial, Mass Distribution, Best Use Testing, As Needed, Small Quantities Large Quantities. Cost per disc $1.00 - $6.00 (depending on packaging) .50 - $2.50 (depending on packaging) Durability Excellent Excellent Playback Compatibility Good Excellent Time to Create 3-15 minutes each 3.6 seconds each Reproduction Quality Excellent Excellent

Why don’t I recommend manufactured quantities less than 1000? Think of it this way: You’re a band and a club owner wants to hire you to perform. He offers you $50 per song. You and your 4 other band members rehearse, drive there, set up, tune up. Then the owner then says, “OK, just play one song.” That wouldn’t be worth it, would it? It’s the same with manufacturing - they simply can’t make any money on quantities less than 1000 because the same amount of setup goes into a run of 500 as it does for a run of a million.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 pressing 73 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Compact discs can be produced as dye. The “burned” areas darken, which the difference between having a CD and either replicated discs or duplicated then mimic the way light reflects off a not, despite less profit overall. discs. primary considerations are usually pressed disc’s pits. quantity and how fast you need them. There are two critical factors you need Smaller runs (less than 500) are usually Recordable CDRs and DVDRs are to consider when choosing duplicated duplicated (also called "Short Runs"). significantly more easily damaged than discs: media and labeling Secondary considerations include manufactured discs. They are less image, print quality, durability, and tolerant of extreme temperatures and Media compatibility. sunlight. The media you choose will make all the Replication (pressed, manufactured) is Recordable discs are light sensitive, difference down the road as to whether a commercial manufacturing process pressed discs are not. If you leave a CDR your music is still around in 10 years that essentially replicates or “clones” data side up in direct sunlight you risk and how many unhappy fans you get your original master. The commercial data loss. because their CDs don’t play. Choose a CDs you buy in a store are pressed. The high quality brand or check what brand procedure is very much like making vinyl Whether burned or pressed discs last the duplication company you hire uses. records. When you need a lot of discs, longer is difficult to answer. It is likely Taiyo Yuden is considered the top of the manufacturing the best method because that, with proper care and storage, line for professional duplication. the cost per disc is much less. The both types will survive longer than we minimum quantity is usually 1000 discs. will, and much longer than current Disc Printing technology. Commercially pressed discs store the Duplicated discs are usually printed data via pits, or tiny indentations, on a While I almost always recommend using either thermal or inkjet. reflective aluminum surface embedded pressed discs, there are excellent in the plastic. To read the disc, the reasons to choose burned CDs over Thermal - heat is used to bond specially player shines a laser onto the surface, commercial pressing. Obviously, if you formulated inks to the surface of the and by interpreting the way in which only need a few, duplication is the only CD. Will not smear or fade. the laser light is reflected from the disc way to go. Demos, promos and other it can tell whether the area under the situations where you only need a few Inkjet - similar to inkjet printing on laser is indented or not. quickly are natural uses for this process. paper, water soluble ink is ‘jetted’ or sprayed onto the surface of the CD. Can Duplication is very similar to copying a If you are considering a short run, smear and fade over time, but prints floppy or audio cassette. Data is written chances are it is because of economics. full color images nicely. one disc at a time to a recordable disc When the cost of 500 or 1000 pressed with a laser which physically burns CDs is simply not in the budget, getting Adhesive labels are a common option spots in the photosensitive organic 50 or 100 burned CDs can often mean for DIY CDRs. However, there are some

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 pressing 74 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> dangers you should first consider. If you misalign the label or you don’t smooth the label down (inducing air Digital vs. bubbles under the surface), then you run the risk of having your CDR spin Analog out of balance in the player. This Many people think that the digital CD could cause readback and tracking is produced completely digitally, but problems or damage to your drive. If you try to reposition the label after it this is not always the case. Some CDs is partially stuck, then you run the risk have an analog master tape as their of damaging the CDR as you remove source tapes still kept in the library the partially stuck label. I recommend of the record company, used in the NOT using labels. Furthermore, any duplication company that uses paper past to make records. To indicate how labels should be avoided like the the music on a CD has been treated plague. at each stage, a three-letter code is Replicated discs are printed with used to mark recordings. The letters either Silkscreen or Offset methods. correspond to the recording, the editing/mixing process, and dubbing, Silkscreen - This is the same process as respectively. They are printed on the printing T-shirts. The ink is squeegeed through screens containing the CD and/or on the traycard or back appropriate artwork for each color. cover. Usually limited to 5 colors. Not good for photographs, since each color is separate.

Offset - Similar to printing on paper, There are three possibilities: DDD CMYK inks produce near photograph (completely digital CD); ADD (analogue quality images. recording, digital processing and dubbing); and AAD (analogue recording and processing, digital dubbing).

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 pressing 75 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> How CDs are Pressed

Since its introduction by Sony and Philips in 1982, compact Molding or Pressing: Liquefied polycarbonate is then injected disc technology has changed very little. The CD is a 120 mm into the mold which fills in the pits and grooves on the round piece of plastic, 1.2 mm thick, coated with a thin, stamper, and, after a few seconds of pressing, a disc with all reflective layer of aluminum. The music is translated into the data is created. digital data (ones and zeros) and written as pits in a spiral from the inside out, about four miles long. CD players use a Metallization: In order for the CD to be readable, it must laser that emits invisible, infrared light that reflects on the be covered with a micro thin layer of aluminum. The mirror pits. surface reflects the laser light back to the reader.

Stages of CD Pressing Varnishing: The disc is then covered with a layer of varnish to protect the CD. Verification: After your source master is submitted to the manufacturing plant, it is checked for errors and unreadable Label printing: The final touch comes with the printing, sectors and loaded into their system. either by a silk screen or offset process and up to six colors, much like a T-shirt gets printed. The ink is dried instantly Glass Mastering: Then the glass master is created. A laser using ultra-violet light. engraves your data/music pits and grooves into a glass disc covered with a photosensitive layer. Then a fine silver Packaging: The CD is then packaged. coating is applied to the glass surface.

Stampers: The glass master is then used to create a stamper - the mold. This is achieved by adding a layer of nickel on the glass master by electrolysis. The nickel layer is then separated from the glass base which makes a “negative” of the CD.

Once a stamper is created from the glass master, the glass is polished down Check out this fascinating video on YouTube about how CDs are made. and reused. The metal stamper stays It refers to data CDs, but they’re all made the same way. on file at the factory for re-orders. The stamper is proprietary to the equipment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyyx6lR62ak that factory, so can’t be used at other manufacturers.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 pressing 76 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> Will 1000 CDs fit in my car? 1000 CDs in jewelcases are packed into 9 boxes FAQs of 120 units each (4 smaller 30-unit boxes inside), weighing about 26 pound each for a Shipping total shipment weight of about 250 pounds. CDs in wallets or slimlines will take about half the Pieces of your project will be in the hands of shipping companies space. and couriers several times throughout the course of your project. Artwork may need to be overnighted to me for scanning. Your What does 10% over/under mean? master is shipped to the factory. Then your CDs will be shipped from the factory to you. The Realities: Shipping companies are In most manufacturing processes extra units are often a source of delay due to unforeseen events such as strikes, usually produced to allow for quality control. weather conditions, or lost/damaged parcels. For example, sometimes inserts or traycards are damaged in the packaging process. Or the Pricing your CD shrinkwrap does not seal properly. Once quality control has culled the rejects, your final total Retail price for a full CD should be between $11.98 and $14.98. quantity might vary slightly. Industry standard Most people will pay more if they are buying directly from the allows for no less or more than 10%. You will artist, especially if it's signed. Don't underprice it either. People will pay more when buying the CD directly from you, especially if not be billed for any product you do not get. you're signing it after a gig. Look on CDBaby and see what others By the same standard, if you get 25 extras you in your genre are charging. will be billed for these. You pay for the exact

number of discs received. (P.S. Crescent Music Services ships exact quantity ORDERED 98% of the time.)

How many songs should I include on my CD? Full CD: 12 to 15 tracks. EP: 4 tracks Demo 1-3 tracks. Single: 1 track. Don't expect to sell an EP or single for very much if at all.

CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 77 Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • <<<<< • >>>>> about the author >>>>> • extension of themselves.” <<<<< is an award-winning creative and original graphic designer/ graphic original and creative award-winning is an

produced her own albums and has worked in the film industry. film industry. worked in the and has her own albums produced animal services and programs (www.animalfocusnetwork.org). animal services and programs this is what I could help other musicians with. I have walked in their this is what I could help other and would have ended up with a much better product. I realized that and would have ended up with own CD. Even though I made my living as a graphic designer, I fumbled I fumbled my living as a graphic designer, own CD. Even though I made shoes and I understand how important their music is to them, and how shoes and I understand how around piecing my CD together with ‘this’ printer and ‘that’ replicator, replicator, printer and ‘that’ with ‘this’ around piecing my CD together knew then what I know now. I could have saved myself a lot of expense I could have saved myself a lot knew then what I know now. not knowing what I was doing and figuring it out as I went along. I wish I not knowing what I was doing an investment into their future and an important marketing tool - it is an an investment into their future and an important marketing “I started Crescent Music Services a few years after I had produced my “I started Crescent Music difficult this part of the process can be. I know that their CDs are not just difficult this part of the process album many years ago), she also fulfills the CD and DVD needs of corporations and universities. the CD and DVD needs of ago), she also fulfills album many years Diana Thornton Diana Jump to: TOC • DESIGN • PACKAGING • MASTERING • LEGAL • PRESSING • FAQs • • PRESSING • FAQs • LEGAL • MASTERING • DESIGN • PACKAGING TOC Jump to: Services also provides distance learning materials for Loyola University, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. of the New Orleans Museum and materials for Loyola University, provides distance learning Services also Bruce Spizer www.beatle.net. In her spare time she fosters newborn kittens and recently started a non profit spare time she fosters newborn kittens and recently In her Bruce Spizer www.beatle.net. She started Crescent Music Services in 1997 to provide CD and DVD design and manufacturing services to New services and manufacturing DVD design provide CD and in 1997 to Music Services Crescent She started Her music clients include Ellis Marsalis, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Charmaine Neville, and Basin Street Neville, and Basin Orchestra, Charmaine Louisiana Philharmonic include Ellis Marsalis, Her music clients Records (Kermit Ruffins, Los Hombres Calientes, Jon Cleary, Theresa Andersson, Irvin Mayfield). Crescent Music Irvin Mayfield). Crescent Andersson, Theresa Cleary, Los Hombres Calientes, Jon Ruffins, (Kermit Records Orleans and Louisiana. Although her original focus was the music industry (she recorded and produced her own recorded and produced her was the music industry (she her original focus Although Orleans and Louisiana. CD Project Planner • Crescent Music Services • www.crescentmusic.com • 504-312-2354 digital artist with over 20 years experience and special qualifications because she is a singer/songwriter who has who has singer/songwriter she is a because special qualifications and 20 years experience artist with over digital In addition, she designs collector’s books about the Beatles for nationally acclaimed author and Beatles historian about the Beatles for nationally acclaimed author books In addition, she designs collector’s organization Animal Focus Network through which she compiled an online animal resource directory of over 2000 Network through which she compiled an online animal Animal Focus organization