The document analyzes and summarizes the album cover design for Mika's "The Boy Who Knew Too Much". It notes that the cover follows conventional layouts but features an unusual black and white close-up photo of Mika. The background image is of a colorful room in outer space, contrasting with the black and white photo and suggesting the album contains different or deeper perspectives. Bright colors, cartoon style, and bold typography create a fun yet impactful design that matches Mika's unique brand image.
2. LAYOUT/ CONTENT
The layout does conform to the conventional layout as there is
the large title of the artists name and underneath the name of
the album, which will catch the audiences attention. Also at
the bottom it includes hit single and a release date, which
builds hype for the audience as they have something to look
forward to. However it doesn't have much artist imagery apart
from the mid close up shot of him where he has direct eye
contact with the audience which draws their attention. His
facial expression is neutral and he wears casual clothes. The
picture is made to look like its a photograph by being in black
and white. This may suggest how the audience are more
aware of him because of his name or that he doesn't focus
much on how he looks to influence his music/ fans but is more
aware of the meanings behind his music.
3. DESIGN/IMAGERY
The whole of the adverts' background is of one animated image,
of a room which is in space. The imagery of space is used
which normally has this fantastical and mind oaring but here it
is coloured in black and white which is then contrasted with this
brightly coloured room which suggests how this boy 'who knew
too much' is much greater than space and is filled with more
wonder. This can also be seen through the angle of the
animated boy's room as we look down on him which creates
this sense of never ending walls which are full with colourful
pictures which suggests a wider knowledge. Also the view out
of the window differs as is colourful conveying how this boy
sees the world in a different way. This suggests that the type of
music in this album is different and may cover difficult subjects
viewed in a different way. The typography that is used is a
stencil style and is bold and made to look 3D which makes it
stand out to the audience as creates impact, bold and confident
style which can link to the artist.
4. AUDIENCE APPPEAL
The audience would be attracted to the
abstract style of the advert, with the use of
bright colours and cartoon design as its
quite different to the typical music advert,
which I think this also shows the unique
style of the artists music itself.
5. BRAND IMAGE
Mika is represented to be fun and unique which
can be seen from the style of the cartoon. He
also appears to want to show a meaning about
people see things differently and are different in
each persons life which he shows through his
music so he can influence people with this idea.
6. BRAND IMAGE
Mika often uses cartoon/animated style
and use of bright colours throughout his
promotional material and also in other
albums which helps to create his brand
image and makes him more memorable
to the audience.
The Boy Who Knew
Too Much album cover
Life in Cartoon Motion
album cover-2007 Music video of ‘Lollipop’
7. GENRE CONVENTIONS
• Bright colours convey the pop genre
• Unique design and styling could convey
the alternative rock genre
SYNERGY
The only website that is given on the
advert is Mika’s official website, this is so
that the audience can go there to find out
more about him and his music.