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Advert Research

Analysis 1: Jessie J, Who You Are ImageThe main image in the centre of the frame features the artist looking defiantly into the camera on a white background. Her central framing to the advert highlights her importance to the audience and creates and image of power for fans might aspire to. The close up shot of artists face allows the audience to focus in on her facial expression and eyes. Her intense stare creating a level of intimacy between her and the audience drawing them into the product. This image allows the audience to quickly identify the pop genre as it is a convention of ‘pop’ to feature the artist central to the marketing of the album because they are instantly recognisable to their fans. To further follow the convention the image has been heavily airbrushed and the artist is wearing a lot of make up. This promotes Jessie J’s brand image as a strong, attractive, playful and confident artist for which the fans admire her for. The golden typeface, whilst being eye catching highlights her as a glamorous and extravagant artist, coupled with the eye catching make-up and costume the mise-en-scene portrays her as a performer and a ‘diva’. Layout The advert itself follows the conventions of Album advertising, featuring the artist name, album title, website and record label logos. The artwork and imagery is bold, and enticing, drawing audience members in. The chunky sans serif font is easy to read and stands out well against a black background. Important information is highlighted in a golden colour similar to the artists name, allowing for the audience to pick out vital pieces of persuasive information quickly and at a glance.

Promotional TextThe phrase “#1 international smash” will certainly help to sell more copies of the album as this kind of positive advertisement will help the audience evaluate the quality of the product that they are about to buy. Furthermore mentioning a popular song within the advert will also help the audience to purchase the product.

Analysis 2: Thirty Seconds to Mars, This is War ImageThe advert relies heavily on an effective use of text. The album title ‘This is War’ is the main focus of the advert, white text on a black square, the contrast making for a very bold and eye catching image. Incredibly crisp, the font represents the serious tone of the bands music and resembles old war propaganda posters such as the ‘keep calm’ campaign. ‘War’ taking up most of the screen makes for a very bold and image to draw the audience in. By contrast red text has been used on white to the bottom of the advert, red connoting danger and excitement. Fitting with the theme of war, this entices customers to the product and makes the advertisement stand out. The bands logo can be seen in the background, allowing the fans to quickly identify the advertisement. Although bold and minimalistic this design allows audiences to quickly recognise the album title and artist. Layout Similarly to the Jessie J advert this also follows the conventions of an album advertisement. However this advert contains the words “OUT NOW” in bold red text. This grabs the attention of the audience and increases pressure on fans to go out and purchase the new album. The advert states that the album includes exclusives such as the DVD with behind the scenes footage with the band allowing them further insight into how the band works and live covers of songs. This adds extra value to the product for fans, and can be seen as a collectable for the most devoted of fans. It could also add extra value for new customers who may not be looking to by the album initially.

Analysis 3: MIKA, The Boy Who Knew Too Much ImageIn contrast to the Thirty Seconds to Mars advert, this advertisement is literally bursting with colour and interesting visuals. This cluttered and chaotic design reflects the artists brand image as being ‘zany’ and a bit ‘out there’ whilst connoting excitement and vibrancy of the album to the audience. This cartoonish brand image can be seen in most of his work, for example the music video Lollipop (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6md5RSnVUuo ) and his previous album artwork Life in cartoon motion. In contrast to this cartoonish explosion of colour the advert is surrounded by black and white artwork depicting stars and planets. This gives the image a dream like quality as the stars could be representing the night and sleeping whereas the colour, dreams and the imagination. This idea reiterates the artists brand unique brand image.

Layout Again the advertisement conforms to the conventions of album adverts the popular songs are advertised for audience appeal . Against convention however is the cluttered nature of the advert which could be argued makes it difficult to quickly attain information. Yet it does make for an interesting and eye catching advertisement that will draw audiences in.

Overall Findings/Decisions- It would seem that the most effective adverts use minimalistic designs that are bold and stand out. - Common place is for there to be indication for when the album is to be released to generate hype. - The image often advertises extra features so that fans and the audience can find extra value in the product.

-I think it would certainly be a good idea to play to the conventional features of the album advertisements. I realise now the importance of creating a visually distinct advertisement, be it with the artist, artwork or typography.