2. Preliminary Idea 1
This preliminary idea conforms to the psychedelic visual style through the distorted
imagery and purple colour scheme. As well as taking influence from the surrealism
visual style through creativity.
This idea for a front cover is strong as it is overall a simple design, yet has deeper
symbolism and complexity within it through colours, camerawork and effects. Firstly,
the shadow/mirror effect through the use of layers combined with the decaying
nature in the background creates an ominous and mysterious atmosphere around the
design. Furthermore, this holds symbolic meaning that relates directly to the video of
the effect of relationship break ups and how you can feel like a shadow of your former
self and fractured. The indirect address of the male protagonist alongside the use of a
mid-shot provides a representation of males that challenges mainstream stereotypes
as males are presented as fragile and unstable. This is an example of further
compliance with the Indie genre and its conventions of challenging the mainstream.
Also, this representation would target the Indie genre audience perfectly, as many find
safety and reassurance through the lyrics of Indie music as they are emotional and
personal, this design reinforces these ideas. The typeface is subtle in this design and
not shoved into the audiences face, following a simple yet effective layout that further
complies with the Indie genre.
The magazine advert holds similar features as the front cover, in terms of character
and setting, both using the male protagonist from the video to maintain familiarity
and synergy, as well as decaying natural scenery. The low key lighting is hugely
effective in this design as it creates a shadow masking the individuals face, further
connoting fragility and mystery, as well as having metaphorical meaning that anyone
can fill the shoes of the protagonist and his story in the video. The purple and green
combined with the fractured and fragmented trees and scenery display conformity to
the psychedelic art movement that inspired the design.
3. Preliminary Idea 2
This preliminary idea complies with the visual style of minimalistic surrealism.
The front cover design follows a simple layout and overall design, with an underlining
symbolic message that relates directly to the music video through the use of a motif.
One aspect of this design is its compliance to the genre through indirect address, an
artist feature and simplicity. The indirect address displays how the artist is humble and
not interested in the celebrity or brand side of music, instead wants to create personal
tracks with emotion and feeling. With the main element of the cover being the artists
face, it displays a level of personality the artist has with his audience, another
convention of the indie genre. The other most significant element of this design is the
puzzle/game symbolism, that is explored within my music video as a motif, insinuating
the love is a game. But, to further develop the symbolism from the music video, the
front cover offers another representation, one centered around hope. This is
employed through the missing piece, possibly suggesting that although one
relationship has ended, there are many more and the break up isn't the ending.
The magazine advert, as it is a commercial product, centers primarily around brand
identity and formulating a cohesive image for the artist. This brand identity is further
reinforced through the large typeface displaying the artists name. The design takes
some influence form the abstract art movement which explores the idea of shapes
and colours and their relationship.
4. Preliminary Idea 3
Similar to the first preliminary idea, this design takes influence from the psychedelic
visual style, through the distorted effects and vibrant/fantastical colours, as well as
the abstract art movement through the exploration of forms and colours. In addition,
both designs adopt surrealism as they seem almost dream like in creativity.
Focusing primarily on innovation and creativity, this album cover offers a distorted and
fragmented representation of the male protagonist. Although open to interpretation
about the symbolic meaning of the colour scheme and distorted look it connotes the
confusion felt after a relationships deterioration and how the male character is in his
own world, lost within his psyche. Being innovative and different is a huge part of the
Indie genre, this is a clear example of such innovation, this makes the artist and his
music more familiar and memorable to the audience. Once again this representation
of males as fragile is explored here, possibly engaging the audience and making them
comfortable in expressing their emotions. A key part of Indie music is listening and
understanding the music then applying the lyrics and making them relate to yourself
and your own experiences, this is a prime example of such a design.
The poster offers a low angle mid shot that typically would present the character in a
position of power, however with my design I have subverted and challenged this
common representation as the male protagonist is depicted as alone and delicate. The
pink sky shows clear adherence to the psychedelic visual style which has influence this
design so prominently. Once again the mirrored effect is employed creating a
fragmented style connoting fragility and innocence. The costume of the individual is
paramount to linking with the target audience as it is stereotypical clothing that an
Indie listener would wear.
