Star persona refers to the public image and personality constructed around a celebrity. Richard Dyer argued that stars are purposefully crafted by their management to appeal to audiences in a unique way. Marilyn Manson is used as an example, with his name and shocking style embodying rebellion against social norms. Slipknot also crafts a distinct persona through their haunting masks and dark clothing colors. Black Veil Brides evolved their persona over time from dark makeup to black clothing, though fans still associate them with their original dark image. The document then describes the persona of fictional rock star Elizabeth Black, known for her provocative style, controversial lyrics, and breaking social conventions, drawing inspiration from real musicians like Taylor Momsen and

1. Star persona
Leah Aston

2. What is star persona?
Star persona was first written about by Richard
Dyer, who argued that stars are created by
management. They’re constructed for a unique
selling point as the genre is heavily influenced
by the audience’s perception of the star.
An example of this would be Marilyn Manson:
Marilyn Manson was born ‘Brian Hugh
Warner’. He is well known for his
controversial stage image and personality,
where he dares to go beyond social and
cultural norms. The name ‘Marilyn Manson’
comes from Marilyn Monroe and Charles
Manson.

3. Star Persona is presented here through
Marilyn Manson's direct eye contact. By
giving the audience direct eye contact,
he is creating a dangerous and rebellious
atmosphere that is usually associated
with him. The enclosed shot also shows
this, as it creates a claustrophobic mood.
It’s also presented through Marilyn’s
outfit and accessories as he usually
wears dark colours and dark finger
nails, which emulate his outer dark
persona. Also, his make up emulates
this too, the use of red under his
eyes and painted red lips create the
image of blood, which is really
prominent with Marilyn (Shown in
his music videos and photoshoots)
Born Villain music video (Very explicit) – but it emulates his persona of breaking social norms.

4. Slipknot are a hard rock band that
usually wears decorated, haunting
masks that are unique to each
member of the band. By wearing
these masks on the cover they are
keeping with the persona, which is
good for the audience because if
they don’t wear the masks, then it’s
likely that casual fans of the band
won’t know who they are.
The colours also emulate Slipknot’s persona
as red, black, grey and white are very
prominent for the band. It would be unusual
for the band to dress up in light pinks and
blues, so this creates the bands atmosphere
and mood successfully.
Left behind music video - the masks

5. Black veil brides first came onto the scene
covered in black face paint and body paint,
and their persona was created through this.
Yet, as years went on, they began to wear
less make up and just wear black clothing.
Despite this, their old persona still reigns
true, which is why they’re wearing make up
in this magazine cover. Although not
wearing this make up would seen odd, their
new persona was taken well by fans.
The outfits and accessories also show
the bands persona, as fans usually link
these outfits to this band, and without
them it would be odd, and audiences
would likely be confused as it doesn’t
match the bands stereotypical persona.
Fallen angels music video- original persona
Goodbye agony music video- new persona

6. My artists star persona
My artist’s name is Elizabeth Black, or Eli Black for short. She has short bleach blonde hair and usually
wears heavy eyeshadow and dark lipstick. She is very young- almost 22 years old and first came onto
the rock scene at the young age of 17, because of this, she was faced with a lot of backlash from the
public because of her provocative style and demeaning lyrics in her bands songs. The band, Hell’s
basement, went triple platinum after their third year and sold out two world tours ranging from Asia to
Europe.
However, the fame was too much for the band, and they went haywire, cancelling their third world tour
days before it began because of a sudden break up. The band split, leaving the four members in disarray.
It was argued that the break up was because of their lead singer, Elizabeth Black, as she went on a
rampage, taking advantage of the easy alcohol and drugs. Despite the new found additions, Elizabeth is
a kind person at heart, having grown up in North London to a working class family. Although, she is
likely to speak the truth and not hold her tongue, but in some respect, she is still the same shy girl from
North London that suddenly rose to fame. Elizabeth has no religion, and often talks about this in her
songs, which is why the band’s music was banned from three radio stations and 4 schools. The band,
however, takes pride in this, which was one of the main reasons for the public backlash.
The inspiration for this character is Taylor Momsen of the band ‘the pretty reckless’, however, I’ve
changed her look slightly and gave her a completely different background. My star will also have
aspects from Marilyn Manson, where she breaks social and cultural norms.