Rihannas Development As An Artist

(See Digipak Analysis Slideshow In Previous Post)
Over time Rihannas artist Identity has changed quite drastically, from the release of her first album 'Music Of The Sun' in 2005 and the release of her second album 'A Girl Like Me' in 2006 where she is depicted as a young, more innocent and fresh-faced girl (right), to her latest album 'Loud' which portrays her as being overtly sexual. During these years Rihanna was very simple and natural, and did not wear too much make up or have drastic hairstyles. She also tended to wear casual clothes that were not too over the top which reflected her simple and understated beauty.
The drastic change in Rihannas appearance and music, thus her brand identity, can be seen by comparing a few of of her videos, from her early years and present day where there is a very distinctive difference between her two images. This ever changing brand image can especially be seen in her video for S&M which has caused much controversy. It's offensive, sex orientated themes have caused it to
to be banned in over 11 countries.

Rihannas video for 'Unfaithful' in 2006
This early video of Rihanna shows a very different image in comparison to her more recent videos, her artist identity is a lot different here to how it is now. The way she is dressed is significantly different as it is plain - mostly black - and not as rebellious as some of the more controversial outfits that she is known for. For example, the X factor recieved over 4,500 complaints in December 2010, along with twitter and internet forums being flooded with comments, when Rihanna appeared on stage in a revealing outfit (below), pre watershed which outrage viewers who watched the family show.