Website construction on Wix

When creating our website, we used wix a free online platform which allowed us to use different templates and create a website for our artist.

 The website was so important when constructing our artists star image, therefore every little detail we chose and used was important as it needed to be visually engaging and be a good effective advertiser. Using Wix we placed social media links and key sections such as tour dates in obvious places so the website was clear and easy to navigate and make sense of, after all in the modern day an artist makes there most money from touring and selling tickets and merchandise. We placed emphasis on the colour scheme making sure it all links so our campaign fits as one, and the R&B Pop genre is therefore clearly conveyed throughout. 



We used Marzo as our main font on our website as it is clear and easy to read therefore helping our website look smart. We used a more relaxed freestyle signature font so it looks like our artists handwriting meaning our artist looks both ordinary and extraordinary and therefore keeping her audience intrigued and following her. 

Overall our website is so important as it helps promote our artist in the online age. 

How and why do artists use websites?

Websites are used as a platform to advertise their overall image; the idea is this links with Dyer’s star theory that a particular artist is there to project a certain ‘ideal’ or ‘image’.

Websites are important in terms of gaining a wider audience, as it encourages a large fan base through the use of selling things such as their latest album or concert tickets. It is important to hold on to the audience you have through updating key information regularly, for example the latest album and tour dates. This is crucial for the success of the website and the artist, as it means you have old and new fans that continue to come back.  

A website also shows that this artist is ‘official’ it is a good way of presenting their image in a way that they are taken seriously and respected.

The website can act as a channel for artists and fans to communicate, for instance by placing social media links on their website it enables fan to explore their image and latest information.

Artists can sell and construct their image on the website, which generally attracts companies to look at their image and helps in terms of branching out and making/receiving new important contacts to help boost their career.

Once again if we focus on Richard Dyer’s star theory the website helps to construct an image of that artist, whilst providing more information and news on what they are currently working on, or where they are touring. The use of live updates can help keep fans and businesses engaged into their up to date stuff, acting as an advertising platform.

The website acts as an ever-changing piece of marketing and advertising that as long as its kept updated, will secure an artist a certain following helping keep them relevant.

Overall the internet itself has been huge in securing artists a fan base and following. It is key in keeping a global following behind them, as their website can be accessible almost anywhere, at any time. Meaning websites are crucial to the success or development of an artist.

Shared Conventions

I am comparing Beyoncé (R&B) and Metallica (heavy metal).

The ingredients featured on the homepage of Beyoncé, is a striking image of herself, on the front portrayed as beautiful. Whereas Metallica has a fully edited over the top photo of the band, using bright over the top colours.

Metallica focus on the rock side of things, using bright colours and lots of black, red and whites which all connote anger and have a strong statement meaning behind them as to say we want to stand out.Whereas Beyoncé has subtle colours and uses black for her side bar, so that it is clear to for fans and businesses to find information.

VS 

Once again Metallica has laid out their ingredients in the most in your face way possible. It is super clear where to click, when looking for information whether it be looking at their latest tour, or reaching their Facebook or twitter account.

Beyoncé’s website is hugely juxtaposing as it focuses much more on herself, and her image linking to fans connecting with Dyer’s star theory. However, this means the side bar, is harder to locate and need to be found on the left hand side of the page, then it slowly reveals more information. This may link with the fact Beyoncé’s star image oozes sex appeal and mystery, whereas Metallica are there to be seen, and make a strong impression where ever they go.

In terms of where the two artist/band has placed their merchandise Vs their tour dates on the websites they vary hugely. Beyoncé has her tour dates hidden within the website, and it takes a while to fine them. Whereas she has her merchandise branded front and centre on the website, I believe this is because Beyoncé’s target audience appeals to females all over, and they wish to replicate her look, therefore selling her merchandise brings huge money, and her fans will eagerly find the tour dates anyway therefore to reach maximum profit from her website this is placed out like it is. 

Metallica’s fan base tends to be more males, who are stereotypically less interested in clothes, and more keen to find where they can see the band live and when.

Both artists/band advertise and layout their website in a way that is aimed to attract their target audience, and match their star image, therefore the different genres will inevitably have different styles of website to match their ‘ideal’ image the best.