Researching Ancillary Products - Impact of Art

The image on the front of a Digipak represents the artist and the type of music they are making at the moment. Throughout the years, Rihanna has used her albums to change her image and the genre of music she makes. In doing so she has become a major trend setter and fashion icon recognised worldwide, as her fashion and style choices have influenced people all over the world. In every one of these album covers Rihanna is promoting a new image and representing new music.

Music of the Sun is Rihanna's debut album. Here she is a fresh faced young RnB Artist. This is a close up of her face so we can recognise the artist and put a name to her face. There are two fonts on this cover, her name is in big letters and a bold font that really stands out and the title of the album in smaller letters. It links to the video out at this time as she is dressed in sparkly 'party' clothes and her hairstyle is very similar to her video released just before the album. A prime example of constant promotion by linking the two things.

Here is Rihanna's second album, A Girl Like Me. In this album her look is very similar to her first album, to show the relation in the artist and the big jump in style could lose her fans so early in her career. Once again there is a close up shot of the artist, and the title of the album and name of the artist is the same. The colours are subtle and we are drawn straight away to the huge picture of the artist, who looks really good. This piece of art will make her more memorable.

Rihanna's third album 'Good Girl Gone Bad' changes her image completely. It represents her breaking out of her sweet girl persona and turning much more edgy and different. Here hair cut is different, short and black, and her body language suggests confidence and sexuality. The black and white colours contrast her name, which is in big letters across her body. This makes her name stand out more so fans can put her name to her face, and notice the new style she has developed.

Rihanna's fourth studio album cover 'Rated R' shows another drastic change in fashion. The cover is black and white, which represents the rocky, edgy music she is beginning to produce. The artist is very well known no so her name is not present on the album cover, but just a symbolic 'R' which now represents her, and this logo is used to brand her now. Her make up is dark and extravagant, and her change of style sets trends as her hair is much shorter which influences several fans to go for a similar look. She is reaching a wider audience by changing her look also, her versatility allows her to appeal to more people.

Her fifth studio album cover 'Loud' conveys another drastic change in look. The colours are brighter here, but still subtle as Rihanna flaunts her new red hair with matching red lipstick. This close up shot attracts attention as the colour red stands out and you can see the change in the artists look. Once again, trend setting, Rihanna has become a fashion icon and her fans and other celebrity's are inspired by this look. Again, her name is not on the cover because she is so well known, and this huge image of her which takes up the entire cover is clear to the fans and consumers who this artist is. Unlike Rihanna, I will definitely be putting the name of my artist on the cover as it is her first album and it's important for every one to remember the name of the artist and her face.

Finally, Rihannas most recent album 'Talk That Talk' is a prime example of the artists change in fashion and style again. This medium close up shows another different, edgy side to the artist and her tongue out conveys set appeal and fun. Like her earlier album 'Rated R' she has used her logo on this album cover. This links her to the other album as we assume she is producing a similar style of edgy, pop and some aspects of pop rock like her Rated R album. Again the artists hair style has changes and she is dressed in a patter shirt and jewellery. This will inspire her fans to follow her style and she keeps her recognition as a fashion icon.

Therefore Rihanna is a prime example of the popularity of art helping to promote an artist. Rihanna's ability to be versatile with her look can not only inspire people, but also appeals to a wider audience and extends her fan base.