SC Print Analysis - Advertisement

The Big Pink, ‘A brief History of love’

Describe the form
The layout of the big pinks album advertisement is A4 and is mostly taken up by a large photo of a woman in black and white with a slight sepia tint. The bottom quarter is a black background with album information on it. The photo also has a black border running around it, which helps to make the photo stand out. The Artist and album name have been placed on the photograph, at the top and in the centre of the page. The Artist name is in white and bold, bigger than the other fonts on the page. This helps it to stand out on the page and makes it the first thing the audience is drawn to, instantly informing them of the artist.

how is the genre evident?
The genre is evident due to the woman used in the photograph. She is naked and the emotion on her face is thoughtful and it seems as though she is gazing off into the distance. This instantly gives the audience the idea that the music evokes emotion and is personal due to the fact she is naked. It is an unusual image and so instantly gives the idea that the music is slightly alternative. Therefore I came to the conclusion that the genre of this music is indie. The overall look of the advert is extremely sophisticated which implies that the band is serious about their music and perhaps talented.


what visual techniques are used
In the photograph used it seems as though the photographer would have taken it through the window of a shower that has steamed up. This creates misty and unclear view of the woman, making her seem mysterious and this therefore entices people in, making the woman seem more interesting. It is also clear that she is an attractive woman which would instantly help to attract attention for this band. The photograph is extremely artistic, it has a classic look and looks like a painting. This makes the advertisement seem beautiful and extremely creative. Evoking the idea that the music also fits in to these categories.

how is meaning generated
The dark background evokes the idea of mystery and vagueness, implying that there is more to find within the album. The photograph of the woman helps to generate meaning also. The expression on the woman's face seems sad, confused and emotional. The fact that she is naked shows she is stripped down bare for everyone to see, this implies that the band are effectively bare in front of the audience and by making their music they are showing the world who they are. I think by using a naked woman they are making a bold statement about identity and they are saying that they are not trying to be anyone but themselves.

what linguistic devices have been used?
The most prominent words placed on the advertisement are the Artist and Album name, purposely placed in an eye catching place and in white and yellow, helping them to stand up against the dark background. The fonts are stylish and clean cut, helping to make the advertisement look neat and tidy, again giving the band a sophisticated and serious look.

how is the band/artist represented?
I think that the band has been represented in as creative, cool and sophisticated. As this is their debut album I think they are trying to portray a new quirky style that is original but also shows that they are taking it seriously. The mysterious aspects of the advertisement should help to entice new audiences in.

how might this text be consumed?
Magazines, billboards, Internet