The document analyzes and summarizes the key design elements and strategies used in Ed Sheeran's album cover for "+". It discusses how the close-up photo of Ed's face conveys authenticity. The orange color and inclusion of his iconic ginger hair help build his persona. Elements like the "+" logo, tracklist, and legal information are meant to be recognizable and protect his intellectual property while enticing audiences to learn more about the artist. Overall, the simple yet effective cover is intended to grab attention and portray Ed Sheeran's genuine pop/singer-songwriter style.

1. Digipak Analysis

2. A Close-up shot of a chalk drawing by Phillip
Butah. This is effective as Ed Sheeran has used
a different approach to reach out to his
target audience. The drawing is of the artist’s
face, which reinforces the audience this
photograph isn’t photogenic or constructed,
it is a natural, realistic image as other artists
tend to construct their image. This gives us a
sense of the artists genuine persona.
Ed Sheeran has included a
intense image of him starring
at the buyer trying to grab
their attention with his
intensified eyes captivating
the buyer.
The orange
background may be a
reference to Ed
Sheeran’s ginger hair.
Ed Sheeran is ginger
hair is pretty iconic as
he is known for this
style. This sort of
reference gives the
audience a sense of his
persona and image.
The image of Ed Sheeran’s face is
the most eye-catching part of the
cover as he s the unique selling
point, hence why people will buy
this album. Moreover, the simplicity
intrigues the audience even more
as they can capture a
sense/glimpse of how the album will
turn out to be.
Ed Sheeran has indicated that
there are extra bonus content
by promoting these singles to
persuade his audience to buy
his album.
Instead of writing ‘Plus’, Ed Sheeran has included the numeric ‘+’ sign to create a
logo which will match his image. This logo is effective as people will automatically
think of Ed Sheeran when the ‘+’ sign is initiated.

3. Ed Sheeran has included a sensitive, personal
message to his manager indicating that this album
wouldn’t of happened without him. This touch of class
from Ed Sheeran gives the audience a sense of his
genuine persona as it builds a emotional connection
with the audience. The paw print is another logo
which Ed Sheeran has used to promote his album.
Ed Sheeran has warn the audience by
writing around the rim of the CD about
the copyright content and the
authorisation of broadcasting his music.
This warning indicates that Ed Sheeran
takes his music seriously as his publisher
has told him to protect his music.
The contrast between the two colours;
orange and black, indicate the simplicity
Ed Sheeran has promoted. Furthermore,
the font and size of the content on his
album is a connotation to the pop, singer-
songwriter genre as clear, simple colours is
effective. Once again Ed Sheeran has
included the ‘+’ sign by constantly to
imprint the logo into the audiences mind,
as well as using the colours orange and
black to make the logo stand out.
The spine of the Digipak includes the artists name and logo on the front, inside and back. This is effective
as it is recognisable for the audience as they can easily find and pick out the CD.

4. On the back cover, Ed
Sheeran has included the
complete track list of what
songs feature on his album.
This gives the audience the
option to view what the album
features and decide whether
they want to buy it or not.
Furthermore, the font, style
and size gives the audience
the indication of what sort of
style Ed Sheeran prevails as it
connotes the pop genre. The
small size signifies the softness
and clarity this album upholds.
Font is bold and white, contrast to the
orange background which makes it is
easy and visible for the audience to
pick our their favourite song.
Once again the
spine/edges of the
album cover includes
the artists name and
logo. This entices the
audience as it allows
them to recognise that
this album is from Ed
Sheeran.
Ed Sheeran has
included the record
label he is signed to
which is Asylum/Atlantic
records. This gives the
audience the
opportunity to find out
more about their artist
and build a connection
with him.
Legal information which is printed in small, black writing. It is in
small writing because it is not as important compared the
content above. It includes legal information such as copyright.
Ed Sheeran has made his
website information aware
by placing it above the
legal information in a
bigger font. This relevant
information helps him to
promote his website as
valuable information could
be placed on there.