5. CD cover design

1. Roll Deep.

The variety of colours enforces the idea that their identity is that of a band, with contrasting colours representing their differing opinions and possible conflicts. The red and black colours next to each other imply danger, although this is the background which may suggest the band feel it is their surroundings that are dangerous, not them. The image is extremely eye catching, and makes the audience want to look at everything on the cover. The 'monsters' could signify how the artists feel they are portrayed by society, whilst their urban clothing represents their style. The typography stands out as it is white, and is made to look graffiti style to enforce the urban theme and the city surrounding.

2. The Saturdays.

Colour has been used in a way which draws your eye immeadiatly to the band, by using a dark background, and bright colours for the artists. Each artist has been given their individual colour, which suggests that will be their signature colour for each song. Each colour could reveal something about their individual identity and style; red being passionate, yellow being cheerful, blue being laid back, pink being feminine, and green being peaceful. The only other images are the spotlights which I feel signifies the band is under the spotlight and are happy with it; their confident looks into the camera show this.

3. Lady Gaga.

The colours on this album cover give us an insight into the artists identity and style. Feautures such as the dark background and the sunglasses imply the artist is trying to hide her identity, which contrasts with the attention grabbing diamonds and platinum blonde hair. This could suggest that the artist might sing about confusion, or two sides of something, such as fame, as her title implies.

4. Eminem.

The colours on Eminem's album signify his identity, as they are very subdued and slightly dreary, which could represent his emotions of feeling depressed and 'recovering' and that maybe he hasn't fully recovered yet which is perhaps why the colours are subdued and not as bold as his usual covers. The image further represents this as he is walking away from the camera and towards a patch of sky which looks slightly brighter, which could be representing the artist is trying to walk away from his old identity and trying to do something better. The typography is bold and white, which stands out, particularly due to the 'o'. Although the artists name isn't displayed on the album, the 'e' in 'Recovery' is backwards, which is Eminem's star image motif. Perhaps he feels he is established enough not to display his name; this also gives the idea he doesn't really care, which as i've mentioned, is also represented by him walking away from the camera.

5. Taio Cruz.

Initially, black and white appear to make the artists style seem bland/ boring, but it works in his favour as most artists have colourful album covers, so this might turn out to be more eye catching. Black and white are two strong, contrasting colours, which could represent how the artist feels conflicted between two things; for example leaving or not, as the title may suggest. The image is a large close up which shows he is confident with himself, although his broken eye contact sends a mixed message which may intrigue people as to what his songs are about; he may upon up through his lyrics. The typography, like most albums, is simple and stands out well against the background, with a star image motif that the artist always uses in his name.

The main conventions of CD cover design are:

1. A simplistic colour scheme

2. A simplistic design.

3. Few or no characters.

4. The band name in a different colour to the background.

5. Hidden meanings.

6. A title that suggests what the album will be about.

7. Bold, simple fonts for the band name.

8. Similar or entirely different font for the album title.