bit of help please??

[Andyhoops]

hi

I am a Graphic design student from dublin. I am currently doing research for my thesis. I have chosen to research Dance record sleeves as my topic and i was hoping you could answer a few questions.

1. how important historically has the record sleeve been within the dance genre?
2. How has the advent of digital DJ systems, MP3's etc affected this?
3. What role will design play in this going forward??

just taught id throw this one at ye's, bit of a thinker i know but any ideas on this would be helpful.

Nice one.

[Virgo Nightingale]

Andyhoops, please let us know your thoughts on the subject matter first. ;)

[Andyhoops]

I DJ myself and over the last few months alone two record stores have closed here in Dublin and they said it was due to the new capabilities of time coded vinyl and mp3 downloads, the digital age if DJing i call it.

As an appreciator of art in all forms i used to love buying dance vinyl, usually for the tune, but some times the killer design work would make me purchase it.

As a design student i wonder if this "digital age" will have an effect on the overall need for records and more importantly the sleeves they rest in.
And, also, with this new "digital DJ" age what role will we, the designer, play in this??

Please remember i am talking about Dance here, Overall, I believe and hope Vinyl will always be around..

Cheers.

[Oldat29]

As a young designer i dont think il be getting contracted to design vinyl sleeves, Maybe some of the older members here have actully designed some. But in my humble opinion, its a dieing trade.

Do they still produce vinyls and if so, who is contracted to design them. Maybe you could research companys that still get contracts to design them and ask you questions there?