research and planning ben howard
TRANSCRIPT
Research and Planning: Print Advert BEN HOWARD
Entropy and Brand Identity •The image used on this print advert is
unusual as it doesn't increase the performers brand identity; therefore, the image is entropic as it doesn't have a clear meaning or convey the title of the album (Every Kingdom). Stereotypically, artists choose to have their faces on a print advert to increase their 'star quality', the fact that Ben Howard doesn't feature on the front, suggests that this is a common feature within alternative/indie genre.
Shot Type•A long shot has been used, which connotes an
element of mystery; the person is almost made to look like a seal in the water, this again enforces the entropic element of the print advert. The fact that the image is entropic challenges the stereotypic conventions of the genre. We assume that entropy would be common among pop genres (Lady Gaga, Katy Perry etc), whereas audience's always assume that the indie genre would be relatively naturalistic.
Colour and Lighting• The colour blue supports the genre as blue connotes
calm, purity and naturalism. High key lighting has been used on the top of the poster, which emphasises the artist's name 'Ben Howard' and the name of the album. This will help the artist to stand out above others and hopefully encourage audience's to buy his music. The high key light also looks as though it could be the sun reflecting off the water - this could therefore be a symbolic feature. The low key light causes the person to appear as a silhouette which creates more mystery as to who the person actually is. The use of the black also juxtaposes with the blue and the white, the colour black connotes; mystery, darkness and power.
Font Type and Layout• By using a bold, white font on a blue background, it helps
the information to stand out due to the contrasting use of colours. The fact that the name of the artist has been put above the title of the album, suggests that the artist is more important than the music. Also, as 'Ben Howard' has been given a much larger font it helps to increase the artist's brand identity. The colour white connotes innocence and purity as well; therefore, resembling the ocean waves as well. The fact the font is all in uppercase makes the print advert more appealing and helps it to stand out above other adverts. The layout is relatively simple, which suggests the target audience is more interested in the music rather than the advertisements and the star image of the artist.
Target Audience•The print advert is appropriate for its target
audience as it is simple, yet uses an entropic feature to make it more appealing and catch the audience’s eye. The simplistic element to it supports the genre conventions as the audience is more interested in the music than the star. The audience age may range from 20-25 and appeal to both males and females. The audience may include: students, graduates or young adults in a working environment.