Rihanna digipak analysis

1. Images
The majority of the images in the digipak are of Rihanna, positioned in the centre which links to her career as a solo artist. The CD is the only aspect that does
not use an image of Rihanna which could be suggestive of the music’s content. Similar roses are also panned across the interior panels of the digipak which
indicate that this album and her persona is one sensuality, sexuality and passion. The red, slightly parted lips and curled, untamed hair also imply subtle sexual
undertones. However, the lighter, pink roses on the CD and the long, white dress in the interior panels suggest that there is also a sense of innocence and
femininity and so therefore possibly a sweet, vulnerability about this album’s meaning/message. Nevertheless, Rihanna’s bold and eccentric image is not
overlooked with the contrast of the blue overlay and the red hair/red skin and makeup undertones. The shadows are emphasised on one side while the light
manages to catch her sharp jawline and tattoo which enables the audience to connect with her bolder, stronger side. While she does not look towards the
camera, creating an impersonal feel, I feel that this was done with purpose. Rihanna, an international pop star would not need to “connect” with her main
audience as they will purchase her music regardless. This impersonal feel only engages those outside the target audience with the confusing contrast between
the album title, “Loud”, bold colours and the impersonal, almost secretive front cover image.
Text
These bold, fierce images link with the
album title, “Loud”. However, the
simplicity of the images contrast the
loudness of the album title. Likewise she is
looking down which suggests that she is
concealing something – or she wants to
appear shy or perhaps even “hard to get”
if we are continuing with the sexual
connotations of this particular digipak.
The text is in a common, minimal style of
font to maintain the trendy, popular
appeal in relation to her music. But it is
slightly paradoxical to have a thin, subtle,
barely visible font style for an album title
of “Loud”. They are positioned slightly to
the right to invite the audience to open
the digipak up and play the CD.
Ideas for own digipak
I like the idea of the one continuous image
across the inside of the digipak; this is
suggestive of consistency and flow. Also, as I
am promoting my product as a female solo
artist, I feel that Rihanna’s central and up-
close position in the images is essential to my
product. However the impersonal feel of the
eyes partially open and looking down/away
would not be good for me as I am promoting
an unsigned, small artist unknown by many. If
I was to dominate each panel of the digipak, I
feel that it is good to use a plain image for the
CD for aesthetic purposes. It looks better to
use a plain image/colour as a bit of “break”
from the domineering solo act taking up most
of the digipak.