The Use of Props, Costume, Hair and Make-up in Music Videos
- Mastering Media
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Props, costume, hair, and make-up are all essential visual elements in a music video because they help communicate meaning, establish the artist's identity, and reinforce the mood or narrative. These elements work together to create a recognisable style and can often tell the audience as much as the lyrics themselves. Importantly, they do not have to be expensive, making them ideal for A-level students working with limited budgets.
Everyday props found around the house or in charity shops can be highly effective when used symbolically. Mirrors can represent identity or self-reflection, while old photographs and picture frames can suggest memories or lost relationships. Vintage suitcases, clocks, books, vinyl records, and lamps can all create a nostalgic or retro aesthetic while adding depth to the story. For example, Olivia Rodrigo's "drivers license" uses familiar locations and everyday objects to reinforce themes of heartbreak and isolation, proving that simple props can create a powerful emotional response.
Costume is equally important because it immediately communicates genre, personality, and status. Clothing choices help create a star image and make an artist memorable. A leather jacket and boots might suggest a rock or indie style, while oversized hoodies and trainers could create a casual, relatable image. Charity shops are excellent places to find unique jackets, vintage dresses, patterned shirts, or accessories that make a performance visually distinctive without a large budget.
Hair and make-up also contribute to meaning and audience expectations. Natural hair and minimal make-up can make an artist appear authentic and approachable, while bold eyeliner, colourful hair, glitter, or dramatic make-up can create a more stylised or theatrical identity. In Billie Eilish's "bad guy," her oversized clothing, distinctive neon hair, and bold styling became part of her recognisable brand and challenged traditional ideas of female pop stars. Similarly, Lady Gaga's music videos often use exaggerated costumes and make-up to express themes of performance, identity, and individuality.
Students can recreate these ideas using inexpensive cosmetics, temporary hair colour sprays, face gems, or accessories already available at home. Even small changes, such as a change of lipstick colour, messy hair, or a different jacket, can signal a shift in mood or character, By carefully selecting props, clothing, hair, and make-up, students can create a consistent visual style that supports the lyrics and narrative. These choices help communicate meaning, establish genre conventions, and build a strong artist identity, demonstrating that creativity and planning are often more important than having a large production budget.
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