The Open Door - Evanescence (Album Artwork)

Image
Composition:

• This particular Album Cover has not used the rule of thirds as the model, Amy Lee (Singer in the band Evanescence) is in the left side of the composition with the door as the name of the album is on the right hand side in the dark. This was probably done deliberately as it fits with the genre of Rock. It also adds to the surreal and fairytale like theme which is meant to be created.

Framing:

• Usually cover images are mainly portraits however this one is a wide/long shot. I think this is mainly to fit with the theme of the album title which is 'The Open Door'. By doing this shot type they are allowing this image to be shown of Amy being guided into the door towards the light which probably represents freedom or letting go.

Layout:

• The cover is mainly made up of vertical line and circles. Usually this would mean that this album could be about sense and all round togetherness which I think it is as I think it's an album meant to be about Amy finding freedom or letting go however, the lines of the door are bent and distorted which makes them look as if they are looming over Amy. This could give the impression of behind the door the 'journey' has been almost dreamy but more like a nightmare which she is trying to escape from.

Colour:

• The main colours used in the image are white, golden yellow (wall and writing), teal (the sky behind the door), black (shadows) and purple (on her dress and tints in the black).
• The use of the dark purple tints and in the dress contrasts with the golden yellow on that background as they are harmonising colours. They have also used these particular shades as they make it look like a Gothic fairytale which is quite popular for this genre of music. White and black in general are very stereotypical in music anyway as they contrast the dark with the light. I think they have made it 'lighter' towards the door as she is metaphorically stepping from the shadowy and moody to a happier her.

Lighting:

• The lighting of this image is very experimental. The sequence they have used has created a soft spotlight (made to look like natural but pure light) on Amy coming from the door which is symbolic of her 'freedom'. In contrast everything behind the door is dark and shadowy which is created but the harsher bright light from the door but also a sequence which would have been set up.
• In this set up they have used a Key Light on Amy and Also a harsh Back Light on her which creates a dramatic effect.

Text

• The typography used in the Album Title is a serif font with use of the bands signature font for their logo on the band name. It creates a dark/Gothic fairytale effect which is quite stereotypical for female fans or artists of this genre. It also has a biblical/christian theme due to the cross over the band name and this is supported by the fact they are a christian band.
• The position of the text is on the right hand side and towards the top. It also takes up about a quater of the cover. I think this is due to the name of the Album being very important to the band as it seems personal to them.

Summary
In summary the whole cover works well with the genre of music its aimed for as it's rebellious, dramatic and also personal to the band as most of this genre write their own music. The use of a long shot for the image is good as it makes the album notable as most use portraits however in this genre it is quite common for them to be more outrageous with videos and albums.