The document analyzes and compares the technical and visual codes used in album cover art for four different artists: Marilyn Manson, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Eminem. For each artist, it describes elements like genre, composition, lighting, imagery, fonts, and how they relate to conventions or break conventions for that genre. Overall, the document examines how the visual design and technical elements of each album cover art relate to the artist's brand and genre.

1. Technical and Visual
Codes

2. Marilyn Manson
 Gothic Rock genre – typical
conventions used i.e. dark,
gothic, death, heavy make-up
 Positioned on the rule of thirds
 Colour is split on the rule of
thirds – on the left the
background if fairly high key
and the mise en scene (artist
clothing) is dark and on the
right hand side the background
is black with vibrant red blood
dripping to form two ‘M’ shapes
 Strong/specific references to
horror films
 Looking at the audience

3. Taylor Swift
 Country/Indie pop genre
 Bright Mise en Scene used and
high key lighting to create
‘happy’ vibe
 Mid-close up of the artist- makes
them recognizable
 Butterflies connote childlike,
innocence (Less Entropic)
 Signed her name on the album
– creates this authenticity

4. Beyoncé
 R&B genre
 Minimalistic, fairly simple
 High key lighting – brightly lit
 Beyoncé is positioned over her
name – highlighting her
popularity, already
recognizable
 Position- Sexually objectified
(limited clothing/mise en scene)
But looking over the camera –
emphasizing her power
 Use of Serif fonts – breaks with
convention as these are seen to
be very traditional and maybe
‘classy’

5. Eminem
 Rap genre
 Already established, although
no artist name stated –
particular aspects used that
represent the artist making them
recognizable
 Grainy and out of focus – add
to the realistic and authenticity
of the album which are typical
of the rap genre.
 Breaks with convention – no
direct eye contact, more
thoughtful and also Eminem is a
white rap artist