My evaluation question 2 for Media Studies.

1. Evaluation Question 2
How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary
texts?

2. In both my music video and ancillary texts, I have created recurring
images through the characters of Max and the masked thug.

3. Max’s unusual
appearance with
long curly hair and a
long looking face
creates a unique
and impressionable
image onto the
audience. His
prominent presence
in both texts will
cement him as a
piece of
iconography within
the album.

4. The use of single
source lighting in
both the music
video and
ancillary products
connects them
both, and also
creates a more
striking iconic
image.
I chose to use red as
it has many
connotations to it, a
colour of danger, of
passion, of anger.

5. All these symbolic warning lights used translates well into the ancillary
products, as through Max’s shocked expression we can see how the
drugs have affected him. His large eyes draw the viewer’s eye in, and I
chose to use this as the front of my digipak and advertisement because
of that reason.

6. Another piece of iconography I want associated with my product is
that of the thug’s mask. The mask is simple and blank, with the intent
of putting the audience on edge, as they can’t see key facial features
or expressions.

7. I chose it because not only is it a direct contrast
of red, but it also carries connotations of mystery,
coldness, and through that lack of humanity.
There is no warmth in this character, and through
this we are intrigued as to who is behind it.
The intent of the character is unknown, and
the otherwise blank minimal mask is
contrasted with Max’s bushy haired wide
eyed expression. The lighting on the mask in
the ancillary texts is also single source, but of
a cooler colour.

8. I feel like I have constructed a brand style through my use of vibrant
colours and single source lighting, as well as an emphasis on the face of
the characters in the ancillary products.

9. Although it may be
slightly generic as faces
do get used a lot in
promotional products,
as it gives a layer of
intimacy and truth
between the audience
and the artist. Although
I feel I broke some
conventions through
the lighting, as many
covers show the whole
face clearly, whereas I
wasn’t to hide it
through lighting to
create a mysterious and
slightly disturbing
effect.