Usage of Star Image

I have been looking at star image for the digipak in relation to the music video so I can continue having a consistent brand for the artist and provide a link between the video and the ancillary tasks. Below is a list of 'rules' I plan to use when photographing my star:

Quality

Image quality is very important as the star needs to be seen clearly in order for the audience to recognise her and become familiar with her image i.e. her blue hair. Additionally,  I want the artist's surroundings to be included within the frame as it enhances the star's over representation and portrays the genre she is a part of.

-Imperfections such as spots and bruises are expected to be removed via Photoshop unless they are meant to be a part of the theme.

-Lighting is very important as it determines the overall success of the image taken so making sure the lighting is correct when it needs to be is of the essence. Additionally, the correct use of shadow could create a brilliant dramatic effect that would be useful for my artist's shoot, seeing as the video is partially set in a dark studio with only a spotlight to spot the artist.

Due to this being the official album cover, it was Photoshopped to perfection: making sure the lighting was right, she had no spots/blemishes/bruises, keeping her face and signature hairstyle in shot, specific areas of her body have been highlighted, etc.

Star

The artist should be well defined within the image but other factors do contribute towards creating a suitable finish such as a background blur, strong colours, composition, etc. Additionally, the star and ultimately the image must stand out from other real media images. This way, it will be easily recognisable and easy for the target audience to locate within the stores.

The artist follows each of these conventions in creating a strong image that represents her as an artist that makes her appeal to her target audience. Also, she does challenge her typical style in some areas of the video where she has her hair down rather than up, showing her confidence within her success to take a bold move.

Mise En Scene
This is significant in portraying the artist's image and style as they are both linked in with the same genre which can either be conformed to, changed or challenged i.e. bright colours and focus on artist's face within video reflects upon artist's album cover, promotional posters/ads, etc.

This shows a clear link with the theme of a brightly coloured environment and keeping the artist's face in focus within the centre of the frame, which allows the artist's image to continue being portrayed clearly and even allows her to play about with the image also i.e. she typically has her hair up in a ponytail which she challenged within this video.

Continuity
The star's image must stick throughout the brand, from the music video to the digipak and magazine ads, so that the artist's promotion has a sense of familiarity with the audience and slowly introduces them to the artist's work.

Released March 26, 2013

Released July 22, 2013

Released September 3, 2013

The steady build up to the official cover art shows a link between each of the artist's work and shows a steady progression leading up to the album's release and making sure the audience stays familiar with the artist's image. There is a clear relevant link towards the artist's genre as a broadway theme runs through the image, with the star placed beneath a bright spotlight and a background that compliments the theme. Additionally, the colour - or lack of - signifies a dramatic build up that links to the name of the song/album i.e. Baby I is a pop-ish 90's throwback song which connotes dramatic, bright colours whilst Yours Truly has a much more sophisticated illustration with the title only in a twirly pink colour and the lack of colour dramatises the album and its meaning behind the title.