This document contains analyses of album cover art and promotional images for various musical artists. It discusses conventions and techniques used in the images, including mise-en-scene elements, camera angles, lighting, color schemes, symmetry, and whether the rules of thirds are followed. Elements like clothing, backgrounds, facial expressions, and body language are examined for what they communicate about the artist's brand and music genre.

1. Artic Monkeys
Lana Del Ray
Mise en sceen: In this images the artist is portrayed as being innocent,
this is demonstrated by her minimalistic makeup and here choice of
wardrobe. She is displayed with no clothes on this could reflect her
music to be natural. However, it could also have sexual connotations and
could be shown as provocative. Therefore this challenges the audience’s
perception of the stereotypical view of how she should be portrayed. In
addition, it displays her in a venerable way to the audience, this makes
the audience relate to the artists. This is also mirrored by the clear uses
of direct address. This is effective because it invites the audience by
looking directly at the camera. The crown stereotypically connotes
royalty; as a result this creates prestige images about her music. Her
music genre applies to the hybrid genre of alternative/rock the
dominating colour scheme consists of natural colours such as white/ pale
pink. These simple colours typically connote innocents and purity.
Camera: the camera is a medium head shot, this is effective because it
makes the artist the dominating image and the symmetry of the image is
equally balanced this is a typical convention to apply for this type of
genre of pop/alternative. However, this particular picture also breaks the
usual conventions of pop artists because the rule of thirds is not evident
because the artist is positioned in the centre of the image.
Mise en Scene: the genre is established because of the
choice of setting, because the background is urban setting
it automatically referrers to a typical Indy/rock band.
There has been clear a manipulation concepts used in the
editing process. This is reflected by the fact the image is in
black and white. This is a typical convention of the music
genre of rock. The picture is coincident because of the use
of formal symmetry. The image is equally balanced on both
sides there for it could suggest that there is not dominate
leader of the band. This is also mirrored by the fact all
band members display direct address to the camera this
also helps the target audience identify with the band. The
genre is additionally represented through the choice of
wardrobe. The leather and the denim jackets suggest that
they belong to the rock genre as this is a typical
convention. The body language and blank facial
expressions implied that the band dose not focus on their
overall image but their music.one photography technique
that is used is rule of thirds. This makes it more eyes
appealing and applies to the usual reference to rock.

2. HAIM
Paloma Faith
Mise en Scene: it is effective because it does abide
by the traditional conventions of what a band image
should look like. This is because there is no formal
symmetrical balance shown in the picture. However
this is effective because it emphasis on the
background because highlights the genre. This is
because it looks like urban graffiti and this is
promoted by R&B artists. However because the
camera shot is a close head shot, this refers to the
alternative/Indy genre because they prefer to focus
on their music not the overall band image. This is
mirrored by the fact the target audience can not see
the clothes the artist are wearing in full detail and
natural makeup. Additionally, the uses of direct
address issues a more intimate feel for the audience
to engage in and as a result the target audience will
relate more to the music. Furthermore, the
predominate use of shallow depth of field is
effectively used to highlight the artist; it
automatically makes the target audience look at the
artist subconsciously. High key lighting has the same
affect because it makes the artist the dominating
aspect of the image.
Mise en Scene: this image is unique because it does not
confide to the typical conventions that appeals to this
genre of music, which is Indy/pop. This is because of the
body language and facial expressions of the artists. Her
face is displayed as being sad however this relates the
themes that are exposed frequently in her music and the
lyrics. Additionally, the artist does not display clear
direct address. This help the target audience to feel
intrigued and it encourages them to apply the enigma
codes. For example, why is she portraying a sad emotion
through her face? Her choice of attire is not traditionally
associated with this genre, she over all image is sown as
vintage. This is effective because it illustrates this is an
original artist with unique values and principles. This
could advertise her to a niche target audience. However
because her dress is low cut and extenuates her natural
curves, this could be scene as proactive. This is a typical
convention of the music magazine because it introduces
a wider target audience. Additionally the discreet
background highlights the artist s and makes her the
main attraction. It introduces a contrast to the bright
colour of her hair to. The layout of the image is unique
because it does not follow the design principle of rule of
thirds because she is situated in the centre. However
this draws the artist to the audience’s attention and
makes her stand out.

3. Awolation
Alt j
Mise en Scene: this band is a typical indie band; this is
illustrated by the laid back choice of clothing. The
overall band image is displayed as having casual tone
because of the “huddies” and jeans. This could imply
that the band is more interested in their actual music
than the image. This is a typical convention form the
Indy genre to withhold. Additionally the band could be
seen as breaking the stereotypical expectation of what
a traditional band should be presented, this is because
only two of the band members are displaying direct
address. This could introduce an enigma to the
audience; for example “what are they looking at?” this
will help to involve the target audience. The design
balance is expected because there is a clear use of
symmetry this is effective because it makes it easy for
the target audience to look at the image. Also this is
reflected by the use of rule of thirds. The cool colour
pallet of blues greens and greys issues a relaxed tone
towards the bands music. This is because the types of
colours normally connote a calm feel. This is mirrored
by the high key lighting. The band in the dominating
focus of the images it empowers the band and the
target audience want to learn more about the bands.
The setting reminds the target audience that the band
displays a urban feel to their music because in the
background there is a famous London landmark. It is in
deep depth of focus to highlight the band.
Mise en Scene: this image is what the audience would
expect from this particular genre of Indy music. This is
because the image is heavily manipulated in the editing
proses. The format has been changes to black and
white but with a green tint to the image. Additionally all
the band mates are applying direct address to the
target audience. This is also a typical convention; it
helps the target audience to engage in the picture. The
camera angle is a worm’s eye view of the band. This
makes the band have a sense of importance and makes
them feel superior to the target audience. This makes
the target audience aspire to be like them. The setting
looks like an old building; this offers a contrast to the
music of the band because they portray them selves as
‘modern’. This introduces a unique feel to the band and
gives them indivuality. Additionally, the band have
smiller clothing, this is effective because it highlights
that are a band. However, The band uses the
Gutenberg design principle effectively. The target
audience subconsciously look at the image from left to
right. Therefor on of the band members is situated use
out side the primary optical area. This highlights he is
the lead in the band..The high key lighting is effective
because it creates shadows of the artist. This makes the
band stand out and despite the setting they are the
dominating focus. The images displayed rules of thirds
witch is a typical convention of this genre. Also the
design balance is symmetrical.

4. Imagine Dragons
Florence and the machine
Mise en Scene: this band image is effective because
the composition is unique in the way the artists are
displayed. They are jumping not in unison to form a
semi circle. This is effective because it inspires the
target audience to apply a narrative enigma code. For
example: why are they jumping?” the image is effective
because despite the fact the members of the band are
not in the same position, there is clear use of design
symmetry. This is an anticipated convection of a band
image. The genre of Indy is portrayed because of the
choice of attire the artists are wearing. The clothes are
quite relaxed and have a calm feel to them. This is also
a typical convention of an Indy band because the music
is put in to consideration more than the image. The
image has been considerably edited to enhance the
image and make it more aesthetically pleasing. The
colours have been distorted to give the image a vibrant
appearance. This is also reflected by the high key
lighting. The artists are not applying direct address to
the camera so it adds a mysterious theme to the image.
Mise en Scene: the artist is situated in the centre of the
images with makes her the main focus from the target
audience. There she is not applying the rules of thirds
to the images; this portrayed the artist as a ‘rule
breaker’. As a result the artist has a unique edge to her
because she is not following the typical conventions of
what is expected from the image. This could be
reflected in her music. Her fiery red hair could connote
that she is outgoing and this could also reflect her
music. However to contrast, the artist is coving her face
with her hands but leaving her eyes open. This could
suggest she is shy, however he use of direct address
could give a more intimate feel for the target audience.
The camera shot is a close up of the artists head, this
could suggest that the target audience should apply the
enigma codes for example, ‘what is she wearing?’ the
high lighting also offers a contrast from her hair and
makes her stand out again t the white background. It
also could connote her music is relaxed and is
portrayed in a positive way.