KEY TERMS: Star image, metanarrative, ordinary, extraordinary, paradox of the star, denotations, connotations, repertoire of elements, conventions.
You have to create a fabulous first impression darling!
The Front Cover image will make or break your magazine success.
Front covers are usually focused on one star image – one well known artist who has to capture the interest of the reader – remember AIDA?
But star image is constructed in a very specific way. Stars have to appear both ordinary and extraordinary so that as an audience, we simulataneously yearn after their talent, lifestyle, difference and unattainable qualities and their EXTRAORDINARINESS.
And yet at the same time appear ordinary enough for us to relate to them, connect with them. They could be my friend, they think like me, they dress like me, I feel they are my mate.
Task 1
Choose a famous artist who might appear as your front cover model. Do some research in to how they are portrayed in the media.
Look at tweets, news stories, cover stories, social media accounts, fan pages, headlines about them.
Collect an array of them and then analyse how these images, headlines communicate their star image that portrays them as both ordinary and yet extraordinary. How is that star represented in these examples – both ordinary and extraordinary? Find those key adjectives that help describe their ‘star image’ – their metanarrative.
Task 2
Now try and transfer those ideas into how you would want your star to appear on your front page.
Remember to think big, bold and as if you are creating a COSTUME.
Using your moodboard and your star image research, create a slide in the same presentation that includes images of MES on how you would like your star to be costumed, made up, posed, photographed on your front page to include make up, hair, costume, location, setting, props, lighting etc.
