Kings Of Leon Magazine cover analysis

Kings Of Leon Magazine cover analysis

The ad to the kings of Leon ad uses a similar method of organising its images using a slightly altered version of the z formation. Firstly placing the artist's name in the top centre then directing our attention to the front cover of the album art however, in this case the artwork seems to take up the entire design of the ad, however for a similar effect like the Sigh No More ad both of which allow audiences to understand what the particular album looks like. Additionally such a large image does well in capturing the attention of a scan reader or viewer, which may be a common case when thinking about the context of the ads placement in a magazine, which audiences may skip over to read the articles of the magazine.

Our sight is then directed towards the album name to understand what exactly is being sold to us as well as the release date, both of which are written in the same font as the band's name to keep the design and the effect the type conveys consistent towards the audience. Moreover both the release date and album name are written in the same size font in order to balance the importance of both features as they serve to inform audiences what they are buying and when they can buy it.

After this, we see a link to a distributor of the album, play.com to direct audiences where they can purchase the album after finding out what the album is and when it's released. From here, it appears that when using the Z formation or a structure similar there must be some sort of narrative like structure for audiences to follow in order to understand what is being sold to them i.e. organising the information in a clear name, release date and distributor structure. Instead of starting with something like a distributor, release date and name structure, which may prove to be confusing for readers and cause them to disengage with the ad. Advertisers would need to engage viewer's attention quickly since they would be flicking through the pages of the magazine and may miss the ad hence this structure would clearly and quickly communicate crucial information effectively.

After the link to the distributor, we see a link to the bands website if audiences want to inquire for any more information about the album as well as the bands other works thus promoting not only this album but also other albums of the band secondly. Finally, we see the record company's logo similar to the Mumford and Sons poster, which may possibly be the cause of copyright reasons.

Looking at music videos attached to this album has allowed me a better insight in how the band wants to promote them via this ad since they are labelled under a broad genre such as alternative rock. The music video Radioactive features visuals concerning children playing and communities having fun overlaid with a sepia old movie like filter which may entice feelings of warmth and nostalgia among audiences such as remember ones childhood. Linking this back to the graphics seen on the ad the ad uses a similar sepia colour palette with minimalist imagery which promotes the bands image as warm and welcoming with the palm trees as well communicating feelings of serenity and happiness. From this, we may learn that the type of music the band produces is that of enticing feelings of joy and a relaxed ambience possibly from this particular album.

The type seen on the ad features small serifs on the end of each character conveying this slightly "old timey" effect to the type, which serves well in fitting in with radioactive nostalgic look and also the possibly promoted theme of the band as seen on the ad. Unlike the Sigh No More ad the band members are nowhere to be seen on the ad possibly due to the fact that Kings of Leon are quite a mainstream group and thus do not need to rely on so much facial promotion on their graphics now since they are largely known. This can be further evidenced by the fact that they are signed under Columbia records as seen on the magazine ad; which as of 2012, has the highest label share in Adult Contemporary radio in the US and was also ranked the number one Adult Contemporary label in the same year.

From analysing this advert, it would seem when designing my ad for the digipak I need to think about the context of the placement of the ad and organise the important information about the artist based on said medium. Furthermore, I have found that the graphics featured on the ad can also suit the particular style of the songs featured on the album not just genre as well for example Radioactive's nostalgic and ambient style seems to be featured more on the cover rather than a dominant genre style. Perhaps for my future design I consider this when attempting to communicate my chosen songs scratchy and computerised style on print.