The document discusses the purposes and techniques used in CD covers. It analyzes covers for Marilyn Manson, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Eminem to demonstrate how covers communicate: 1) the artist's star image through visual codes like color, lighting, composition; 2) the musical genre through conventions of visuals and technical elements; and 3) a unique selling point through distinctive visual features. Analysis of individual covers shows how elements construct meanings that position the artist and genre.

1. CD COVERS
Technical and Visual Codes
Technical codes
Visual codes
Uses of technology to
create meaning
Signs, connotations,
anchorage

2. THE KEY PURPOSES OF A CD COVER…

Construct a star image through the connotations
created by the mode of address, layout style and
use of colour

Communicate the genre through visual and
technical codes

Provides a Unique Selling Point (USP)

3. MARILYN MANSON

Star image- the use of dark
colours, the Mise en scene
(dark clothing, heavy makeup)
and the eye contact (artist
looking at the camera but is
from a side-on position) connotes
the artist to be ‘spooky’ and
‘mysterious’.

Portrays conventions of the
gothic rock genre and the genre of horror through the
use of colour (red connotes murder and death) and the mise
en scene (the blood- on the window and the darkness outside
the window).

USP- the blood dripping forming into the letter ‘M’.

4. TAYLOR SWIFT
 Star image- the direct eye contact with the artists head slightly
tilted to the side connotes the artist to be ‘caring’, ‘loving’ and
‘friendly’. The use of enhanced colour (blue) connotes a
‘softness’ and ‘tranquillity about the artist.
Country pop genre- the use of the
butterflies to the side of the cover
portrays a childlike manner thus
connoting innocence.
USP- the signature of the artist’s name
instead of it in just a font connotes
authenticity.

5. BEYONCE

Star image- the low camera angle
with the artist looking over the
camera suggests the power and
control the artist has. The artist’s
position (her image placed over
her name again suggests this
power she has and connotes this
artist is well established/recognisable).

R&B genre- The Mise en scene (limited clothing) reinforces
the idea of women being sexually objectified/ desirable within
this genre.

USP- A Serif font is used for the artist’s name challenging
convention as these fonts connote a more sophisticated and
well established style.

6. EMINEM
 Star image- the fact there is no name label and the use of the
desaturated image and colour grey connotes ‘maturity’ and ‘
responsibility’ thus portraying this artist to be well established. The
desaturated image also connotes authenticity.
 Rap genre- challenges convention
within the rap genre as the artist is
not making any eye contact (highly
entropic) however is redundant for
the artist himself.
 USP- No name label however a
backwards E is used in the album
title which is the artists trademark.