Magazine Advert - Research and Planning

As we are working on the digipak we have some time to also do some research for the next ancillary task, the magazine advert. We are doing this as it will save time and it will allow us to create a closer synergy between our products (since we are doing both around the same time). As with any research, the first thing we had to do was to look into were existing products. We looked at some music magazines that we had from last year's project (Kerrang!, Q and NME) and searched the internet for examples. The following image shows a few of the examples that we found that were particularly useful for us:

From these and other covers some of the conventions of magazine adverts were made clear.

• Use of black and white is frequent and appropriate in many situations.
• Another colour can be added if it suits the particular image or album being shown.
• Large text is used to outline the album and band names (more than anything else).
• Icons and web addresses are added when appropriate and at the bottom of the page.
• The image dominates the page.
• The image that dominates the advert can be different to the front cover of the CD being advertised although an image of the CD can be added to the page.

These are our first designs for the magazine advert. We made the designs with close attention to the examples of existing adverts and featuring images that we already have. In keeping with the established forms and to synergise with our digipak, both of the adverts are planned to have a black background and include white text. The second idea will have a splash of red in the colour scheme as taken from the red of the guitar. Both adverts use large fonts to outline the band name and the album title, as well as an emboldened release date which does appear on the Bob Dylan advert shown above. In the second advert, the image dominates the page but in the first it is a bit small, this will probably be changed when we finalise the designs on photoshop.

We chose to use different shots from those we used on the digipak as they seemed more fitting but we also included an image of the digipak cover on the second advert.

Digipak Planning - Ideas and Theming

When creating the digipak, presentation and theming will be very important aspects to keep it looking professional and to make sure that it upholds the brand identity that is established in the music video. I took both of these concepts into consideration and created a mind map to help me brainstorm ideas for designs for the digipak.

On the right is my mind map. It shows some clear options to consider when designing the digipak including objects such as; doves, candles, the band members and the instruments, as well as ways in which to portray them such as; silhouettes, playing with light and black and white. Another theme noted are the emotions that need to be portrayed (melancholy, hope or penitence).

Theming is important in order to uphold the brand identity for the band and to make sure that the products synergise. I also have to keep in mind that the products have to really engage the audience and make them want to buy it. Although this seems like an obvious point, it is important that it is taken into consideration as some designs may not be able to sell themselves or may not be appropriate for the specific target audience.

Digipak Research - Logos and Styles

I am the chief designer of our group for the ancillary tasks. As such, when my team mates work on the music video editing I will work on them but before I can begin on that, research must be carried out. I am beginning with research into our chosen band, if they have a particular logo and how their album covers look. Then I will look into other band's albums in the alternative rock genre.

To begin with I am looking into One Republic's logo. Each of their albums have different text fonts on them (Image on the right) and they really don't have one specific logo so I will be creating my own one for my designs. That said, there are similarities between the logos. Only 3 colours are present throughout all of the logos; black, white and brown (brown as a secondary colour). These set a distinct colour scheme and I will take this on board when designing my own. Another similarity is the the fonts are all formal which reflects the band's music videos (where they wear formal or smart-casual clothes) and promotes the band's image.

The actual art on the album covers are, in general, fairly abstract. Paint splodges are used in many of the designs and 'Dreaming out loud' features a silhouetted tree on a blue, starry background. This is common of the alternative rock scene. Despite the fact that they are abstract, the images are still formal in how they are presented. More examples of abstract cover art from bands that are 'alternative rock' is on the left.

The cover of 'Apologize' features the band members in formal wear posing. Obviously this shows that the band doesn't always choose abstract covers for their albums but it is uncommon.

I will probably experiment with a more abstract style of cover for my own work as it suits the band's style and genre well.