Dyer's Star Image

What is the Dyer's star theory?

Richard Dyers theory suggested that a star is not a real person but an image. This image is constructed through materials such as videos, artwork, performances etc. Stars are commodities and are produced as well as consumed on their meaning strengths. 

The star theory is based on two main paradoxes:

The first one is that the star must be someone to look up to as well as relate to. 

The second one is that we as an audience know who they are, what they stand for, but we don't get bored or sick of them. Actually it is the opposite and we want more music, interviews etc. 

What elements does it contain?

The elements it contains are products such as performances, videos, music, artwork, radio, TV shows, magazines etc. Sometimes labels create USP's for artists (a unique selling point) which creates a more iconic image that again can be used to sell product. 

The star as a construction -  the images of the artists that are shown through the media. Artists are shown as down to earth characters or crazy wild and unpredictable. This helps sell themselves to an audience (depending on who the target audience is). 

The star as a commodity - the star has already been constructed by the record label they are signed to in order to appeal to their target audiences. This image can then be portrayed in the media in order to sell product. Some stars refuse to sign to record labels as they do not want their image controlled (Macklemore). 

The star as an ideology - This is what the artist represents or believes in. For example Katy Perry was strongly sold to teenage girls (girly colours, more young and fun). We could see this in the outfits she wore and how she was dressed. 

An example of a star image

Billie Eilish is my example of this. Her star image represents a younger generation. She is perceived as cool, rebellious, different however also relatable (she is a teen herself). There is also a creepy and dark sense of her that is reflected in her music. It is well known that she writes music with her brother as he is a producer. Lots of products have been used to create her image.         

This is the cover from her most recent album which shows us that her music is deep and almost psychotic (scary). Her music videos follow a similar theme. 

She has also had appearances in popular magazines such as vogue and many others showing her image. Her hair has been dyed this unique colour combo the last couple years which stems into her products. 

     Her mercy even reflects this colour combo.

As well as this her insta gram follows a similar colour scheme, a colour scheme that has become extremely linked to her and symbolic of her.