1. Media Studies
Question 2 of 4
How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary
texts?
On the completion of our main music video production, I started work
on the two ancillary tasks, the CD digipack and a promotional
magazine advert for the CD. After the extensive research I did before
the production was carried out, I had to do similar research again for
the ancillary tasks, however, this time focusing on different aspects
than I previously did. For example, whereas before looking at industry
work involved analysing shot types, costumes, and locations, for the
paper based productions, I concentrated studying their colour
schemes, font types and compositions for specific genres. On the day
of filming, we
multitasked in that
we also carried
out multiple
photo-shoots after
each costume
change with the
ancillary tasks in
mind, before the
actual footage
was filmed. This
CAPTION: Above are the two major case studies that
meant that we
influenced my work. As well as analysing their music already needed
videos, I also looked at the way the genre representation to have some
was carried through into other forms of promotion, and idea of what sort
how I could utilise some of those techniques in my work. of pictures would
From this I learnt that the pop genre is very colourful and
creative, exploring ideas of sexuality and in many cases
be included in the
‘alter egos’, portraying a confident and eye-catching printed
image to target audiences. publications,
however, more in
depth research was done after the shoot in order to clarify the use of
typography and layout.
As I carried out both primary and secondary analysis for the ancillary
tasks, I was able to get an idea of how I would use successful
conventions of print promotions, whilst also incorporating my own
ideas, without contradicting the star persona of the artist or the pop
genre. The album cover had to reflect themes shown in our video as
well as the star image so as to create a sense of continuity. In addition
to looking at the actual CD’s and their designs, I also researched some
various artists and fashion photographers to get a wider spectrum of
influence. One particular photographer who stood out to me amongst
the others was Rankin, as the concepts in his work represented the
ideology for the image that I wanted to create in my work. After
sketching out my various designs for the front cover of the album, I
Nerissa Edwards

2. Media Studies
Question 2 of 4
narrowed it down to three that I thought were the best in terms of
creativity and innovative ideas.
CAPTION: Here are
some examples of the
attempts I made at
creating the album
cover. I decided
against these as I felt
that they portrayed
conflicting ideas than I
wanted the audience
to receive. After testing
out some other ideas, I
concluded that the use
of effects and image
modification should not
sacrifice the
representation of the
star, therefore, my final
piece allows a star
persona to be seen
more clearly, due to
less extreme
adjustments to our
pictures.
After deciding on the images, I did numerous amounts of
experimenting using Adobe Photoshop in order to enhance the
images, and relate them back to the abstract theme throughout my
work. Through the process of trial and error, I was able to come to a
conclusion on which effects worked well with each other, and how
they portrayed specific aspects of the star’s image. Genre
representation is very important to help create meaning, and also to
make pop recognisable. Although I wanted to make the style of the
CD and magazine advert reflective of the pop genre, I wanted to
avoid a déjà vu image, instead bringing novel ideas into my work. I
also tried to incorporate other conventions that would typically be
found on a hard copy of the album, such as the production company,
date of release, distribution, barcode and reference numbers in order
to make my work as professional and realistic as possible by
conforming to major institutional codes. I also wanted to keep in
conjunction with recent promotional trends and developing media
technologies, which is why I decided to advertise the artist’s website at
the same time. Despite this, I opted not to include features such as a
track list, as I felt that this would take away from the mysterious,
Nerissa Edwards

3. Media Studies
Question 2 of 4
abstract element of my promotional technique, therefore decided it
would be better to put the track list inside the album booklet.
CAPTION: Here are I wanted to make
two of Rankin’s my work
productions that I memorable, for
thought were very
this reason I
influential, and
below are examples resisted conformity
shown two of the in some instances
ways in which we such as using
used and symbolisms to
developed some of
metaphorically
Rankin Productions his ideologies.
portray images of
femininity,
abstract ideals
and original
concepts. Adobe
Photoshop has
assisted me
Our Production Ideas greatly, and I feel
that by using the
software to my advantage, I was able to create a more expert final
production, instead of the outcome I would have achieved on another
programme such as Microsoft Publisher. I also tried to utilise the
technology available on InDesign, however, I found that Adobe
Photoshop was much more beneficial to me. I had many attempts
before I settled on my final design, which was chosen as I thought that
the image suited the genre I am supposed to be representing, whilst
reflecting my own creative flair. The main reasons behind my decision
on my final design lie in the fact that if this were to be
a real industry piece, I feel that compared to others
in the pop genre it would stand out and appeal to a
wide variety of audiences.
In terms of the magazine advert, it was a much
easier process than producing the CD digipack.
Traditional magazine promotions include an image
of the album cover, and the date of release. With
more in depth research, I found that some industry
advertisements also included page numbers or
motifs that would make the magazine itself
recognisable, critic reviews, prices and where they CAPTION: This was
would be sold. Whilst I included some of these my initial idea before
conventions, I chose not to include others, such as I developed and
adapted this further
reviews and prices as I did not want the focus to be
to create my final
drawn away from the actual product. advert design.
Nerissa Edwards

4. Media Studies
Question 2 of 4
Overall, I feel that all of my productions work quite well together in that
they portray a sense of continuity. I have tried to keep themes and
motifs the same throughout so that the artist can be relatable, and
instantly become recognisable when amongst others in the same
genre. In the productions I tried to be reflective of the pop genre, whilst
adding new elements so that the target demographics would be kept
interested. I think that the combination of the print productions and the
music video itself is quite an effective one, as they all show individuality,
whilst at the same time linking into one another to portray a consistent
image. Examples of constant themes include the use of colour
schemes, font types, imaginative images, and I also tried to
incorporate another promotional technique used in the industry in the
form of trade-marking, shown in the idea of glow sticks. In terms of the
marketing and promotional techniques I have integrated, I feel that it
was quite effective in achieving a successful star persona as I tried to
think of creative ways that I could sell and relate the artist’s image to
the target audience. Abstract, eccentric glamour was the key
ideology for our production, and I think that this has been clearly
depicted throughout both the main and ancillary tasks.
Nerissa Edwards