billboards

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? 

 The documentary focuses on the history of pop music and its biggest trends, which is interesting for fans of music history.

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

The poster shows the era through retro fonts, colours, or hairstyles.

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

The target audience is pop music fans of all ages.

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?

Expect bold fonts, bright or retro colours, and images of famous artists or performances.

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

Text can show nostalgia and relevance, like “See how the hits of the past shape today’s music.”

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 series explores Auto-Tune, boy bands, festival culture, viral hits, and music production.

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

 A billboard could show multiple artists, genres, and performances together.

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?

A series poster should include several images and highlight “all episodes streaming.”

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

Older audiences like nostalgia, younger audiences like energetic, modern visuals.

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

Behind-the-scenes shots and serious fonts show it’s a music documentary, not just entertainment.

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?

One is colourful and maximalist whereas the other one is more plain and has a b&w colour scheme. 

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

Different genres, artists, and eras represented visually (hip-hop, synth-pop, boy/girl bands).
Highlights global and stylistic variety in pop

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

Excitement, nostalgia, awe, curiosity about creative process. Images aim to make viewers feel both entertained and informed.

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?

Pose: Energetic or iconic gestures for recognisability.
Colour palette: Vibrant, contrasting to stand out.
Style: Mix of live-action and archival aesthetics for authenticity

Captures attention quickly and communicates the range of pop music.

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

Demonstrates use of music iconography, performance as spectacle, and historical context. Images represent pop music’s cultural and emotional significance, supporting Stuart Hall’s ideas on representation (depicting both stars and the social/cultural impact of music)

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

Depeche mode 

• Layout & composition: The band is centrally placed with “Depeche Mode” at the top and tour info at the bottom for clear hierarchy and roadside readability.
• Typography: Bold, simple sans-serif fonts highlight the band and tour name, typical of 1990s alternative music design.
• Colour palette: Predominantly black and white with subtle colour accents, reflecting the moody, dramatic aesthetic of the era.
• Imagery: Members stand in serious, stylised poses with intense gazes and alternative fashion, blending realism and performance.
• Branding: Band name and tour logo are prominent and consistent across posters and promotional materials.

Era reflection: The dark, minimalist style reflects early 1990s synth-pop/alternative culture and the artistic tone of Depeche Mode.

Artist: Shows Depeche Mode as edgy, mysterious, and serious musicians.
Music culture: Represents electronic/synth-pop and 90s alternative music culture.
Fame/performance/identity: Focus on artistry and mood rather than glamour or celebrity.
Fashion & styling: Dark clothing, leather, minimalistic accessories, iconic hairstyles.
Gender representation: Slightly androgynous, non-sexualised styling.
Star image: Cool, moody, iconic, and artistic rather than commercial pop.
Youth culture vs nostalgia: Appeals to 90s fans and younger audiences discovering retro synth-pop.
Theory: Stuart Hall – poster represents the band’s identity and the mood of the era, not just commercial appeal.

Audience Appeal

• Primary audience: Fans of 1990s electronic and alternative pop music.
• Other age groups: Younger viewers attracted to the iconic and moody aesthetic.
• Nostalgia: Black-and-white imagery and familiar band poses appeal to older fans.
• Modern design elements: Clean layout, bold fonts, and minimal colour attract contemporary audiences.
• Documentary aim link: Shows music history while appealing to “people of all ages interested in pop music.”

2. 2000s or 2010s pop artist promotion

Media Language Analysis – Radiohead Notice / Fear Notice Poster

• Layout & composition: A strong red band at the top reading NOTICE! draws immediate attention, with the band name below and smaller text laid out in columns for clear roadside visibility.
• Typography: Bold, condensed serif or slab fonts for “NOTICE!” and “RADIOHEAD” suggest urgency and dramatic impact, with smaller sans serif supporting text that’s legible but dense.
• Colour palette: The use of red, black, and white creates high contrast and a sense of intensity and alertness.
• Imagery: Sketch‑style drawings in black ink convey a raw, expressive feel reminiscent of DIY gig posters and underground culture.
• Branding: The radiohead name appears large and dominant, making it instantly recognisable within the music subculture.

Era reflection: This bold, print‑style design reflects early 2000s alternative rock promotional aesthetics, where bands often used striking text and sketchy artwork to stand out. 

 Representation & Era Identity

• The artist: Radiohead is shown as rebellious, artistic, and non‑mainstream.
• Music culture: Captures the experimental and underground rock/alternative scene of the early 2000s.  
• Attitudes to fame/performance/identity: Focuses on raw creativity and mystery rather than commercial sparkle.
• Fashion & styling: The sketch imagery suggests casual, authentic artistic expression.
• Gender representation: Not emphasised; focus is on band identity and mood.
• Star image: Radiohead appear cult‑like and cerebral rather than polished.
• Youth culture vs nostalgia: Original fans feel nostalgia, while younger audiences find the statement‑style poster visually appealing.  
• Theory (Stuart Hall – Representation): This design shapes Radiohead’s image as culturally distinct and artistic, not merely commercial.

5) Audience Appeal

• Primary audience: Radiohead fans who appreciate alternative and experimental rock.
• Other age groups: Younger audiences might like the bold, graphic style; older fans feel nostalgia for the Kid A era.  
• Nostalgia: The red “NOTICE!” style evokes early 2000s gig posters and promo flyers.
• Modern design elements: High contrast and minimalist text layout make it visually striking and timeless.
• Link to documentary aim: Like a compelling documentary poster, it grabs attention while conveying cultural depth.

3. Contemporary (2018–present) pop artist promotion

 Media Language Analysis – Lana Del Rey 2025 UK Tour Poster

• Layout & composition: The poster features a centred photo of Lana with the tour dates listed below and her name at the top, organised simply so it’s easy to read from a distance.
• Typography: The font for “Lana Del Rey” is bold and stylised in a retro or cinematic way, with smaller, clear sans‑serif text for the UK & Ireland dates.
• Colour palette: Warm, vintage tones and muted colours give the poster a dreamy, nostalgic feel.
• Imagery: The image shows Lana sitting relaxed and gazing at the viewer, emphasising her ethereal, reflective persona.
• Branding: Her name and tour locations are prominent, reinforcing her status and making it clear this is official tour merchandise.

Era reflection: These design choices show a modern yet nostalgic style, reflecting her 2020s pop‑culture aesthetic and romantic image. 

4) Representation & Era Identity

The artist: Presented as dreamy, introspective, and stylish, matching Lana’s established musical image.

• Music culture of the era: The aesthetic reflects 2020s indie‑pop and alternative pop, blending vintage nostalgia with modern minimalism.
• Attitudes to fame/performance/identity: Focuses on emotional connection to the audience rather than spectacle or glamour.
• Fashion & styling: Casual yet elegant outfit and natural look show personal authenticity.
• Gender representation: Lana is shown in a thoughtful, empowered manner rather than sexualised.
• Star image: Mystical, iconic, feminine, and emotionally expressive.
• Youth culture vs nostalgia: Nostalgic colours appeal to older fans; contemporary layout attracts younger audiences.
• Theory (Stuart Hall – Representation): The poster represents Lana’s persona as an emotionally rich and reflective entertainer, not just a commercial product.

5) Audience Appeal

• Primary audience: Lana Del Rey fans and concert‑goers interested in her music.
• Appeal to other age groups: Nostalgic colours and classic photographic style attract older audiences, while modern layout and typography attract younger viewers.
• Nostalgia use: Vintage tones and reflective feel evoke longing and emotional connection.
• Modern design elements: Bold typography and minimalist composition make it visually contemporary.
• Link to documentary aim: Like a music documentary poster, it appeals to “people of all ages interested in pop music” by blending past and present visual references.

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.

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. 

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

5) Finally, create the pages in Adobe Photoshop or InDesign so you have the documents ready to go in terms of adding your text and images. This will need to include:

• A4/A3 landscape 

Use this website for specific billboard sizing which you can enter in Adobe Photoshop or InDesign: https://www.template.net/graphic-design/billboard-sizes/ 

Photoshoot

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

raagni and aysha 

Billboard one

80s . Heavy makeup inspired by 80s. Bright ink lush, blue eyeshadow, bold lipstick.

Me and aysha. Aysha higher, i am leaning on her shoulder, knelt down.

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.

medium close ups 

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

big hair, blue eyeshadow, pink blush.

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.

Statement of Intent

1) Once you have completed your print research and planning, go back to your statement of intent and make sure you have included the print brief in your final draft. Then, submit the final draft statement of intent to your teacher. The due date for this will be confirmed by your coursework teacher.

Use your Media coursework lessons to complete these planning tasks - homework time should be exclusively to revise for mocks.