Research into magazine adverts for indie artists

1. MAGAZINE
ADVERTISEMENT
RESEARCH
[INDIE GENRE]
By Tara S

2. Washed over/sepia
tone, giving an aged
or vintage look - a
common aesthetic in
the indie genre.
Signature font in
accordance with the
warm, burnt out
colour palette
typically associated
with the artist.
Pawprint logo creates brand identity to
make it easier for the audience to familiarize
themselves with the artist.
Quote from Q
magazine gives
the artist
credibility –
features in such
magazines allow
a wider audience
to recognize the
artist.
Large photograph of
the artist, filling the
entire frame with text
overlayed and an
image of the album
(also a cover picture of
the artist); this caters
to the concept of an
‘indie’ artist,
showcasing Sheeran’s
individual style.
Large artist name in comparison
with the rest of the text and album
name is in bold orange, emphasizing
these aspects of the advert.
Close up shot where artist is smiling, reflecting the light-
hearted mood of the album and laidback attitude of the
artist.

3. Band name at the
top, displayed in
a feminine,
almost
handwritten font
– links to the
image on the
cover and the
name ‘Florence’
making them
more easily
recognizable.
Artistic photograph,
with Florence in a
care-free, reclined
position. The artist is
wearing white, which
signifies innocence,
fragility and
vulnerability, linking
to the title of the
album.
Stark image clearly links to the title of the album, making it
memorable for potential consumers.
Bold, white font stands
out giving it clarity on
the predominantly dark
colours used around the
border of the image.
Large release date, creating anticipation for fans along
with the types of platform the album is available on,
appealing to a wider range of consumers.
Website featured,
linking consumers
to more exclusive
content such as
merchandise and
tour tickets, thus
broadening the
total profit raked
in by the album.

4. Large title, clear white font at the top of the page against
a cloudy background – album title and band name are
made to stand out.
Image framed to
have a central focal
point of a man
standing on the edge
of a pillar; this
creates an eerie
mood and a sense of
isolation, which
links to their
rhythmic sound,
with deep bass,
strong drums, and
powerful vocals.
Clear and concise text at the bottom, giving
consumers a straightforward message about where
and when the album will be available.
Quote from critics to
show ratings and
awareness of the band
– gives them official
credibility and creates
appeal for potential
consumers.
Red, purple and black
colour palette linked
with album connotes
mystery or enigma for
fans, which is
dissatisfying if it remains
unsolved – encourages
consumers to listen to
the album to understand
the image.
Small record company
logos at the bottom,
drawing focus to other
elements of the advert
such as the image and
title.

5. Band name as central
focal point, immediately
drawing in consumers
who become aware of
what album to buy.
Artistic image,
drawn in a tattoo
style on human skin
which links to the
concept of the
album.
Various star ratings
from well known
critics who write for
indie magazines,
showing
acknowledgement
from large media
platforms to draw
consumers in.
Bold, squared font
with a masculine
edge – portrayal of
women in the
artwork suggests
that they are
passive or
submissive
subjects; perhaps
the all male band
are catering to
their
predominantly
heterosexual male
target market.
Large release date, emphasizing important
information and small platforms it is available on
to draw in consumers who continue to read.
Record company logos and website to introduce audience to
more content from the band.

6. Large white font of artists name, placed behind an
image of the artist herself to create a recognizable
identity.
Blank expression
indicates stark tone
in the songs on her
album, while her
posture is upright
and her face is
illuminated by the
sunlight; this gives
her a calm and
composed look
which also links to
her melancholy
sound.
Blue and white colour
palette connotes
innocence and purity,
making Lana appear
almost angelic which
links to her soothing
and seraphic music.
Red lipstick
shows a twist in
her personality,
signifying a
seductive or
raunchy side – a
well known
characteristic of
the artist, by her
fans.
Light, thin,
feminine font for
the other text,
making the
advert and artist
appear elegant
and
sophisticated.
Links at the bottom for purchasing,
giving consumers quick access to a
range of download platforms.

7. Title in signature font at the top –
text is white, placed against a dark
border which stands out from the
rest of the advertisement.
Split screen divides the attention of the
consumer, displaying the unique sound of
each component in the band, and how they
come together.
Quote from NME
at the beginning of
the band’s musical
journey suggests to
consumers, that
they are new and
upcoming – this
links to the
conventions of the
indie genre which
pander towards
consumers who
crave
individualism or a
break away from
mainstream sound.
Hit singles are shown clearly in a box, easily recognizable to an
audience thus drawing them into exploring the full album.
Rustic/ burnt colour
palette links to the
warm tone and
almost country
sound of their music
– retro filter also
gives it an aged look,
perhaps catering to
their target market
of young indie adults,
typically associated
with the revival of
vintage style.