Now let’s return to our own cover start thinking about its stylistic elements.

Now let’s think about the photography and try to discuss it using semiotic terms: what does it denote (states clearly in an upfront way) and what does it connote (imply, further layers of meaning)?

Reminder: signifier is the external shape of a sign and signified the mental image.

The first layer of meaning is a man represented as a thug. This a denotation.

But when considering, that this thuggish/punky man is a talented well established actor — then this ‘brutal’ aesthetic becomes a style of performance, an demonstration of one’s charisma in metamorphosis and playfulness.

This cover also might connote that a modern star or a modern man is allowed to experiment with different and maybe contradictory or even, controversial versions of style.

So it is important to describe what you see (denotation) and then explain what it might imply

Exercise 1. Describe in a few words what you see in this a photograph [denotation] and try to explain what this image signify — what stories and meanings are implied by this particular styling?

Exercise 2. Decribe some aspect of the outlay (Masterheads, cover lines) and explain what they might connote (imply)?

For example: the Main Cover line ask ‘Who is Robert Pattison’ — this connote that..

Exercise 3. Describe some aspect of the typography (size, style and colour of the letter fonts) and try to explain what they might connote?

For example, does the ‘splashy’ animated font (denotation) of the main cover line connote something? Why is it black? Does it contrast with something?

You can then download the power point below and transfer your answers there to the table that features on slide [5]