Taylor SwiftBy Emily Ratcliffe

Image

o Taylor Swift has established her star image through her appearance and the personality that comes through on her music videos.

o Her image connotes a fun-loving romantic young woman who has a ‘girl next door’ aura about her.

o This is shown through her bright red lipstick which has become her trademark, and youthful look. Some of her songs, such as ‘22’ are vibrant and fun, whereas some are more slow and romantic, such as ‘Last Kiss’.

Album Artwork

o The mise-en-scene in the album covers connotes positivity and fun. For example, high key lighting is used to connote happiness. Bright colours such as red, purple and blue are used to capture the attention of a passer-by, and connote the Pop genre.

o Taylor Swift’s star image comes through in these album covers with her poses and facial expressions. In all three she looks innocent and youthful, as opposed to many Pop artists who have a more sexually tinted album cover. This is due to her innocent expression. The album ‘Speak Now’ especially depicts her youthfulness as she is in a ‘princess’ dress which is brightly coloured.

o The album ‘Red’ features an extreme-close-up of Taylor Swift’s face. The lighting accentuates her lips, which are in the centre of the album. This draws the audience to the red lipstick, which is her trademark and therefore fans will recognise the album. This shows coherence with her style.

Videos

o I have screenshot three of Taylor’s songs. Going from top to bottom, they are ‘22’, ‘We are Never Getting Back Together’ and ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’.

o All three videos are shot with high key lighting and fast cuts to go along with the rhythm. This makes it seem lively and fun.

o The colour red features heavily in all three of the music videos, which links back to Taylor Swift’s trademark of red lipstick and also the album name of ‘Red’.

o In all three videos, Taylor appears energetic which would make her music more appealing for a younger audience who are interested in the Pop genre.