Coursework Print Research and planning

Research and planning blog tasks

Create a blogpost called 'Print brief research and planning' and complete the following tasks to plan and prepare your print work:

Research tasks:

1)  Billboard poster research:

Look at the following billboard poster:

Now answer the following questions based on the poster above: 

1. What historical moment in pop music does this documentary focus on, and why might that moment be significant for audiences interested in music history?   

This music documentary focuses on the compilation song "we are the world" and it's creation. This may  be significant to audiences as it   was uniting of many pop bands  and  artists to raise money for people in Africa generating 60 million dollars. 

2. How might the poster imagery communicate the era of the music being explored (e.g., 1980s)?

 The use of the artist's as well as vintage design style communicate what era of music it  is and what is going to be explored  as the a lot of these artist are really recognisable  even the vintage drawing font style they are displayed in.

3. Who would be the target audience for this documentary and why?

The target audience would be those who grew up in the 80s as well as people who are fans of pop and the artists and bands who are  on the song we are the world. 

4. What visual codes (e.g., typeface, colour, style of photograph) would you expect on the poster to reflect the documentary’s focus on classic pop music history?

I think the style of the photograph  as well as the  typography and font would display the focus on pop music. 

5. How could promotional text emphasise both nostalgia and relevance to a modern audience?

They could focus on the this iconic moment in the 80s  which would  highlight the sheer star power  in  that moment .This would also evoke memories  in the generation that listened to these artists. 

This Is Pop on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81050786

(This Is Pop is a documentary series exploring different influences and trends in pop music.) 

Watch the following trailer for the documentary series: 

Now answer the following questions based on the trailer: 

1. What themes and topics does This Is Pop explore based on its episode description (e.g., Auto-Tune, boy bands, festival culture)? 

the rise of pop and how groups  were first established and important components of pop and how it's evolved e.g  autotune. 

2. How might a billboard poster visually represent multiple facets of pop music history covered in this series?

 It can show all aspects of pop.

3. This Is Pop is a series rather than a single documentary film—how might its poster need to differ in design from a single-film poster to communicate that?

Instead of a single, central image (common in film posters), a series poster often utilizes a collage of different artists, genres, or iconic moments. For This Is Pop, this would mean showing diverse scenes—e.g., auto-tune, boy bands, and country music—to signify the 8 different subjects covered.

Episodic/Structured Layout: The poster may be divided into sections, grid-like, or feature a central title with smaller vignettes branching off, mimicking the "chapter" nature of a series.

4. What aspects of pop culture history might appeal to older audiences versus younger audiences?

True Nostalgia & "Golden Age" Revisiting: Older audiences tend to prefer media from the decades they grew up in (e.g., the 60s, 70s, or 80s), seeking to re-experience the music, fashion, and social atmosphere of their youth.  whereas "Slowed" and Remix Culture: Reimagining older hits via TikTok, where songs are sped up, slowed down, or sampled, creating a new, "aesthetic" version of old classics.

5. What visual elements could ensure the poster suggests that this isn’t just entertainment, but a music documentary with depth and exploration? 

 the names and images of the artist.

These two IMDb image links point to stills or frames from the same documentary series (This Is Pop.) 

Compare the two different images from this series:

1. What different visual messages do they convey about pop music? 

 the 1st image is more gritty and shows how much of a struggle it was for the artists  to get where they are  whereas   the 2nd one is more upbeat as pop is meant to be seen as fun and enjoyable  for fans and that's how these artists present themselves 

2. How do these images reflect the diversity within pop music culture (different genres, artists, eras)?

these billboards  show diversity this because they have a variety of different  pop artists on the posters who all have different styles of pop music  such as  Michael Jackson  and T pain as T pain is well known for his use in autotune creating a completely different sound  artists like Michael and the beasty boys. They are also form different time periods such as T pain being rom the 2000 and MJ started in the 60's 

3. What emotions or associations do the images try to evoke in the viewer?

It try's to evoke Nostalgia in the viewer as they  can reminisce on the love they have had for previous artists or artists they have grew  up with.

4. If you were to extract design cues (pose, colour palette, style) from these stills for your billboard posters, what would you take and why?

 I would take  the layout and the style of the second poster this is because I think it follow the vibe of pop and keeps the conventions  of pop being upbeat.

5. How do the images relate to your understanding of representation and media language in music documentaries?

the the 1st image represent the diversity  of pop as well as also the different types of pop artists such as Michael Jackson 

2) Billboard Poster Research (Era Focus)

You must research THREE professional billboard or large-format posters, one from each era:

1. 1980s or 1990s pop artist promotion 

2. 2000s or 2010s pop artist promotion 

3. Contemporary (2018–present) pop artist promotion

These may include:

Tour posters

Album or single promotions

Music documentaries

Streaming platform music content (e.g. Netflix, Apple TV)

Choose artists that are clearly representative of each era.

3) Media Language Analysis 

For each billboard poster, analyse how visual design communicates meaning and appeals to its audience. 

Nas:

Nas Illmatic album cover  uses the superimposition effect  where it makes the images of Nas as a kid seem see through as if he is looking out onto the  the queens bridge houses in long island  in Queens. The font used for the title "illmatic" on Nas's debut album is a stylized Gothic/Blackletter typeface. The cover, designed by Aimee Macauley, features a distinct, bold, and medieval-inspired lettering style for both the "nas" text (in red) and the "illmatic" text (in white), which has become iconic in hip-hop.  

Aaliyah:

this cover features a close-up portrait of Aaliyah, allowing for a more intimate, direct connection with the viewer. Her gaze is described as alluring, yet she remains in control, projecting confidence and maturity rather than the "hidden" persona of her earlier work. Color Palette and Lighting: The dominant use of a "crimson haze" or deep red tones creates a moody, sultry, and intimate atmosphere. This red theme often extends to the entire album's aesthetic, symbolizing passion, danger, and, as she noted in interviews, a more mature and direct sound. The album is self-titled (Aaliyah), signaling a personal, self-defined project. The use of her name in a clean, modern font underscores a sense of maturity and establishes her as an individual artist in full control of her brand.

 Justin Bieber 

 The photograph has a gritty, film-like texture. This contrasts with the polished, high-definition photography typical of mainstream pop, suggesting a more "authentic," "grungy," or indie-influenced aesthetic. Lighting: The lighting is soft but moody, emphasizing the contours of his body without being overly dramatic. This contributes to the intimate, quiet feel of the album. Framing: A tight, close-up shot focusing on his torso and face creates an immediate, intimate connection between the subject and the audience. Minimalist Lettering: The album title "Changes" is featured in small, clean, unassuming lettering, often in a simple font. This reinforces the minimalist, anti-pop star aesthetic.Rejection of Signifiers: Unlike the Purpose cover, which used complex graffiti symbols by artist Retna, the Changes cover is direct and straightforward, signalling that the music is the main focus.

4) Representation and Era identity

Nas  Illmatic 

 The cover features a photo of a 7-year-old Nas superimposed over a photograph of the Queensbridge Projects in New York. This visual represents Nas as a "gifted writer born into squalor". It highlights his innocence as a child contrasted with the harsh, mature, and "trapped" reality of his surroundings. Illmatic is credited with reviving the East Coast rap scene. The cover, featuring the gritty, real-life Queensbridge housing projects, immediately established a "New York State of Mind". While many 1994 hip-hop covers focused on money, guns, and cars, Illmatic focused on the environment and the artist's intellect. It represented a rejection of the mainstreaming of rap, focusing on the "hardcore" reality of urban life. By using a childhood photo to represent a 20-year-old artist, Nas connects his current artistic, street-wise identity with his innocent past. It evokes nostalgia for a time before the harsh realities of the projects, while simultaneously acknowledging that his childhood was already shaped by that environment.  The image argues that identity is forged by environment. Nas is not just standing in Queensbridge; he is, in a sense, of it. The image fades his face into the background, blending the person with the place, emphasizing the theme that his identity is inextricably linked to the project projects. Unlike the era's trend of promoting fashion brands, the seven-year-old Nas in the photo is dressed simply. The focus is on the emotional expression rather than expensive clothing, which contrasts with the, at the time, rising commercialization of hip-hop fashion. According to Hall’s theory of representation, this cover works as a "sign" to construct meaning. The "child + projects" signifier creates a signified meaning of "vulnerability," "untapped potential," and "trapped innocence". It challenges the dominant, often one-dimensional, media representations of young Black males as purely criminals, instead showing them as complex individuals shaped by their environments. Illmatic uses nostalgia by utilizing a 7-year-old photo to represent a 20-year-old. Furthermore, it incorporates pastiche (a respectful, stylistic nod) by referencing the 1974 jazz album A Child Is Born by the Howard Hanger Trio. This demonstrates a postmodern tendency to remix past aesthetic, blending the 1970s jazz aesthetic with 1990s street rap, creating a new, authentic "classic" feel 

Aaliyah 

 The crimson, moody lighting combined with a sheer halter top creates a "sultry-cool" image that is intimate yet guarded, reflecting her desire to be known without exposing  The cover represents a move away from the nostalgic '90s "baggy clothes" look toward a more sophisticated Y2K, "monochrome" aesthetic.  The "Red Album" cover acts as a "pastiche," taking the "less-is-more" styling of icons like Sade and updating it with modern, digital-era red tints. Tomboy Chic & Androgyny: While this cover shows her in a more feminine sheer top, it fits into her larger brand of mixing "masculine, feminine, sexiness, and innocence".  While the cover doesn't show her signature baggy pants, her styling throughout the album era—and this photo shoot—maintained a "minimalist, but strong" look that "challenged the status quo" of women in hip-hop.  Her direct gaze on the cover, rather than a passive, submissive one, flips traditional gender roles, asserting power and control.   The cover represents a move away from the nostalgic '90s "baggy clothes" look toward a more sophisticated Y2K, "monochrome" aesthetic. The "Red Album" cover acts as a "pastiche," taking the "less-is-more" styling of icons like Sade and updating it with modern, digital-era red tints.  Using Stuart Hall’s theory of representation, the Aaliyah cover is not merely a reflection of who she was, but a production of meaning through signs and images. The color red (passion/danger/intensity), the snake (power/secrecy), the direct gaze (control/maturity), and the minimalist framing.  Aaliyah and her creative team  constructed a new, mature identity. She is not just a singer; she is presented as an artist in control of her image. Pastiche & Remixed Eras: The styling references 1970s soul and 1990s streetwear, but is "remixed" with 2001's digital, "ghetto goth" aesthetic. The intense, almost artificial, red tinting removes the image from a naturalistic setting, creating a "signature look" that feels more like a, well, 2001-era digital art piece than a traditional photo

Justin Bieber 

The "Raw" Aesthetic: The use of natural lighting and high-grain photography presents him as "stripped back." This aligns with the "Seasons" era branding of being "incredibly raw" and honest about past struggles. Authenticity vs. Commercialisation: The cover functions as a "behind the scenes" glimpse. By appearing in casual, non-performative settings (like his home or a studio), the image rejects the "assembly line" pop star image in favour of a DIY, "slice of life" feel typical of the COVID-19 lockdown era.  There is a tension between his "child superstar" past and his adult reality. The cover often uses a muted colour palette, which acts as a visual silence. His styling often featuring baggy hoodies, beanies, and visible tattoos represents a "relaxed" version of masculinity. It moves away from the "part-angel" teen idol look to a "working artist" aesthetic.  The presence or implied presence of his wife, Hailey, in the narrative  shifts his gender representation from a "single bachelor" to a "stable provider," grounded in "genuine relationships". Stuart Hall Representation: Applying Hall’s theory, the cover is a "preferred reading" constructed by Bieber’s team to encode him as a survivor of fame. They use signs (tattoos, casual wear, pensive expression) to fix his meaning as "authentic" and "healed," countering previous "negotiated" or "oppositional" readings of him as a "troubled brat". Postmodernism (Bricolage & Pastiche): The cover can be seen as a remixing of eras. It uses high-fashion photography techniques (pastiche of Vogue-style minimalism) applied to a "YouTube-native" star, blurring the lines between elite celebrity and accessible digital creator.

5) Audience appeal

For each era-based poster, explain:

Nas Illmatic  (1994) was hardcore hip-hop fans, specifically East Coast rap enthusiasts and those deeply immersed in the New York City scene of the early 1990s. While intended to appeal to a wide rap audience, its gritty, raw, and highly technical nature made it most resonant with listeners looking for substance, lyricism, and authenticity over the, at the time, more popular mainstream or West Coast sound and teenagers and young adults, roughly aged 15 to 25,For those who lived through the 90s, Illmatic is a time capsule of East Coast hip-hop culture, offering a gritty, honest portrayal of urban life By collaborating with producers like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Large Professor, the album features a blend of jazz-influenced, soulful, and gritty beats that have not aged, allowing new generations to appreciate its sound.  

Aaliyah by Aaliyah

The primary audience would be teenagers and young adults (15–25), especially R&B and mainstream pop fans. The bold red background and confident pose suggest empowerment and style, appealing to fashion-conscious youth.

Appeal to Other Age Groups

• Older audiences may connect with her as a major early-2000s cultural icon.

• Younger audiences today discover her music through streaming platforms and TikTok trends.

Use of Nostalgia

Nostalgia is created through:

• Early-2000s fashion styling (minimalist outfit, natural pose).

• Clean but bold CD-era album design.

• Association with a pre-social-media celebrity era.

For audiences who were teens in the early 2000s, it represents a key moment in pop/R&B history.

Modern Design Elements include:

• Bold block colour (red background = eye-catching and Instagram-friendly).

• Clean sans-serif typography.

• Strong personal branding (artist as the central focus).

These features still look modern and visually striking on digital platforms.

Featuring artists like Aaliyah bridges the gap between 90s hip-hop and contemporary pop. It attracts millennials who grew up with her music, while also engaging Gen Z audiences discovering her legacy online—helping the documentary reach multiple generations.

Contemporary (2018–Present) Promotion – Justin Bieber: Next Chapter featuring Justin Bieber

The primary audience is Gen Z and young millennials (13–30) who actively use YouTube and streaming platforms. The documentary format suggests a deeper, more personal connection with fans.

Appeal to Other Age Groups

• Older audiences may be interested in Bieber’s personal growth and career journey.

• Parents who remember his early career may watch out of curiosity.

Use of Nostalgia

• References to Bieber’s early career (appealing to fans who followed him since the 2010s).

• Documentary format reflects long-term career reflection.

• Appeals to millennials who grew up during his teenage fame.

Modern Design Elements

• Handwritten-style typography (authenticity and vulnerability).

• Streaming platform branding (YouTube Originals).

• Casual styling (beanie, relaxed clothing) creates relatability.

• Clean, social-media-ready poster design.

These elements attract younger audiences who value authenticity and behind-the-scenes access.

This image directly reflects the documentary’s purpose: showing the evolution of pop stars over time. It connects:

• Millennials (career progression),

• Gen Z (current streaming culture).

By covering different eras—from 90s hip-hop to 2000s R&B to modern streaming documentaries—the project clearly fulfils the aim of appealing to “people of all ages interested in pop music.”

6) Streaming services and industry conventions

Streaming services such as Netflix promote music documentaries using strong visual conventions designed for fast digital consumption. Posters typically feature a bold central image of the artist with minimal text, ensuring instant recognition when viewed as small thumbnails on mobile devices. Essential information such as the platform logo and release date is clearly displayed to communicate where and when audiences can watch, often using phrases like “Only on Netflix” or “Streaming Now” to create urgency. Campaigns are also adapted for online banners and large-scale billboards, maintaining the same clean design for brand consistency. Because streaming platforms target global audiences, promotional materials rely on universal imagery and limited language, allowing the documentary to appeal to viewers of all ages and cultural backgrounds interested in pop music.

7) Application to your coursework

This section must directly link your research to your final production.

Answer the following:

How will each era influence the design of your three billboards?

 The 90s  will influence   the design of the billboard as it will feel more retro  and  nostalgia as it will feel more  minimalistic  as it will feature what the different band members  when they were  younger and  will have a lot of dead space.

The 2000s will be reflected in the billboard through using multiple colours  similar to Kanye West good life.     

The  Contemporary era will be reflected in the typography by using different fonts.

What visual codes will you use to differentiate eras?

Colours:  The 90s clashing, and vibrant (neon ). 00s Silver, Lime Green and Baby blue. The  Contemporary era  Muted earth tones paired with vibrant pops, or "Classic Blue".

Typography: The 90s  Gritty, raw-looking typefaces;

Layout: the 90s Layered collages. 00s: Experimental and sometimes cluttered, but with a sleek, polished feel.

How will you maintain brand consistency across all three posters?

Have all the  Billboards mention the documentary name.

How will you promote your band from Task One as contemporary pop?

focus on the digital aspect and promotion and make The Clique seem like a blend of different genres.

What design skills do you need to develop before production?

I need to learn how to colour and gradient blend.

Planning and sketching

1) Plan the content for your first billboard poster:

Have the title  of the documentary at the top  of the poster. The Netflix  symbol in the  bottom right corner  of the poster. 

The background will look like Graffiti and have stencil images of  rappers of the 90s as well as  baby pictures  of band members it will also have a 90 feel to it. 

2) Plan the three images you will use for the billboard posters - use the elements of mise-en-scene (CLAMPS). One image has to be the band you promoted in one of your TikTok music videos required to meet the minimum content in the brief.

poster one of 90s artists 

poster 2  of 2000 artist  

poster 3 of my  contemporary  alternative Hip Hop artist  

3) Research and select the font or typography you will use for your billboard posters. This is a critical element of your print work - the brief requires a consistent house style running through all of your pages. 

font wil change for each poster as it reflects the evolution of Hip Hop 

4) Produce A4 sketches of your billboard poster designs and scan it/upload a picture to your blog.

1) Who do you need to photograph for your billboard posters? Remember, you need three original images across the whole print production. 

Jordan, Josh Kemi 

2) What camera shots do you need? Write a shot list or design a mood board for your photoshoots. Make sure you plan a variety of camera shots you will look to capture - medium shots, close-ups etc.

my Phone or I can use my personal camera. I just need one full body shot.

 

3) Plan the mise-en-scene. What costume, props or make-up will you require for your photoshoots?

4) Finally, note down the time and date for your photoshoots. This may be inside or outside school (or a combination of both). You will have Media lesson time for this after the mock exams.

outside school 

3rd of April