Analysis of artist images (from posters and CD covers)

I think this image attracts the audience because it uses direct address. The people in the photograph are looking straight out at the person viewing it, which catches attention. This being used on the front cover of a magazine would invite the reader in to buy the magazine. Obviously, the people in this poster are celebrities, which are aspirational for the audience. Using celebrities like these on the front cover of a magazine, increases sales and therefore profit. The background of the image is quite plain, so it does not draw attention away from the main focus, but it is also not completely blank, so it isn't boring. The colours of this poster are quite plain and dark. If the image was used on a magazine, I think it would have to be brighter to catch the readers attention. The clothing of the band is very informal and relaxed, which can make the audience feel relaxed also. It relates to the target audience because this is likely to be the type of clothes that they will wear. The facial expressions are also relaxed and friendly, inviting the audience in.

In the image on this CD cover, Beyonce isn't looking directly at the camera. This is indirect address. For a CD cover, this image is still attractive to the audience because it is a close up a medium close up and the image is still eye catching. The image is bright and attractive which will draw the audience's attention, so it would still work on a magazine cover. The artists face looks like she is attracted or thinking about something she is looking at in the distance. This can make the audience intrigued to find out more, and therefore buy the magazine. Because the background is slightly blurred, Beyonce looks like she stands out from the background. This again attracts the audience to the image. I think that fading or blurring the background behind the image on a magazine cover is a good idea in making the artist image stand out, so I will use this image as inspiration for my front cover.