Reading an image

This type of text is a print advertisement for the brand 'Reebok'. The advertisement uses the subject matter of fingerprints which is shown on the right of the ad. The fingerprints connote identity and individuality as fingerprints are unique and all different. The advertisement may have used these images of fingerprints to establish the idea of identification and gives off the message that if a consumer purchases from their Reebok they will be seen as unique as their brand will add something different to their identity. The fingerprints also connotes the idea of criminals and the law which links to 50 Cent's background and past and a certain kind of lifestyle which a small number of consumers may be able to relate to. If consumers are able to relate to a brand then it will appeal more to them and therefore make them want to invest in their products.

This print advertisement also uses the subject matter of 50 Cent, who has been purposely framed on the left side of the ad so the consumer at first glance of this advertisement is made aware of what public figure is linked to this brand. In the close up image of 50 Cent he is seen to be wearing a camouflage print hat with similar coloured clothing which links back to army attire which may have been used to represent him as a soldier and a fighter which makes him look strong and dominant- this persona may be appealing to the audience of Reebok. He is also wearing what seems to be diamond stud earrings and a chunky silver chain which gives off an urban and edgy vibe which may have been included in his attire so that the audience will feel inspired and appealed to the type of lifestyle that is being portrayed. It also shows that he has overcome his past of poverty as he can afford to buy chains and diamond earrings however his casual attire shows that he hasn't forgotten how he started in life. This would make the consumer more likely to buy the product being advertised as it may appeal to their lifestyle, giving them hope and an idol. 

The shot of 50 Cent shows him to be standing at an angle to the side which makes him look powerful and inspiring- this has been used to appeal to the audience, he's almost used as a role model. The lighting in this advertisement is mainly focused around the main features on 50 Cent's face, exposing his facial expression which shows a sense of pain in his eyes but also gives off the impression that he's on a mission. His attire and the text on the ad is shown to be quite monochromatic and uses quite dark colours which look bold and raise the idea of power, strength and intensity. However another interpretation that can be made is that these dark colours also connote to poverty, struggle and hardships which links strongly to the written text on the ad and the background of the celebrity (50 Cent) who has been used. This idea of poverty may inspire consumers to use this brand because it represents overcoming our daily struggles through the use of 50 Cent.

 The text to the right of the advertisement is powerful because the word choice links both to 50 Cent's past experiences as well as promoting the product. The text has a discrete meaning expressing that the consumer should 'take advantage of today' and invest in the product because 'tomorrow is not promised' so the consumer may as well buy the product instead of delaying it because tomorrow it may just not be there. This text has been used to show that 50 Cent would not have the freedom and success he has today if he did not take advantage of every opportunity he was given. The font used for the text is informal and bold which would appeal more to Reebok's younger target market. The specific font used for the text is urban and edgy which may have been used as a representation of what kind of brand this is and the products they sell.

The main tagline is placed in the centre of the advertisement across the image of 50 Cent on the left and the images of the fingerprints on the right. The tagline has been placed in the centre as it is meant to be portrayed as the most important message on the advertisement and it is used in this way to inspire the audience - the tagline is supposedly based around 50 Cent and his life experiences, which is relatable to the audience as it teaches them that we can overcome obstacles and exceed others' expectations as well as our own. The fact that people feel as if they can relate to this makes this brand more appealing to them as its brand identities are presented as being strong, perseverant and resilient in life.

The overall layout of this print advertisement uses a range of urban imagery and text which would typically appeal to a younger audience. This brand has also deliberately used an urban celebrity for their advertisement to appeal to their target audience who are mainly lower class young males who may have experienced hardships and struggle throughout their lives. This brand also gives off the impression that their product will change lives and will create a sense of empowerment. However, the fact that Reebok mainly focuses on a certain group of people within society means that their audience is very specific and other types of people such as those of higher status may not find this brand appealing.