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Creating CD Printwork
Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 7:22 pm
by catch
I need to use Adobe Illustrator to create the album art, disc label, etc. for a CD to be manufactured.
Has anyone... done this? Any tips/tricks/resources? I've no clue what I'm doing.
Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 9:16 pm
by ken
Get the templates from the manufacturer and start there.
Ken
Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 9:44 pm
by catch
Got those. It seems like I can select the objects and change their colors, but that's about the extent of my abilities at this point.
And I just screwed up big time, removing the software in a way that broke the install.
Are there any Illustrator/CD art specific sites/tutorials out there? Or maybe members here who would be willing to do the layout stuff based on my mockups? They're fairly simple.
Eh. I'll try again tomorrow.
Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 7:31 am
by roymond
- If you've never used Illustrator before I'd suggest using another program that's easier to deal with. Play around with lines and your printer to see what works.
- If you're going to submit to a manufacturer give them a call and ask about what templates they have (CD Baby, etc.) that are more accessible to a user such as yourself.
- Use Google to find tutorials.
- And keep it simple. Don't get all "oooh look at what this text tool can do". Create a simple graphic that gives an impression and doesn't wreak "noob designer". Don't put little text over a complicated photo. Make sure to scan your photo large enough for how you're using it, or keep your digital photo at a large enough resolution (google for help on this).
Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 8:05 am
by catch
Thanks for the advice, I guess.
I'm just gonna learn the software. Why not.
Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2006 4:05 pm
by catch
This is kinda late, but I got it done just fine.
WHAT I LEARNED:
If you can afford to pay a graphic designer, doing so will save you much grief. (Assuming you have no experience in this area.)
On the other hand, if you want to kick it DIY-style, I suggest familiarizing yourself with the software/materials involved and starting work on the album art as early as possible. Don't do it after everything else is done. That sucks.
Although I started with zero experience, I feel perfectly competent now. And finishing the job was particularly gratifying. I'm actually looking forward to going through this again with the next album!
I'm thinking of maybe sometime writing an FAQ or guide or something for this stuff. I couldn't seem to find any help when I needed it.