The document discusses several Indie digipak advertisements and how they convey information about the artist and target demographic through visual elements. Key points made include:
- Fonts, imagery, and designs are used to suggest a band's musical style and differentiate them from mainstream genres. Low saturation and abstract birds imply an alternative style.
- Location, costumes, and lighting are employed to build an artist's image and the themes of their music, like a graffiti background suggesting a rap artist's "street ties".
- Placement of information aims to engage the target demographic and entice wider audiences, such as listing hit songs or showing where to purchase the album.
- Reviews and reputable newspapers are cited to
1. Here is an example of an Indie Digipak advert. The cover is split
into four sections, each showing a member of the band,
connoting the equality and unity in the group. The abstract use
of the bird reveals their alternate style and lack of need to
comply to the mainstream genre. Furthermore, the low
saturation creates a low key presentation of the band,
enhancing the importance of the music instead of band image.
The font used is similar to an old style computer font,
suggesting they my not create the modern or new type of
music. This would help to engage the targeted demographic of
indie fans, so they recognize the bands difference from
mainstream. To entice wider audiences, the names of their hit
songs such as ‘sex on fire’ are shown to suggest the success of
the album, but also to jog the audiences memory if they were
unsure of the band who produced the song and wanted to
listen to more to the bands other pieces. To engage the viewer
of the poster further, a link to play.com is placed to show where
the CD can be purchased, increasing the likelihood of audiences
following up on the advertisement. Lastly, the poster is
composed in a form that the majority would follow by reading
the band title at the top, this spreads knowledge even if full
attention is not gained.
2. Wretch 32’s digipak poster clearly cements the genre and
possible target demographic for his album. The font is
worn down and placed on a tilt, implying the artists
rougher side and ‘street’ ties. To similar effect, the
background emulates a graffiti stencil which is further
associated with rap music and a young target
demographic. The inclusion of a council estate suggests
that the primary demographic may be one of lower class,
possibly E or D. This helps the audience to establish who
the music is intended for. Unlike pop posters, the structure
is not symmetric. Going against the conventions of a
digipak shows that the artist has a more specific and
narrower target audience. So users recognise and album,
an image of the cover is placed at the bottom of the page,
which may help viewers to remember the cover while in a
shop etc. Conventional features are included such as a
date, with ‘08’ a reference to slang, and a list of places
where the album is available for purchase to heighten a
possibility of a sale. Finally, guest names are included to
broaden a fan base and so audeicnes may buy due to
features with other artists.
3. This Digipak image helps to build the desired image of the
artist. The contrast of high key and low key lighting portrays
Ellie Goulding as a bright figure, almost innocent and
angelic. The Effect also links to the title of the album, Lights,
reinforcing the message of the poster. The clear midshot is
used so audiences can identify the artists face, as a pop
artist, this is crucial as she would be recognized by the
majority which would help audiences to engage with the
poster. A rounded and symmetric font, placed centrally,
holds the attention of viewers while conveying a sense of
youth. Established and renowned reviews are used to show
the success and rating of the album, to help persuade
audiences to buy. By using reputable newspapers such as
The Independent, audiences are more likely to believe or
take it into consideration. In order to lead audiences to the
album sale, a web address is included (proliferating
platform for CD sales)-however a date is not revealed so we
assume it is ‘out now’
4. This advert contains information unseen on others.
Slipknot, a heavy metal band, strive off a image of
intimidation which is created through the poster. The red
font connotes danger and also blood, while the design
shares similar connotations. The low key lighting used and
the overcast sky configures the dark theme of their music,
which are simple to recognize by primary audiences. The
costume of the band is mysterious, alternatively
intriguing, engaging those who seen the image as they
look further to see what is being worn. In addition, the
location of the image is unexpected of a band, luring
viewers to the poster. This advert has a dual purpose-
advertising the album and the tour which showcases the
album. This means that those who enjoy or purchase have
the possibility of seeing the band live, creating more
money for the group. Differing fonts are used for the band
title and album name, with the classic font portraying the
group as unique.
5. As the image below shows, digipak adverts are
almost always composed similarly to the CD
cover itself. Olly Murs, a pop artist with wide
recognition due to X Factor, is purposely
placed largely and centrally on the cover to
attract audiences. The different positions of
the artist imply that he has different sides or
styles to his personality as well as his music,
intriguing those who see the poster. Casual
and fashionable costume is used,
demonstrates the artists contemporary look.
The red and white colour way works
complementary, making the image and title
stand out, this may possibly be effective from
a longer distance if it was put outside etc.
Conventional information such as the date is
included and the released singles (which have
succeed in the chart0, perhaps foreshadowing
the quality of thealbum