Planning - The Pollock Generator

 

https://mpetroff.net/files/processing/backgroundgenerator/

For my promotional poster I initially intended to edit in an existing Pollock painting in the background of the poster itself, but with the opacity slider all the way down. However, this proved problematic as the exam board states that students must only use their own creations and images in the creation process, thus preventing me from using Pollock's 'Convergence'. One option would be for me to either create a Pollock painting myself or have someone else do it, however I saw this option as too tedious and time-consuming. I then discovered this website which allows one to create their own Pollock piece digitally.

I feel as if the version on the left is a big improvement on my first draft through the removal of the Pollock-made piece; furthermore, I believe the version I created has a much more modern/contemporary look to it, matching well with the idea that the new album is a comeback album. Additionally, the use of yellow is effective as not only does it link to the lemon imagery; but also creates a sense of synergy with the yellow hue overlays I use on the music video itself. Overall, I felt as if the issue of not being able to use a Pollock original was easy to overcome with the generator, with it even coming out better than the first draft.

Advertisement - First poster draft

Advertisement - Poster

This is the first draft for my advertisement poster to promote 'The Stone Roses' new album. From the research of the previous Stone Roses poster for their 20th anniversary project, I have decided to continue my theme of minimalism into my advertisement and branding of the band. I feel as if this message is conveyed through the use of colors that show a stark contrast; i.e. yellow on black and white on black. Additionally, I have once again employed the use of the lemon in my promotion so that the target audience can associate this symbol with and band, and even new fans can make themselves familiar with the band through their symbolism. I chose for the lemon design to be realistic, rather than the graffiti style often seen, to suggest a cleaner, more modern look. The use of three lemons links to the idea of the new album being released on the 30th anniversary of the 'Sally Cinnamon' release, as seen on the promotion at the bottom of the poster. This provides a sense of nostalgia for the returning fans of the band, thus providing even more of an incentive to buy the album. Furthermore, the use of the Jackson Pollock painting acts as an ode to The Stone Roses' style of sorts, as it is subtle enough to be recognized by older fans of the band. It also creates more Roses-centric imagery as these paintings were an essential part of their image in the 90s; yet I felt as if the lemon relayed this idea of nostalgia and recognition at a greater strength.

Filming - Rough Cut 2

The Hardest Thing in The World - Rough Cut 2 from Luke Tiplady on Vimeo.

This is the second cut of my music video for 'The Hardest Thing in The World'. This version includes footage to fill in the blank gaps in the previous cuts and also makes attempts to correct the editing. As with the previous cut, I found it challenging to edit to the beat of the song perfectly, but overall found I made a good job of it. This cut has a wider variety of edits and varying shots.

Planning - Digipak Planning

The Idea

• Through my digipak research I have decided to take the minimalist approach to the artwork, and the poster to accompany it. This decision was primarily made due to the extensive use of symbolism in The Stone Roses' promotional material and music videos; particularly the lemon. For a long time this has been at the core of my interest for my creation of the digipak artwork as I have an aim to create something conceptual and minimalistic, but recognizable enough to allow it to be associated with the band and their music. In the early stages of my portfolio I created a blog post which detailed an early mock-up of a digipak cover; from this post I have decided to take some ideas, but discard others. For example, the use of the lone lemon in the center of the cover is a feature that I would still hope to apply to emphasize the symbolic nature of it to the audience; whilst also acting as a piece of nostalgia for long-time fans to recognize its meaning. Instead I have decided to create the concept of using three lemons in, perhaps, a diagonal or horizontal line on the front of the digipak cover. Again, this not only relates to the symbolism of the lemon, but also relates to my use of the number '3' as a piece of symbolism. This is being done to highlight the fact that it is The Stone Roses' third album, whilst acting as a comeback album following their extensive touring and being released on the 30th anniversary of their first single with the full current line-up "Sally Cinnamon". This is primarily being utilized to act as a branding and promotional device to bring the fans back to the band and provide a sense of nostalgia to the old song.

The idea I am trying to describe can be shown in this very rough mock-up of my ideas of thoughts on the left. However, I have made a decision that I would like the band name and album name, if I choose to include one on the front, to be peel-able stickers to reveal that the cover is just the lemons. I have made this decision as I would, again, like to emphasize the symbolic nature of the lemon through the use of minimalism and a conceptual design. I feel as if this would relate to the target audience well as this is a symbol that they would be very familiar with and will instantly associate with the band.

I feel as if I have a good idea of what the front cover of the digipak will include, however I am still unsure of the back cover, inside and the tray.

Research - The Stone Roses - Advertisement Analysis

The Lemon


This is a symbol that has become synonymous with the band through it's branding and advertisement material. The origin of the symbol came from the lyrics of 'Bye Bye Badman' from their debut album, 'Citrus sucking sunshine'; this song references the protests in Paris in the sixties in which sucking a lemon could combat the effects of tear gas. Since it's use on the cover of their album it has been used on a vast majority of their promotional material. The purpose of this is to acclimate the audience to the connection between the symbol and the band, thus allowing them to associate the lemon with The Stone Roses, even when a lemon has nothing to do with the band. This is symbol that has been used more recently, as seem in the previous blog post, to promote their two new singles and tour dates to their modern audience. The fact that the posters simply showed a lemon and people instantly associated it with the band, suggests the power of it's symbolism. However, it would appear that the more modern advertisements used have taken a different design approach in that the lemon showed is actually a photograph, rather than a work of stencil graffiti.

She Bangs The Drums Poster


As we can on this advertisement for the single 'She Bangs The Drums' and it's B-sides, the lemon is used, though not as prominent as usual. However, this doesn't take away from it's recognizable nature as the bright yellow contrasts with the monochrome background it has been placed upon, thus branding it as a Stone Roses' piece of work. This can thus be described as an example of branding synergy in which the lemon is used as a widespread form of symbolism throughout their posters etc. They have taken a normal object and attached their brand to be associated with it.

Remaster Poster

This was a poster used in 2009 for the remaster and re-release of their debut album. This poster features a number of callbacks and references to the BritPop genre; given that this was released as a 20th anniversary, the poster shows the zero as the band's key symbol, the lemon. Furthermore, the typography for the lemon and band name is a gold-yellow, referencing the lemon and even perhaps the Roses' biggest hit 'Fools Gold'. Additionally, the use of a plain black background with striking colors and bold text atop emphasizes the eye-catching nature of the poster and perhaps the importance of the album itself. The text used on the poster is colored red, white and blue, referencing the NME quote as it being 'the greatest British album of all time' as the colors of the union jack are used, whilst also referencing the BritPop genre. Moreover, the color scheme could be a subtle reference to John Squire's artwork he produced for the band and himself; the artwork referenced will most likely be his work for the 'Waterfall' single which saw the upper corner of a union jack.

Single cover for 'Waterfall'

This poster includes the stereotypical tropes of a music advertisement in that it includes review quotes from big names such as NME, Q and The Guardian. Below the lemon we see a cropped image of the debut album cover; this features a symbol that has also become synonymous with the bands advertisement material, John Squire's Jackson Pollock inspired art. Though not as frequently used as the lemon, this artwork is featured on a majority of their single/album covers and thus allows the audience to identify a certain look to associate with the band.



This can be seen in the following:

What I can take from this



For my advertisement/digipak production I definitely plan to employ the use of the lemon as I feel this is a symbol that has become so synonymous with the band that fans of the band and the genre instantly identify it with the band; furthermore, even those with no interest in the band could potentially identify it with the band. Additionally, I feel as if this would not only be an effective callback to the older fans of the band but would also resonate well with the newer fans due to the more recent advertisements. However, I am still unsure of whether I would like to use the Pollock artwork, and if I do, how prominent it would be. Yet, if I were to utilize the use of Pollock art I would have to either create an original piece or take photograph with a subject observing a Pollock piece; both of which I am unsure about. This website enables the user to create a digital Pollock piece, though I'm not convinced with it's 'look'.

Research - What I Have Taken from Digipak Research

Minimalism and Symbolism

A particular theme I would take from my digipak research would be minimalism; I was drawn to this idea due to the symbolism of The Stone Roses and the nature of project, in that it acts as an anniversary/revival album and will thus be widely recognized by the loyal, cult fans. It is clear from my research that the bands, particularly Alt-J and Arctic Monkeys, used symbolism to essentially brand their band to allow the audience to associate a symbol with their product, Triangle for Alt-J - Soundwave/White-Black Contrast for Arctic Monkeys. In my branding and digipak I will definitely utilize the symbolism of the Lemon associated with The Stone Roses as it is clear that this is a symbol that is widely recognized by fans and associated with the band. Furthermore, my interest in minimalism has lasted much longer than the media project and is evident in a previous blog post and pintrest folders. This theme will continue on the reverse side of the cover, however I intend to adhere to the stereotypical conventions of rock/indie album covers and make the track listing of the album the central focus point, yet still applying the minimalistic theme. I still intend to use a similar design to the one I created in a previous blog post, yet I would like to remove the band and album name and instead opt for a common trope found in minimalistic-designed albums with a sticker on the digipak with this information that one can peel off to maintain the conceptual design. As far as typography is concerned I still intend to use the classic font used by The Stone Roses on their singles covers found on my mock-up, therefore appealing to the 90s audience of the band. Additionally, on the inside cover of the digipak I have considered implementing the expressionist theme found in Stone Roses material with the Jackson Pollock/John Squire artwork and perhaps on the CD as well. I was also inspired with The Kooks' use of the CD hole on the title of the band, I could very much seeing this being a possibility on the CD design and the use of a lemon rather than an 'O' to further imply the symbolism of the band.
In terms of the advertisement material we produce alongside the digipak, I intend to use the lemon symbol to allow the audience to associate the symbol with the band or, if they are very aware of the lemon's meaning, to acknowledge the band's return and their new material. This was a marketing technique utilized in the band's most recent, and current tour. The band simply produced posters that only included a lemon around key areas such as Manchester, London and even on massive screens on Wembley stadium. This marketing instantly created mass-media buzz and was associated with The Stone Roses without fail, thus suggesting the symbol's power.

Research - The Kooks - Inside In/Inside Out Digipak analysis

Front (Top Left)

The cover for this digipak features a picture of the band; a common theme in rock/indie genre. The cover also expresses a sense of authenticity given the fact that they are gathered round writing/practicing their songs; additionally the band members appear to give the impression they are caught off-guard with the photo, suggesting they are so engrossed in their music writing. Further asserting the band as an independent group that are focused and up-and-coming in the industry. This therefore allows the audience to create a relationship with the image of the band. The band playing their instruments on the cover perhaps relates to their renowned reliance on live performances rather than studio performance; as the band performed many live shows to get a grasp of their sound and quality before making this record. Additionally, the digipak features the use of red, black and grey; which again can be interpreted as commonly used conventions of the rock genre with The White Stripes' discography, AC/DC and Green Day's 'American Idiot'. Furthermore, these color create a very striking theme to the digipak and will thus interest the audience; the color of the typography against the white background suggests a sense of striking simplicity. The use of striking, monochrome colors on this digipak has influenced me in the sense that I intend to use few colors on my digipak cover to create the sense of minimalism and conceptual design.

Back (Top Right)

The back of the cover features the continued use of the contrasting colors, similar to that of Alt-J and Arctic Monkeys, enabling a sense of stylistic continuity. Furthermore, the track listing his placed in small text in the top corner; this is not a common theme of rock/indie digipaks, or any digipak for that matter, as they are usually the centerpiece of attention on the reverse side. Additionally, the digipak features a very similar image to the front, further suggesting the band's focus on their music. Furthermore, the POV of the image allows the audience to gain a personal insight and connection to the band and their music.

Inside

The CD itself features the three primary colors used on the album cover; however the stark monochrome contrast of the 'The Kooks' and 'Inside In/Inside Out' could perhaps link to the contrasting name of the album itself. Additionally, the first 'O' in 'The Kooks' is actually the hole in the middle of the CD. The inner cover shows a thank you message from the band for purchasing the album, atop a band picture. This suggests the hard work that has been put into the album and the genuine thanks the band has for the support; the fact that it is placed on top of a band picture, in which they look at the camera, suggests a more personal tone to the message. In terms of inspiration from this Digipak, I would highlight the simplicity of the CD within the case; particularly the clever use of the CD hole, as I could see myself using this idea on my CD for the 'O' in 'The Stone Roses'.

Research - Alt-J - Matilda Digipak Analysis

Front (Bottom Right)

 

The front of this digipak has a design that also features a symbol synonymous to the band, similar to that of the Arctic Monkeys' 'AM'. This also creates another digipak design to draw influence from as I also intend to design my digipak in a similar fashion, as seen in a previous mock cover blog post. The cover features the triangle shape, a symbol that is often used by the band in their promotional material, song references and even the band name itself. These links thus creates a symbol in which the audience can associate the band with; evident in the song lyrics of 'Let's Tesselate', 'Triangles are my favorite shape, Three points where two lines meet.'. Also demonstrated in their name, 'Alt-J', which is a key sequence on Mac keyboards to make the triangle symbol. Furthermore, the cover design features a very minimalistic style to allow the audience to acknowledge the symbolization of the triangle and its relation to the band. Also, it's conceptual nature could relate to the experimental, conceptual nature of the music itself. The use of black against the orange space allows for a striking color on the front of the cover and further creates an additional symbolism of space.

 

Back (Bottom Middle)

 

The reverse side of the digipak continues the theme of space in the background and shows, in bold, block text, the name of the EP and the track list. The theme and symbolism of the triangle image is used again in the typography, further pushing the branding of the band. Therefore, leaving the symbol in the minds of the audience so that they continue to associate the band with the shape. Additionally, very few colors are used on the back cover, and the digipak as a whole; further implying the conceptual, minimalistic nature of the design for the digipak.

 

Inside

 

The inside artwork for this digipak features the first use of the band's name, thus suggesting that they are confident enough about their band's branding to rely on the symbolism of the triangle. However, considering this is an single EP to promote the band's debut LP, 'An Awesome Wave', the symbolism could've been used to establish the band's brand, rather then maintain and enforce it. Like the other parts of the digipak, this cover continues the theme of minimalism. Another inside cover shows the lyrics to the title track of the EP; the typography used here is contrast of white against the black background, thus drawing attention to it. These lyrics suggest the band holding their lyrics as an important, meaningful part of their music. The remaining two sides of the digipak simply feature images of space, continuing this theme; the lack of any band picture or lyrics, as these are commonly found inside digipaks, implies the focus on minimalism.

Research - Arctic Monkeys - AM Digipak Analysis

Arctic Monkeys - AM

Front

This album cover is one of the more minimalistic of the Arctic Monkeys' artwork, and album artwork in general, potentially suggesting the sudden turn in direction in their music and overall style. The slick design of the sound wave references the clear focus on music alone, rather than an image that is carried alongside the music. This message is equally reflected in the album's leading single's music video 'Do I Wanna Know?' which appears to follow no narrative and focuses more on the stylistic aspect of minimalistic art with black backgrounds contrasted with bright lines, particularly colored white, to convey the new sleek image of the band. Additionally, the conceptual design of the cover holds a very striking look to the album and thus allows the audience to associate the cover with the band, despite the band's name not being featured on the sleeve, based on the branding of the band. This therefore leaves a strong effect on the audience in that it creates a strong symbol in which they can associate the band with. This cover inspired me because of its minimalistic design which I would like to carry over into my design; primarily because I wish to include a logo, most likely the lemon, that Stone Roses fans can instantly identify the band with

Back - (Bottom Left Image)

The reverse side of the digipak is equally minimalistic as the front of the album sleeve; the same two monochrome tone is used on the back. The text includes the band's name, notably on the back rather than the front, and the various song titles split by a thick white line to suggest the continuation of the sound wave from the front, stylistically  designed to indicate the end of Side A and the end of Side B on the record. The band's name being printed on the back is a theme previously used on the Arctic Monkeys' 'Suck it and See'.

 

 
 
 Inside Cover

The inside cover features a professionally shot band group photo. Not only does this convey the slick image of the band, and thus creates a stylistic link to the artwork, but also can potentially work as a callback to the 60s/70s in which band group photos on, or within, albums were commonplace in the rock genre. This allows the audience to gain a sense of personality from the band and thus allows them to create a visual relationship with the band. The monochrome color scheme of the band photo itself also creates a link to the rest of the album cover design, thus allowing a sense of synergy in the band's branding in that almost all the promotional material involved with this album followed the same minimalistic color palette; ranging from advertisements, music videos and band shoots.



A still from the 'Do I Wanna Know?' music video

The single cover for 'Do I Wanna Know?'

Tour poster for the 'AM' tour

Research - Examples of Digipaks