Print brief research and planning

 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 1985 recording of “We Are the World”, when some of the biggest pop stars of the time came together in one studio to record a charity single. This moment is significant because it was rare to see so many major artists collaborating for a single cause. For people interested in music history, it shows how pop music could bring artists together and be used to make a real global impact, not just entertain.

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

The poster clearly suggests the 1980s through the way the artists are presented. The hairstyles, clothing, and large studio headphones are all strongly associated with that era. The classic microphone and recording-studio setting also help place the documentary in the past, while the illustrated style gives it a timeless, almost nostalgic feel.

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

The documentary is likely aimed at a wide audience. Older viewers who remember the song will be drawn in by nostalgia, while younger audiences may be curious about the story behind a song they’ve heard referenced in popular culture. Music fans and students are also part of the target audience, as the documentary offers insight into a major moment in pop music history.

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?

You would expect retro-style typography, warm or muted colours, and imagery linked to recording studios, such as microphones and headphones. The illustrated portraits rather than modern photography help suggest that this is a story from the past, focusing on legacy and cultural importance rather than current chart music.

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

The promotional text could reference how the song defined a generation, while also highlighting that the story still matters today. Phrases that suggest untold stories or behind-the-scenes moments would appeal to modern audiences. Linking the themes of unity and social responsibility to current global issues would also make the documentary feel relevant, not just nostalgic.

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)? 

This Is Pop explores a wide range of key influences and trends in pop music. These include topics such as Auto-Tune and digital technology, the rise and impact of boy bands, festival culture, and how pop music is shaped by industry decisions, fame, and audience tastes. Rather than focusing on one artist, the series looks at how pop music evolves and why certain sounds or movements become so influential.

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

A billboard poster could show a collage of different visual elements rather than one central image. This might include microphones, crowds at festivals, studio equipment, neon lights, or silhouettes of performers. Using layered imagery would reflect how the series covers many different eras, styles, and ideas, suggesting that pop music history is complex and constantly changing.

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?

Because This Is Pop is a series, the poster would need to communicate variety rather than one specific story. Instead of focusing on a single moment or artist, the design might feel broader and more dynamic. It could use bold typography, multiple images, or abstract visuals to suggest that each episode explores a different topic, encouraging viewers to keep watching beyond just one episode.

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

Older audiences may be drawn to episodes about earlier pop movements, such as the rise of boy bands or iconic artists from past decades, which evoke nostalgia. Younger audiences are more likely to be interested in topics like Auto-Tune, streaming culture, and modern festivals, which connect directly to the music they consume today. This mix helps the series appeal to multiple generations.

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

To show that the series is more than just entertainment, the poster could use a clean, serious design, muted or contrasting colours, and minimal but striking imagery. Studio footage, archival-style visuals, or layered text could suggest research and reflection. This would signal that This Is Pop is exploring the cultural and social impact of pop music, not just celebrating it.

‹‹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?

The Greatest Night in Pop presents pop music as serious, emotional, and historically important, focusing on one powerful moment of unity.

This Is Pop presents pop music as diverse, energetic, and ever-changing, showing many styles and influences rather than one event.

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

The first image shows diversity through collaboration in a single moment, while This Is Pop shows diversity more openly by including multiple genres, artists, and eras.

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

The Greatest Night in Pop evokes nostalgia and respect, while This Is Pop creates a sense of fun, curiosity, and recognition.

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?

From The Greatest Night in Pop: emotional expressions, warm colours, strong central focus.

From This Is Pop: bold typography, collage layout, and illustrated visuals to show variety.

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

Both images use media language to show pop music as culturally significant, not just entertainment; one through emotional history, the other through breadth and analysis.

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

2. 2000s or 2010s pop artist promotion

3. Contemporary (2018–present) pop artist promotion

These may include:

• Tour posters
• Album or single promotions
• Music documentaries
• Streaming platform music content (e.g. Netflix, Apple TV)

Choose artists that are clearly representative of each era.

3) Media Language Analysis 

For each billboard poster, analyse how visual design communicates meaning and appeals to its audience.

You should analyse:

• Layout & composition
  (scale, hierarchy, central image, simplicity for roadside viewing)

• Typography
  (font style, size, era connotations, readability)

• Colour palette
  (neon, muted, monochrome, saturation and era signifiers)

• Imagery
  (pose, gaze, styling, realism vs performance)

• Branding
  (logos, streaming platforms, consistency)

Then, explain how these choices reflect the era of pop music being represented.

1) Clean, grid-based layout with a clear visual hierarchy, Central image is largest, signalling star power, Smaller boxed images reinforce ranking and chart success, Simple and balanced design suits roadside viewing, Reflects the 1980s as a commercially organised, chart-driven era

Bold, sans-serif fonts with capitalised headings, Large numbers emphasise ranking and competition, Connotes authority, impact, and industry legitimacy, High readability reflects billboard advertising needs

Muted, sepia-toned, near-monochrome palette, Creates nostalgia and a sense of retrospection, Signals historical importance rather than modern pop, Elevates artists as iconic, archival figures

Stylised, performance-based poses with confident gazes, Fashion reflects 1980s aesthetics (statement hair, bold styling), Images feel curated, not candid, Reinforces the manufactured nature of 80s pop stardom

Billboard logo adds authority and credibility, Consistent layout reflects institutional control, Links success directly to charts and sales, Reflects industry focus on mainstream dominance

Emphasises iconic stars, ranking, and spectacle, Fame is centralised and controlled by record labels, Visuals mirror the commercial priorities of the era

2) Busy, layered layout with overlapping images, Uneven spacing reflects fast-paced, fragmented media culture, Largest image at the top signals dominance and chart success, Multiple focal points encourage scanning, Mirrors digital, MTV, and internet-era consumption habits

Bold, blocky, modern fonts, High-contrast numbering emphasises ranking, Urban/industrial style connotes grit and authenticity, Name labels resemble street branding or album stickers, Prioritises impact over elegance

Black, white, grey with red and yellow accents, High contrast creates a raw, aggressive tone, Red suggests power and urgency, Yellow highlights key figures, Feels bold and disruptive compared to 80s nostalgia

Informal, expressive poses and confrontational gazes, Casual streetwear and minimal glamour, Suggests realism and authenticity, Documentary-style imagery blurs public and private identity

Billboard and “Chart History” branding remains prominent, Rankings maintain institutional authority, Rougher design shows adaptation to digital audiences, Branding is integrated rather than separated

Emphasises intensity, individuality, and emotional expression, Reflects hip-hop influence and digital media culture, Focuses on personal storytelling over polished spectacle

4) Representation and Era identity

Explain how each poster represents:

• The artist

• The music culture of the era

• Attitudes to fame, performance, and identity

Consider:

• Fashion and styling

• Gender representation

• Star image

• Youth culture vs nostalgia

• Authenticity vs commercialisation

Apply at least one theory, such as:

• Stuart Hall – Representation

• Postmodernism (nostalgia, pastiche, remixing eras)

1) Artists shown as larger-than-life icons, Supports Stuart Hall’s idea that representation is constructed, Aspirational rather than realistic portrayals

Mass appeal and mainstream success prioritised, Charts are central to defining value and achievement

Fame is something to be ranked and displayed, Performance is theatrical and stylised, Identity is tightly managed and brand-like

Bold, glamorous fashion reflects 80s excess, Reinforces traditional pop star archetypes

Strong hierarchy between artists, Star image is the dominant focus

Originally targeted youth audiences, Now functions nostalgically, celebrating legends

Heavy emphasis on commercial success, Authenticity is secondary to image and charts

Poster acts as nostalgic pastiche, 1980s repackaged as a recognisable visual style

2) Artists shown as individual voices, not distant icons, Supports Stuart Hall’s theory of constructed representation, Emphasises struggle, emotion, and authenticity

Genre-blended pop influenced by hip-hop and R&B, Charts still matter, but identity is prioritised, 

Fame appears hard-earned and contested, Performance is introspective and expressive, Identity is personal and confrontational

Streetwear and casual clothing dominate, Less glamour, more realism, Gender representation feels grounded and relatable

Built around authenticity and individuality, Artists positioned as generational voices

Primarily targets youth culture of the time, Now also appeals nostalgically to those who grew up in the 2000s

Still commercial through chart rankings, Greater emphasis on artistic credibility

Fragmented visuals reflect postmodern culture, Blends genres and identities, Now functions as nostalgic representation of the 2000s

5) Audience appeal

For each era-based poster, explain:

• Who the primary audience is

• How it may also appeal to other age groups

• How nostalgia is used to attract older audiences

• How modern design elements attract younger audiences

Link this directly to the documentary’s aim to appeal to “people of all ages interested in pop music.”

1) Older audiences who experienced 1980s pop, Emotional connection through nostalgia

Younger audiences attracted by iconic status, Clean design prevents it from feeling outdated

Muted colours and archival imagery, Emphasis on “biggest acts” triggers cultural memory

Minimalist layout and clear hierarchy, Suits modern audiences used to fast visual consumption

Combines nostalgia with modern clarity, Appeals to “people of all ages interested in pop music”, Bridges generations through shared pop history

2) Younger and millennial audiences, Connect through emotion, realism, and genre diversity

Older viewers attracted by Billboard’s authority, Historical framing adds credibility

Familiar artists and visuals evoke 2000s cultural memory, Frames the decade as formative

Bold colours and layered composition, Matches digital, high-impact visual culture

Balances authenticity with commercial success, Appeals to “people of all ages interested in pop music”, Bridges generations through shared chart history

6) Streaming services and industry conventions

Research how streaming services (e.g. Netflix) promote music documentaries.

Analyse:

• Common visual conventions (minimal text, strong imagery)

• Use of logos and release dates

• How platforms communicate where and how to watch

• How global audiences affect design choices

You may refer to:

• Netflix documentary posters

• Online promotional materials

• Billboard adaptations of streaming campaigns

Streaming services use minimal text and strong central imagery to quickly attract attention in digital and outdoor spaces. Posters usually focus on the artist’s image, creating instant recognition and emotional impact.

Platform logos (such as Netflix’s red logo) are clearly displayed to signal exclusivity and quality, while simple release dates like “Streaming now” create urgency and highlight easy access.

Streaming platforms clearly communicate where and how to watch by emphasising platform exclusivity rather than location, reflecting on-demand viewing habits.

Design choices are influenced by global audiences, with limited text and universal visual storytelling to avoid language barriers and appeal internationally.

When adapted for billboards, streaming campaigns maintain bold imagery, minimal information, and strong branding to ensure clarity and consistency across platforms.

7) Application to your coursework

This section must directly link your research to your final production.

Answer the following:

• How will each era influence the design of your three billboards?

• What visual codes will you use to differentiate eras?

• How will you maintain brand consistency across all three posters?

• How will you promote your band from Task One as contemporary pop?

• What design skills do you need to develop before production?

The 1980s billboard will use a clean, grid-based layout, muted or monochrome colours, and stylised performance imagery to reflect chart-driven, manufactured stardom. The 2000s billboard will adopt a layered, fragmented layout with bold typography and high-contrast colours to represent emotional intensity, individuality, and digital-era pop culture. The contemporary billboard will be minimal and image-led, influenced by streaming platforms like Netflix, using limited text and strong central imagery to reflect modern pop’s focus on accessibility, global reach, and brand identity.

Layout: structured grids (1980s), chaotic layering (2000s), minimalist composition (modern). Typography: bold, authoritative fonts (1980s), urban and expressive fonts (2000s), clean sans-serif typography (modern). Colour palette: muted or sepia tones (1980s), aggressive high-contrast colours (2000s), neutral or limited palettes (modern). Imagery: stylised performance poses (1980s), raw and expressive portraits (2000s), polished yet authentic visuals (modern)

A consistent logo placement, Repeated use of the band’s name and typography style, Similar framing of the central image, A unified colour accent across all posters

Using minimal text and strong imagery, influenced by streaming-service marketing, Including platform branding such as “Streaming now” to reflect modern consumption, Presenting the band as authentic yet polished, aligning with current pop trends, Using modern typography and clean layouts associated with digital-first platforms

Typography skills, including font pairing and hierarchy, Layout and composition skills for billboard readability, Colour theory to communicate era and mood effectively, Image editing and manipulation to achieve professional visuals, Brand consistency skills to maintain a coherent campaign

Planning and sketching

1) Plan the content for your first billboard poster:

• Title of the documentary film (must be NEW original mainstream music magazine you have invented):
• Name of streaming service the documentary will feature on
• Original image (the band you promoted for one of your TikTok music videos)
• Release date of the documentary
• Ways your billboard poster will represent the contemporary pop era
• Font style / colour scheme, additional design aspects:

NEXTGEN: The Sound of Now

Netflix

The main image will feature the band promoted in my TikTok music video.

Streaming 12 April 2026

Minimal text and strong central imagery, Emphasis on authenticity and personality rather than glamour, Clean, uncluttered layout influenced by streaming platforms, Focus on accessibility and global appeal, Blends professional polish with relatability

Font style: Clean, modern sans-serif, Colour scheme: Neutral base (black/white/grey) with one bold accent colour, Design aspects: Large central image, Clear hierarchy (title > band > release date), Netflix logo placed subtly but clearly, Plenty of negative space

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.

1) Costume: Modern streetwear (hoodies, clean trainers, minimal accessories) to reflect current youth culture. Lighting: Soft but professional lighting, possibly low-key with highlights to create mood. Actors: The band positioned confidently but naturally, suggesting authenticity. Make-up: Minimal and natural to reinforce realism. Props: None or minimal (e.g. microphone or headphones) to keep the focus on the band. Setting: Urban or neutral studio background to suggest modern, digital-era pop.

2) Costume: Bold outfits, statement jackets, retro styling. Lighting: High-contrast or dramatic lighting. Actors: Posed, performance-based stances. Make-up: More stylised to reflect excess and glamour. Props: Microphones or stage elements. Setting: Studio background with retro colour grading.

3) Costume: Casual streetwear (hoodies, caps). Lighting: Harsh or uneven lighting to create intensity. Actors: Expressive, informal poses. Make-up: Natural but slightly gritty. Props: Minimal or handheld items. Setting: Urban or textured background.

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.

Did it straight online instead of paper  

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:

• A3 landscape 

 

Photoshoot

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

One main subject

2) What camera shots do you need? Write a shot list or draw a storyboard for your photoshoots. Make sure you plan a variety of camera shots you will look to capture - medium shots, close-ups etc.

Poster 1: Medium shot, Subject from waist up, Direct eye contact with the camera

Poster 2: Close-up, Focus on face / expression, Strong emotional connection with the audience

Poster 3: Long shot or medium-long shot, Shows more of the body, Strong pose to suggest confidence / performance

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

Costume: Casual but stylish clothing (e.g. jacket, hoodie, plain top), Neutral or dark colours to keep focus on the artist

Props: None, or optional headphones / microphone if suitable

Make-up & hair: Natural look, Simple grooming (clean, neat, not overdone)

Location: Plain background (classroom wall, corridor, or outdoor wall)

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.

Lesson time / Midway through February 

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.

My submission focuses on the promotion of my fictional artist Kss, using a combination of TikTok video content and print billboard advertising to construct a coherent and authentic artist brand. Together, these products form a cross media promotional campaign that reflects contemporary music marketing practices and targets a digitally native youth audience deeply embedded in online music culture.

The TikTok content consists of three distinct but interconnected videos that foreground authenticity and personal insight. The first video adopts a “day in the life” format, presenting Kss in ordinary, behind-the-scenes moments to construct him as relatable and grounded. The second situates Kss within Keats House, a culturally significant and reflective setting, which frames him as thoughtful and artistically serious. The third video takes the form of an interview style address, allowing Kss to speak directly to the audience and articulate his creative identity in his own words. Collectively, these videos draw on established TikTok conventions such as handheld camerawork, direct-to-camera address, captions, and informal editing styles. This aligns the content with the platform’s user-led aesthetics while reinforcing Kss’s credibility as a musician rather than a manufactured celebrity.

In terms of representation, Kss is constructed as authentic and artistically committed. Close-ups, conversational delivery, and real world locations cultivate intimacy and trust. While the videos appear raw and unfiltered, this authenticity is carefully curated to ensure consistency across the campaign. This balances relatability with professionalism, positioning Kss as both accessible and serious about his craft.

The print component of the campaign consists of three billboard posters promoting a fictional Netflix documentary titled NEXTGEN: The Sound of Now, which explores the history of pop artists across different eras. One poster features Kss as a representative of contemporary pop, directly linking the print promotion to the TikTok content. The other posters focus on earlier eras, including the 1980s, using stylised imagery to signal pop music’s historical legacy. The billboard designs adopt a restrained, professional aesthetic consistent with Netflix’s documentary branding, ensuring the campaign feels industry accurate. While the posters differ stylistically from the TikTok videos, they share an emphasis on storytelling and authenticity, suggesting that the documentary and by extension Kss’s music goes beyond surface level performance to explore the people behind the music.

The target audience for this campaign is 16–25-year-olds, a demographic characterised by high levels of TikTok engagement and predominantly digital music consumption. This audience values authenticity, relatability, and cultural meaning. The TikTok content directly caters to these preferences through personal narratives and real locations, while the billboard posters appeal to a broader age range by situating Kss within the wider history of pop music. This allows the campaign to function across platforms while maintaining a clear focus on youth audiences.

Industry context underpins the campaign, reflecting the music industry’s growing reliance on TikTok as a discovery and promotional tool, alongside more traditional advertising formats. Digital convergence is central to this strategy: QR codes on the billboards direct audiences to Kss’s TikTok account, while the TikTok videos encourage viewers to explore additional content such as interviews and documentary material. This mirrors contemporary industry practice, where artists are promoted through interconnected media platforms to build a cohesive brand identity.

Overall, my products combine TikTok conventions, authentic representation, and professional print advertising to reflect the dynamics of modern music promotion. By integrating personal storytelling with large-scale promotional imagery, the campaign positions Kss as an emerging artist whose identity is rooted in authenticity while remaining embedded within contemporary music culture.