Analysis of NME Feature Article

The text I am analyzing uses graphology a lot to make the article interesting to the reader. The first thing that stands out are the big titles on the left hand page as they are a block font. This gets across to the reader that this is important informations as it tells the reader what they will find in the article. For example the title here says ‘the freshest tour in town’ which is backed up by a logo of the ‘NME Radar Tour’ so this tell the reader what the review on the other page is about. Another use of graphology are the pictures that assist the writing and the reason for the pictures being there is to try to make more out of what they have written about so that they can have a more varied audience and it isn’t just exclusive to people that were there. Also because the audience are teenagers to early 20’s they will want the pictures so they can picture what it was like. So by having the pictures there they can read about how the gig sounded and pair it with the pictures of what it looked like. Once looking past these two main parts of the graphology that stand out instantly there are even more uses that are deeper into the article. The next thing you can notice is the subtitle that leads into the article as it stands out more because it is bigger than the rest of the text and is an italic font. Which connotes to the reader a more relaxed attitude to the article and it creates a flow that leads straight into the main text. The colours used in the main article are simple with a white background and black writing on top this makes the article less in your face and gives it a more formal style. This links back to the audience as they aren’t going to want something that looks tacky and garish. Although the use of pink for the ‘main event’ and ‘big mouth’ column still attract the readers interest as it stands our more because of the plain background. I think this is a much more subtle way of provoking interest and manages to remain effective without the article needing to look over the top. The ‘big mouth’ column and the quote break up the article and stop it from looking over powering with text. This is effective at making the reader want to read it as it looks more pleasing on the eye and has different aspects of interest. The overall graphology of the article makes it seem relaxed which can present to the reader that the actual text is in a relaxed tone. This is presented through the overlay of everything, like pictures and text, and this presents a flow to the article and puts certain areas more in your face. 

The words that I have highlighted in yellow are the different types of phonology I have recognized in my text. Although this text isn’t a conversation there are some features of normal speech that appear. Fro example there are fillers with the use of ‘er’ and pauses with the use of ‘...’. These features are used to add an informality to the text and for it to relate to the reader as if someone is talking to them in conversation. This is effective because it means people are more likely to want to read it because it’s an easy read. This also relates to the audience as it focuses on teenagers to early 20’s so the features of normal speech appeal to them because they make the text seem simple and this relates to the way in which they talk. Another form of phonology that is used are rhetorical devices like alliteration with the example of ‘drunken debauchery’ ‘frosty fashion’ term-time tear up’ and ‘joining the jaunt’. These are used in the text to make it flow and to link certain things together so that they make more of an impact. Another rhetorical device that is used is repetition with an example being ‘through and through’. This is used to get the point across to the reader and in this example is to show to the reader that ‘it’s freshers through and through’ and is repeated so they get the point. Another rhetorical device that has many examples in the text are onomatopoeic words. For example ‘frosty’ ‘giggly’ ‘thunderous’ ‘freshest’ ‘shattered’ ‘scream’ ‘crash’ ‘crisp’ and ‘hiss’. A lot of these words are used in this text to create impact in different areas and in this example this is also used to create atmosphere and present to the reader as if they were at the gig. It also adds a more dramatic side which relates back to the audience as the age range of the audience are stereotypically likely to enjoy something more if it has added drama. 

The text I am looking at is a magazine article and it is a music review of three bands on tour. The purpose of this text is to entertain readers with the stories of the tour and to inform them on what the bands were like live. The article is written in the form of a factual story as it follows the events through in chronological order explaining to the reader what happened. It starts with an introduction into what is going to be discussed then leads into the middle section which tells us all the information about the two days of the tour. It then ends with a triumphant feel and an almost happy end to the factual story , and then the final sentence predicts what is next to come in the tour. The management of speech throughout the article is mainly done by the reviewer with added snippets from other people quoting what they have said. The structure goes in chronological order as it goes through each event as they happened. This is done to make it more realistic for the reader to imagine being there and keeps the whole article flowing. 

I have marked on the lexical choices in blue on my text. The lexical choice in this text makes it clear to the reader it is a music review through words like ‘venue’ ‘headliners’ ‘ballistic drums’ ‘tribal beat’ ‘orchestral krautrocky tip’ ‘icons’ ‘frontman’. This is effective because it keeps the same feel to the whole article and creates and atmosphere for the reader. Other words that are used to add to the atmosphere are ‘escapist world’ ‘whooping hordes’ ‘mayhem’. This creates the atmosphere of a different world in the music and captures the reader in. I think these specific words were used as they are all strong and have an emphasize in the text. The lexical choice also gives a specific image through words like ‘flashy glam stomper’ ‘picture of composure’ ‘vogueing’ ‘stage garb’. These words give the performers a stage presence and give them an image of perfection. This is effective on the reader because they then feel as if the performers have a higher status. The lexical choice here shows that the text is informal as phrases such as ‘term-time tear up’ and ‘deliciously overwrought’ show an informal use of language. This shows a relation back to the audience as it’s for teenagers and early twenties they don’t want to read a formal text, they want it to relate to the language they use. In this article there are slight bits of text on the pictures that add a bit of humour to it. I think this is effective as it gives the reader something to think about with the image and adding a bit of humour makes it a light read. This also adds another bit of entertainment for the reader if they can laugh at it as well as the other uses of lexical choices then it captures the audience in. 

In this article one of the main semantic fields is the semantic field of musical terms. This particular semantic field makes it clear to the reader that the article is on a gig review and it gets them into the atmosphere of being there. Some examples of this semantic field are ‘venue’ ‘headliners’ ‘ballistic drums’ ‘tribal beat’ ‘orchestral’ ‘frontman’ ‘whooping hordes’. Already just from hearing these words you can tell that they create an impact on the reader and leave them with the feeling of actually being at the show. Some of these words also have connotations of their own like ‘ballistic drums’ creates a sound in your head of this incredible drum rhythm almost like no other. Then words like ‘orchestral’ and ‘tribal beat’ create a different atmosphere as if the music has these stripped back roots to classical music but with the contrast of a big tribal sound. Another semantic field in this article is one that uses powerful words to create an impact like ‘term-time tear up’ ‘revolution’ ‘icons’ ‘escapist world’ ‘picture of composure’ and ‘mayhem’. These all create the impact of a new history being created right at this moment and that these artists are the start of it. This creates a drama which links back to the audience who want to read about something dramatic and exciting. Especially words like ‘term-time tear up’ and ‘mayhem’ that create the feel of rebellion and anarchy that instantly draws a teenage audiences attention as they don’t want to miss out on this kind of thing. Also words like ‘revolution’ and ‘icon’ have a powerful force of creating a new age that all young people would want to be part of. 

On my article I have marked the pragmatics on in pink highlighter. In this article the spoken interaction isn’t done in the standard form of conversation and is more quotes from what people have said. So even though in most of these instances we can’t see the question that is asked we can still clearly see the politeness in the response. We can see this through compliments ‘I loved it so much’ and through language such as ‘please’. There are also features of co-operative speech with enthusiastic responses and elaborating on the question that was asked. Even though this article isn’t a conversation so the need for speech isn’t necessary it is still effective because of the fact that it gives the reader an insight into what the artists think. So it creates a better connection for the reader and make it more interesting for them to read. Also the questions asked to other people that went to the show give the reader other people’s opinions that may interest them and even convince them to see these artists. As these utterances are only short in length we cannot really notice any implied relationships from them, as the only ones that are apparent are obvious ones between band members. Also again because of the length of the utterances there aren’t really any topic shifts and the topic loops all link back to the same thing. 

Analysis of Magnet Contents Page

Target Audience- The target audience for Under the Radar would be both genders aged at around 17-25 as this is the young generation who are most likely to get involved in up and coming sounds. The majority of target audience members would fall in the demographic band of C1-E. 

Layout- The layout on this contents page is effective because it has a clear structure with one image taking up the whole of one page this gives an appeal to the reader as it shows that there isn't a lot of writing. While the other page has a nice balance between images and text with it being spaced out in a way that splits it up so that there isn't a huge block of text together as this would put the reader off. The use of the clear header of 'contents' and the sub-headings for the other sections splits it all up clearly and gives some continuity to the page as it shows the layout is the same throughout instead of having sections that don't make any sense. I think this simple layout with the balance between text and writing links back to the target audience because they are a your generation that isn't interested in reading a lot of writing but instead would like to just get on with the magazine. 

Colour- On this contents page there isn't a lot of colour which makes it look rather boring as the main colours used are black, grey and white. This doesn't stand out at all to the reader because this isn't bold and it might just put them off reading it. The only slight use of colour on these two pages is in the images but this isn't much because in the images the models aren't wearing vibrant clothes that stand out enough to make the pages look appealing. I think this use of colour is something that could really be improved on because this shows that there isn't a real colour scheme to the pages and it almost seems as if not enough thought or effort has gone into it. This goes against the target audience because they are young they want things to look interesting and pleasing to the eye which the colours on this page don't do. 

Typography- The main use of typography on these pages is the use of the title to inform the reader what page it is and with this title being bold and larger than the rest of the text this is done well. Although the rest of the typography is rather simple with the the sub-titles for sections being slightly larger and in bold there isn't any real changes as the font or colour don't change at all. This again makes the pages look rather dull because there just isn't anything that jumps out at the reader to make them bother actually reading these two pages. Especially being this younger age range if something doesn't jump out at them to be worth while reading than they won't do it. 

Images- The variety of images on the page adds an aspect of interest for the reader as they show different parts that are going to be within the magazine giving the reader a clear overview. The use of one main image gives the pages a focus and shows that this is a main feature within the magazine so this may appeal to what the reader likes. As this image is a medium shot it works well with the other page too because it isn't close in on the face to stop the two from flowing together. The aspect of having more images also means that the reader doesn't have to read all the writing to find out what's in the magazine but they can see at a glance what they will find. As well as this having more images gives the connotations that the magazine won't be boring and will have a lot of imagery used within it. This links back to the target audience as they will want to see more imagery. 

Conclusion- Overall I think this contents page doesn't meet the needs of the target audience because it looks dull and doesn't appeal to the reader at all. It needs to be improved by having more vibrancy though colours and different typography areas to break it up a bit from all the black and white. As well as this maybe some stand alone sections may add more areas of interest for the reader. 

Analysis of Q Magazine Contents Page

Target Audience- The primary target audience for Q magazine is for both genders aged 17-25 as this is the age range that is getting involved with current music and want to know what is happening now. The majority of people reading this magazine would fall in the audience demographic at band C1 down to E.

Layout- The layout on this contents page is effective because everything is overlaid onto each other creating a full page that gives the reader lots of information. Although with the basic part of the layout being that the writing is on the outside of each page with the images in the middle and surrounding. This creates a more confined space for the actual information and gives the layout a structure that stops it from looking too busy. The masthead strip across the top ensures that it is still clear of what the magazine and means that this still stands out. The use of stand alone images and letters or boxes of information means that there isn’t any continuity on this contents page but rather than this making it look too busy and over powering it creates different areas of interest for the reader and gives them lots of snippets of the features within the magazine. This links back to the target audience as they want images to stand out to them and show what they are going to be interested in which is why this style of layout is so suitable.

Colour- The main colour theme on this contents page is red, white and black which links back to the general colour scheme of the magazine creating a clear brand identity to the reader. This basic colour scheme is effective because it’s simple it makes the contents page look professional while the brightness of the red means that it still stands out to the reader. Although on this contents page there are also many different colours involved in the images which means that these stand out to the reader and get their attention to what is going to be featured inside the magazine. There are also the subtle uses of colour such as the story headlines being underlined in red which means this makes them stand out and also certain page numbers being written in bold black means they are clear for the reader to see which makes the magazine seem inviting. These aspects of colour all link back to the target audience as they create a modern and interesting look that makes them want to read on as it looks pleasing to the eye. Also the uses of colour mean that certain stories stand out making it much easier for the reader to find what they want to which appeals to the target audience as they want their reading to be relaxed and easy.

Typography- Overall the typography on this page is simple because they don’t need to catch the reader’s attention as much as they do on the front cover. So here rather than typography being used to catch the reader’s attention it’s being used to create a style to the magazine by making all the writing the same or similar styles so that there is some form of continuity to the pages. The most effective part of the typography here is that bold writing is used as titles for each section meaning that this stands out more to get the reader to look at this section and then the un-bold information below tells them the details about the feature. This links back to the target audience as for their attention to be kept on this magazine it can’t all be different from each other as this makes it too busy and all over the place but with the continuity being in the text this makes them see that the part they actually want to read isn’t overly busy.

Images- The variety of images on this page makes it interesting to look at for the reader and is a clever way at showing them the features without using lots of writing. Although there are lots of images used here there is still one main image in the middle that is the focus giving the connotations that this is the biggest feature in the magazine. As these is a medium shot image it means that it can remain the biggest focus but still include the other images around it. As all these other images are stand alones it means that the reader can look at these and be attracted in by what they want. Also the element of having lots of images gives the connotations that the magazine isn’t going to be boring and full of writing but will have aesthetically pleasing aspects. This whole use of images links back to the target audience and shows that it meets their needs because they are at the age where everything needs to be fun, interesting and alive which this use of imagery certainly fits.

Conclusion- Overall I think that this contents page is fit for purpose because it portrays the needs of the target audience through creating a page that gives them all the information they need without putting it in a boring way. This links to the target audience through the fact that they want their reading to be relaxed and for the things they want to look at to be clear and easy to find. This is certainly done on this contents page because although it has the busyness of the stand alone images it also has the confined structure of the text itself which combines the easily findable information with the interesting and in your face imagery.

Analysis of Spin Magazine Contents Page

Target Audience- The primary target audience for Spin magazine is for both genders aged 17-25 as this is the age range that are getting involved with current music and want to know what is happening now. The majority of people reading this magazine would fall in the audience demographic at band C1 down to E.

Layout- The layout used on this contents page is quite simple with there being one main image and a column on writing beside it. This works well because you have the focus on the image making it aesthetically pleasing while giving the information needed in a confined space that doesn’t make it look too busy. The layout is also effective because it keeps some aspects that same as the front cover which makes it flow better. An aspect such as keeping the masthead on the contents page but taking some focus off it by having an image overlaid makes it clear that it’s still continuing from the same magazine and keeps that professional appeal because the brand is constantly made clear. Another aspect that is shown clearly in this layout is that each feature mentioned on the cover is shown on the contents page so that the reader knows easily how to find which article. This is effective because it means whatever story on the cover attracted them in they can easily find. This links back to my target audience because they are young people that are constantly doing different things at once so they to easily find things without having to search hard.

Colour- The simple colour scheme that is shown on the front cover has been continued here onto the contents page creating a flow between the two pages that links them together meaning that a professional aspect is being created the whole way through the magazine. As the masthead is still presented at the top of the contents page this adds the colour of the red and white making this one of the bold things that stands out on the page. Although with the image overlaid that was a slight bit of pink in it this adds a different colour into the colour scheme and means that the masthead isn’t as in your face as it is on the front cover. The writing is kept the same with the colours being black and blue which keeps this the same as the front cover and again creating that link between the two. The main difference between the use of colours from the front cover is the fact that the ones used on the contents page are all slightly darker including the actual background itself. This being because the front cover has already caught the reader’s attention so once inside it doesn’t need to be as in your face because you are already reading it. This links back to the target audience because the contents page starts to create a more relaxed this is what this age range wants from a magazine as something they can relax to rather than something that is too in their face.

Typography- The typography on this page is relatively simple as it doesn’t need to catch the readers attention it simply needs to inform them of what features are in side. The fonts that are used are all the same keeping to the column format of these features showing them as all being part of the same thing. The system used that works well is that the title is in bold so it still makes the reader look at it if it’s about something they are interested in. Then the writing below is slightly smaller and not bold to inform about what you will find within it. Also the page number it is in is in bold blue meaning the reader can quickly glance at the title and page number so they can easily find what they want without having to search for it. This links back to the target audience as this age range don’t want to have to read lots of information to find out what they want to know they need it to be clear and easily available for them which is why this style of typography suits them well.

Images- On this contents page there is a main image used that is the focus and this continues from the front cover by using the same model. This means that the reader is starting to feel the continuity that is being represented through the magazine and introducing the main features. The big difference though between these two images is that even though they are using the same model it is showing two completely different styles. With the fact that the one on the front cover shows the model as being an image of desire whereas this image on the contents page is more fun loving and is keeping away from this idea of the model being an image of desire. This connotes that the image of desire on the front cover was done to attract reader’s in but that once inside they wanted to create a more fun vibe away from this sex appeal. This image on the contents page disrupts Laura Mulvey’s theory of the male gaze because she is not an object of desire for other characters in the picture because there aren’t any but neither is she presenting an image of desire for the male audience because she is not posed in a ‘sexy’ manner.  

Conclusion- Overall I think this contents page is fit for purpose because it represents the needs of the target audience through showing the information of the features within the magazine in an interesting way. With the fun image creating a more relaxed attitude to the magazine compared to the front cover. Also the use of the layout with the typography creates a confined space of which to put the information without setting it out in a way that look over powering for the reader.

Analysis of Under the Radar Magazine Front Cover

Target Audience- The target audience for Under the Radar would be both genders aged at around 17-25 as this is the young generation who are most likely to get involved in up and coming sounds. The majority of target audience members would fall in the demographic band of C1-E. 

Masthead- The masthead that is used here is very subtle but still effective because it's larger and bold than the rest of the text meaning that is stands out the most. This masthead is subtle because it isn't a bold colour like red in the previous magazines I analysed but this can still work well as it makes it less in the readers face. As there isn't much text on this front cover that works well to ensure that the masthead is the largest text on the page as they want the reader to recognise the magazine's masthead. As the masthead is longer than just one word because of the name of the magazine the fact that is takes up the whole top left corner works well with the structure of the magazine and sticks to the genre convention of taking up an 1/8 of the page. This masthead links to the target audience because they are young they are constantly looking for new things and don't want everything to look the same. This masthead sticks to this because it doesn't fit any generics and is a very different style of masthead. 

Layout- The layout on this front cover works well as they have used an image that takes up the majority of the page they have managed to make the text work effectively round this. By layering text onto the image and only having a slight bit in the blank space this makes it look like there is less of the text and means that the cover doesn't look overpowered with text. As there is the use of one main medium shot image this sticks to conventions of a magazine and gives the interest to the reader as the image is what will make them pick up the magazine. The fact that the text is spaced around in different areas not only makes sure it doesn't look too busy but also gives different areas of interest for the reader to look at. This layout links to the target audience because they are a young generation so they want an image that interests them without loads of writing taking away from this. 

Colour- This front cover has an interesting use of colour the main part being the background colour being green instead of the usual white or black as this makes it look more vibrant and appealing. This vibrancy will attract the readers attention a lot more than just a plain boring colour would. The rest of the colour scheme is rather simple with the text being white and blue making this stand relatively clearly against the background. Although not so clear that the writing looks too in your face. The other colour details are done through the fashion elements on the cover models clothes as these create an added interest of different colours. I think these more vibrant colour uses link back to the young target audience as it presents them with something new that is more refreshing than the overused generic ideas. 

Images- The image used on this page is a medium shot which sticks to the common convention of using a medium or close-up shot for the cover. As well as this it sticks to the common convention of only using one main image on the cover as to give a clear focus for the reader and making it look more professional by not being over busy. This image uses a mix of models with male and female models making it appeal to both sexes rather than just one. This also disrupts Laura Mulvey's theory of the male gaze because this photo shows the males and females portrayed in the same way as the females pose is not anymore sexual than the males. This presents this magazine showing an equal side to male and female. This links back to the target audience both being male and female because a female audience member won't just want a sexual female on the front because it might not necessarily appeal to the same, and the same goes for the males. 

Typography- The most effective piece of typography on this cover is the use of the word 'Decade' being in a capitals as well as a large bold font because this makes it stand out as a main story and attracts the reader towards this information. Another part of the typography that is effective is the way it is spaced out in different areas on the page as this makes it look like there isn't loads of it therefore it isn't over powering for the reader to look at. Although this cover also doesn't have that much writing because a lot of writing wouldn't really fit into the style of the magazine. As well as these reasons a more simple reason for the typography looking effective is the fact that it only uses two colours this makes all the writing link together and gives more of a structure to it. All of these uses of typography link back to the audience member being young so therefore they are typically not going to want to have lots to read as they will be more interested in the use of images. 

Conclusion- Overall I think that this front cover meets the needs of the target audience well through the use of masthead, layout and imagery to name just a few. I think that through all of these things it's creating an identity for the magazine that breaks away from generic magazines and creates an individual magazine that is perfectly aimed at their target audience. 

Analysis of Q Magazine Front Cover

Target Audience- The primary target audience for Q magazine is for both genders aged 17-25 as this is the age range that is getting involved with current music and want to know what is happening now. The majority of people reading this magazine would fall in the audience demographic at band C1 down to E.

Masthead- This masthead is effective because with the use of red and white within a square it stands out against the image behind it, although because the image behind has a different shade of red incorporated the masthead doesn’t become too in your face. This bold masthead box makes it stand out to the reader so that it’s clear to them what they are looking at and makes sure that the magazine title is more likely to stick in their mind. The size of the masthead also makes it stand out to the reader as it sticks to the common convention of being 1/8 of the page so that it is one of the first things that the reader sees so that they know the brand this magazine has come from. The masthead also has a strapline that introduces the ideologies of the magazine and gives an introduction to what should be within the magazine. This links back to the target audience as they need to be attracted into reading the magazine and the best way is through a magazine masthead that grabs their attention.

Layout- The layout of this magazine is fit for purpose because it represents a professional magazine cover that has information on the contents inside without it looking too busy or in your face. This layout features the use of one main close-up image which sticks to the convention of a main image being used that is either a medium or close-up shot. The text is then overlaid on this close-up image which makes the whole layout fit together. As the text is overlaid in even spaces it makes the layout still look confined even if the text is over the image. The different sizes of texts add different areas of interest on the cover and ensure that the layout doesn’t look too busy or overpowering for the reader. This overall layout links back to the target audience as they want the magazine to look professional and appeal to their ever changing tastes.

Colour- The colour scheme on this front cover is effective because it remains quite simple with linking the colours to the image that is used. The masthead uses the colours of red and white which stand out clearly making this a main focus. The red also links to the colour of the models hair putting these two in a colour scheme together. The majority of the text is written in white making this clear against the image of the model which means the reader can see what stories are inside and their attention is attracted to these details. The other colour that is used slightly in the writing is a bright blue which is from the colour make-up on the models eyes. This idea of linking the colour of writing with the colours used on the model means that there is a flow with the use of colours on the front cover. This links back to the target audience as they want something to look good without looking garish while using colours that remain modern which is why these colours work because they aren’t too in your face.

Images- The main image used here is a close-up shot that adds a focus onto the model and makes her the centre of the magazine front cover. This works well because it means the reader only has one main image to focus on instead of lots of different ones that would mean the reader wouldn’t have a main focus losing the effect of drawing them in. The pose that the model is doing shows her staring straight at the reader this shows the image being used as a way to attract people in. Through the fact that she is looking straight at the reader it makes it a direct address for the audience meaning they might like the feeling of being involved and therefore continue to look at the magazine. With this magazine front cover as well you can again apply the theory of Laura Mulvey’s male gaze as although her pose is as apparent as the other image of desire on the Spin magazine front cover this pose still has that same image. As it’s almost as if she is staring lustfully at the audience as if to capture them in. This is effective on the target audience because of the use of direct address it means the audience member feels they are being spoken to personally.

Typography- The most effective part of the typography on this front cover is the fact that it’s all in white which links all the text together because it’s all the same colour. This also means that all of the text stands out clearly because the white is bold against the image behind it. The different size of text is effective as well because it means that even though the text is all the same colour the different sizes and slightly different font means that it looks different. The different sizes also show each different section meaning it is easy for the reader to look at the snippets of information they want to, so that they know what they will find inside the magazine. The different uses of typography add another element of interest to the cover that attract the reader’s eyes and make them interested in the stories featured on the cover.

Conclusion- Overall I think this front cover represents the needs of the target audience well through features such as the masthead, and use of imagery that show an up to date appeal to the magazine directed specifically for the target audience. Also the other aspects of the layout and colour scheme create the professional appeal that makes the target audience want to read it because it doesn’t look tacky or too busy but rather as something they actually want to look at. These all have the effect of making the magazine into a brand that they target audience are interested in.

Analysis of Spin Magazine Front Cover

Target Audience- The primary target audience for Spin magazine is for both genders aged 17-25 as this is the age range that are getting involved with current music and want to know what is happening now. The majority of people reading this magazine would fall in the audience demographic at band C1 down to E.

Masthead- The masthead here is effective because it uses the bright red colour to stand out against the white background. This makes it clear to the reader what the magazine is and makes the magazine title stick in their mind, especially with the fact that the magazine’s name is short and snappy. It also sticks to the common convention of a masthead taking up 1/8 of the page which makes it a decent size so that it is clear and easily readable. All these things make this masthead fit for purpose and appealing to the target audience. It is appealing to the target audience because it looks up to date and bold so that their eyes instantly are directed to it meaning they have a clear understanding of what they are looking at.

Layout- The overall layout of this magazine is fit for purpose as it sticks to common conventions such as the use of one main image as the focus with text fitting around this image. This layout ensures that the front cover doesn’t look too busy and keeps a professional feel to it. The text that is overlaid on the image is effective because it is all laid out in separate sections so that it doesn’t look overpowering for the reader and the different font sizes adds another element of interest. Also the fact that there is a slight border around the model herself so that none of the writing is too close to the main focus of the image making it all look confined and in the right place. All these aspects to the layout link to the target audience as it looks appealing to them because the layout looks professional without looking busy, but remaining the different aspects of interest with the different stories featured.

Colour- The colour used on this front cover is just a simple colour scheme but it’s effective because it again keeps the professional aspect and stops it from looking overpowering with garish colours. The simple colour scheme of having the masthead red and white makes this the focus so as to inform the reader of the magazine and keep this fixed in their mind. While the rest of the writing is black and light blue standing out nicely against the background giving the cover a theme and separating the sections of writing without using colours that seem to in your face. This overall simple colour scheme links back to the target audience and the fact that they want the magazine they read to look current and up to date. This colour scheme links into this idea with the fact that it remains modern looking and appealing to the eye of the target reader.

Images- The use of one main medium shot image on the front cover here sticks to the common conventions of magazine images with usually one main image either being a medium shot or close up shot. This is effective because it means the reader has one main image to focus on rather that lots of little ones all put together and making the front cover look too busy. One thing that can be noticed about the actual image itself is the fact that the female model is presented in little amount of clothing creating an image of sex appeal. This links into Laura Mulvey’s theory of the male gaze with the idea that women are presented in the media for just two reasons either as an object of desire for the other male characters in the image with them or as an object of desire for the audience that are going to be looking at them. I think in this case it’s the latter as they aren’t any other characters in the picture with her but from the clothing and pose that she is doing this certainly implies an object of desire for the audience looking at this front cover. This links back to the target audience but it mainly puts a focus on the male side of the audience. As the connotations of this image could be that it’s trying to attract in this male audience by presenting a women on the front in a desirable manner.

Typography- The different uses of typography on this front cover are effective for giving different areas of interest for the reader and make them look at all the different stories that are going to be included in the contents of the magazine. The main masthead itself uses bold typography and is a larger size which makes it stand out separately from the rest of the text. While all the snippets of information to get the reader’s attention into actually reading the magazine are all different sizes and slightly different fonts. The use of different sizes means some areas can catch the reader’s attention more than other while also being used to give a slight title or introduction to each little section of text. This means that the reader might see a large title maybe about an artist they like then read the bit of information underneath to see what it is about them. Also the use of different fonts works well because it separates each section but as they are all similar it still keeps a flow going between all of the text.

Conclusion- Overall from looking at this magazine front cover I have noticed that the use of common conventions assists the look of the magazine therefore making it fit for purpose. This is demonstrated through the fact that these common conventions create a professional and current magazine that meets the need of the target audience. The things that I have found that work most successfully here are the use of one main image so that the reader has something to focus on easily and the image needs to attract their attention in some way. Another thing that is effective is a simple colour scheme that adds to the professional aspect of the magazine and fixes the brand identity further in place continuing from the bold masthead.