Promotional Cover Research

To produce a promotional cover I need to research the codes and conventions of

promotional covers used by music artists to advertise their singles or albums.

Examples

Codes and ConventionsTypography – the typography on this promotional cover has simple colours and fonts. The largest text on the page is of the main artists name (B.O.B) and then a smaller text below is of the featuring artist (Bruno Mars); the different size is to show which artist has had most input into the single.

The use of slang in the singles title ‘nothin’ attracts audiences that are associated with the hip/hop genre; the slang links into their lifestyle and language.

Also the text on the cover is to inform audiences when the single is going to be released, what album it is from and where they can download or buy the single. This promotes the single and widens the target audience; audiences who prefer to download will go online and audiences who prefer to buy in store can do so.

Imagery: the main image on the cover is of the artist, this shows the person whose vocals feature as part of the single. Moreover, this style of clothing appeals to audiences associated with the hip/hop genre; the hooded top and shades.

Logos: at the top of the promo cover, the music producers and distributors logos are also imprinted; showing which music institutions have been working to produce and market this single.

Colour: The colours used are black and white. The black represents mystery and sophistication, whereas the white represents purity and vibrancy. The purpose of the two contrasting colours is to catch the eye of the audience.

Codes and Conventions Continued…

Typography – the typography on this promotional cover has bright and vibrant colours. The largest text on the page is of the artists names and the song title. The typography used is modern and funky, this would appeal to the target audience who are audiences associated with dance music and a funky lifestyle.

Moreover, there are not many other texts used on the promotional cover, this is because the images and symbols used cover up most of this space.

Imagery – the images used are of colourful characters and symbols that all have an association with the genre of music and the themes of the song. There is use of traditional music symbols (the simple black music notes) and modernised music symbols (they have a vibrant colour and a bubble like appearance). The song contains a storyline of someone remembering events and imagining certain things. The pictures evidently show these themes, for instance the pictures of the cartoon characters could link to a dream that the person has in the song.

Colours – the colours used are yellow, pink and blue. Pink is often associated with love, this links into the themes of love and passion that are also in the songs lyrics. Yellow has always been considered a cheerful colour and the colour blue is associated with the colour of the sea and symbolizes serenity and infinity; linking into the stress free style of music (Dance Music).

Use of Code and Conventions

Artists Name – to relate to the specific artist and the albumAlbum/Single Name – Name of Album/SingleColour – colours used to show certain emotions and feelings

that are often associated with the music culture that is presented

Imagery – Images used (usually of the artist) to show the themes of the music and the genre; attracts the target audience.

Release Date – To tell audiences when the single/album will be released (creates anticipating sense for audiences)