Evolution of Taylor Swift (Star Image Analysis)

This shows the evolution of Taylor Swift and how she is represented differently according to the type of magazine it is and its target audience. This analysis would help me to construct my cover star for my own magazine as I am able to see how the cover artist is represented which would help me to know what I would like for my cover artist to be portrayed which would differ depending on my target audience. 

Denotation (what you can see)	Connotation
Setting/Location: white background	This would be used in order for the artist to stand out more.
Body Language/Facial Expressions: she is sitting down looking straight at the camera, at a side angle. With one hand holding her hair, in order to not cover her face and the other in between her legs. Her legs are angled sideways showing her bare legs as it’s crossed over.	The facial expression shows direct mode of address, looking like she doesn’t care making her seem like a rebel. This could be used as a stereotype towards teenagers, who are very mysterious and secretive in what they do especially with how she is positioned.
Costume/Props: Very thick, smudged black eyeliner and black and gold sports jacket	The costume tells a story within the image, as the jacket laid over her shoulders are what sports students usually wear in American high school films, typically named as the ‘jocks- who are represented as the popular kids. Taylor swift’s makeup seems to be run down, possibly indicating that the scene could be from a late night party.
Camera Shot: medium long shot	Used in order to see the character in their setting
Lighting: high key lighting	The effects of the high key lighting on  Taylor Swift shows that she may be tired of the spotlight being  on her all the time as she seems to just stare directly at the camera with an expression that she is bored.
Anchorage text: ‘The heartbreak kid’	It reflects on the stereotyped idea of being dumped over a ‘popular boy’ with use of the jacket still draped over her, shows the lingering feelings she has over him. Her facial expression is also able to explain the mysteriousness of it through this text as you are able to see a hint of sadness within her expression.

Denotation (what you can see)	Connotation
Setting/Location: most of the front cover is taken up with the artists face-Taylor Swift	This shows a more intimate and close-up image of her as her raw emotions are clearly seen in the image.
Body Language/Facial Expressions: Blue-grey eyes, staring straight at the camera with her lips slightly open to show her teeth and a strand of hair covering her lips.	The facial expression shows she is very scared and is almost at breaking point, where she could break down to tears especially with her eyes in the colour of blue and grey it reflects her emotions as blue and grey tend to represent sad and stoic feelings, almost as if she is numb and the only gateway to see her emotions is through her eyes thus the quote ‘eyes are the gateway to the soul’.
Costume/Props: seems to be wearing a white turtleneck shirt.	This would show that she is not comfortable with herself as she is covered up. It could also mean that she is defending herself, as various forms of defence is by wearing layers of clothing in order to feel safer.
Camera Shot: Close up shot	To show facial expression and emotion, able to give a sense of vulnerability to the audience.
Lighting: high key lighting	High key lighting to clearly see the details of her face also showing her flaws as some may see her as perfect.
Anchorage text: ‘New look & love’	The image shows her physical change, from being a curly haired artist to being straight haired, this could be her way of showing her new self, having gotten over her old love and finding a new one with the scars of the old still present within her as you can see in the frailness of her eyes.

Denotation (what you can see)	Connotation
Setting/Location: on a light and dark grey rooftop	In order to connect with her position as an artist as she has become very successful over the years.
Body Language/Facial Expressions: looking straight at the camera with twinkling eyes, lips slightly open to show her teeth and face angled straight towards the camera, hands stretched and laid on top of each other, on top of her lap.	The magazine represents her as a typical ‘dumb blonde’, with her expression looking guilty and coy by acting modest as her hands are laid on top of her lap but also teasing you through this as she seems to not be doing this seriously.
Costume/Props: Gold, glitter embellished dress with red belt and red poufy garment and red nails. Her hair is loosely curled with lots of volume giving a messy yet neat effect.	This shows Taylor Swift as youthful and charming by appealing to younger audiences and also flirtatious as her dress is very princess styled. Her look seems to give off a fairytale theme especially with the gold glitter dress which is very bright and something that makes her stand out of the crowd. This could also represent her as a youthful artist that continues to shine.
Camera Shot: Close up shot	To show facial expression and emotion, able to give a sense of vulnerability to the audience.
Lighting: artificial lighting	Used to create a dream-like image of her, that kind of looks like a Barbie doll. Clearly appealing to the younger audiences.
Anchorage text: ‘Stuff she only tells her girlfriends’	The anchorage text very much represents her facial expression as she seems to be guilty of something and is trying to gossip or let you in on a secret.

Denotation (what you can see)	Connotation
Setting/Location: plain grey background	This would be used in order for the artist to stand out more and also indicates that the image constructed was a studio shoot.
Body Language/Facial Expressions: Eyes looking straight at the camera, with her hands at the side, hips slightly swayed to the side standing straight.	Her body language is very confident and comfortable especially with her hands at the side; it shows that she is content with how she is through her facial expression.
Costume/Props: gold and black patterned dress	The colour is toned down, as the addition of black makes her look older and more sophisticated. This could represent the idea of her coming out of age from being a young star to being taken more seriously as a woman.
Camera Shot: Taken at a slight low angle	You are able to see the body language of the artist, being able to see more clearly what they are trying to portray. The low angle makes the artist bigger than the audience, showing the higher status of Taylor Swift in comparison to the audience.
Lighting: natural lighting	High angle lighting, mainly highlighting her face.
Anchorage text: ‘Taylor Swift wears Gucci, fashion’s newest golden girl’	This shows her change on becoming a woman and growing up, especially with the use of ‘Taylor Swift wears Gucci’ not just represents her wearing a designer brand dress but being able to mature especially with her straight hair and fringed pulled back, she is shown as a more sophisticated woman