Double page spread 1

This is a double page spread for the magazine ‘Bass’. It’s all about bass music and this particular double page spread is a selection of interviews from different bassists. Each interview has its own section on the page and it’s all placed in columns so the layout is very clear and simple. It makes it seem like there is less writing then there really is, which is good because you don’t want to be loaded with too much information all at once. For each different person’s interview, there is a photo of the subject so you know who they are talking about. The ratio of image to text is quite good because there are 6 images but they are all around the edges of the pages so it looks like there is a lot of writing in the middle, I think they should be more spread out, perhaps a few in the middle.

There are sub headings for each different section which shows where one column ends and another begins and tells you the name of the person who that particular section is about. My eye is drawn to the pink section because it’s in a different colour to the rest of the page and boxed off from it. However, without it the page would looks quite plain and boring as it is black and white and even the pictures are in dark colours, which aren’t exactly eye catching. The font is clear and simple which is good to read and as it’s laid out in columns it is very easy to read.

The whole point of this spread is to tell you what bassists do, ‘in a minute or less’ and it has included six different people who are telling the magazine what they do in that time. The form it’s in is the people just describing it, so it is first person and interview style. The only sub headings used are to say who it is about.

The images used are quite dark and they show the people included in the article. Most of them are pictures from a show they must have done whereas some are professionally taken in front of shops or scenery. The clothing is mostly rock style as that genre of music commonly uses bass. The target audience would be people who like bass music as the article is in a bass magazine, and it is revealing some more information about people that might be looked up to, appealing to the readers more inquisitive side because it’s showing them more about their idols.

Contents analysis Five

        

 

 

•  This contents page is for the magazine ‘Rock sound’, which is clearly a rock magazine. Its spread over two pages which is a common theme in magazines and it includes many images and different sections that have been boxed off to separate them as well as the section ‘all your favourite bands’ which has the content in two columns, each page number accompanied by the band name in red capitals, and providing more information about what you are going to read in a small paragraph beneath it.

·         The main image is a picture of the band ‘all time low’ who were also the main people on the front cover. This is then surrounded by pictures of different artists in their own little sections and what appears to be an editor’s letter under the bar at the top saying ‘contents’ (so you know what page you are on). The images provided have the page numbers and who they are written over them, so you can find the specific content you want in regards to the picture that interests you.

·         The colour scheme is very simple and plain using just white, red, yellow and black. The yellow is used in boxing and it makes the content appear more important as it separates from the main hub of the information. The red provides clear divisions between the magazine sections and also emphasises certain words to show their importance.

·         I like the layout because of its simplicity and the use of different colours that are all quite common and plain, but also multi gender friendly. The amount of pictures is good because there are just enough to show a few important stories but not too many that it becomes cluttered and overlaps so much that you can’t understand what its showing you.

Contents analysis Four



·         This contents page is only one side, compared to majority of the magazines I looked at which were usually over a double page. The effect of this is that all the information is more condensed, with only one column and one picture as well as the description of the free gift that came on the front cover, in this case being a free CD.

·         There is just one column entitled ‘VIP’ which has all the page numbers under it so you know where each of the articles are in the magazine meaning you can go to the one that interests you the most immediately. Each different article has a main title in capital letters which segregates the sections and the small description underneath provides the information you need to know what it’s about.

·         The one main image isn’t the same as the one on the front because it just has an unknown woman dancing and the page number with a small caption to what she represents. However, this is a dance music magazine so it’s just advertising the magazine’s genre.

·         The traditional title of ‘contents’ is clearly displayed at the top, along with the magazines name ‘mixmag’ and the date of its release ‘September 2012’ also at the bottom they have provided a website so you can keep up to date even when the latest issue hasn’t been released. The colour scheme is mostly black with white writing which creates a clear contrast and then the colourful image adds a more fun appeal to it. The different fonts used gives it a more laid back visual approach whilst making it look good and arty, like the style of music it is portraying.

·         There is no editor’s letter on here or extra photos showing more of the articles inside and I think that is unusual and the lack of visual stimulation makes it more boring to look at. I think that they have tried to focus their efforts on the actual magazine and what’s important like feature articles and photo galleries.

Contents analysis Three

·         This contents page has a slightly different layout to the other ones I have looked at so far. It has more pictures that are all over the two pages and a much cleaner appearance. It has some clear columns of different articles like ‘gear reviews’ and ‘special features’. This particular section should interest people as you want to know exactly what is so special about it. The formation of the page is very simple and easy to navigate which is good.

·         Mainly the left page is pictures which have been anchored with page numbers further in the magazine so if any one picture particularly interests you, especially if they are your favourite singer or band you can find them easily.

·         Each section under the headings is broken up into sub categories which have the basics about the article in the small title and then a little more explanation but not too much, just enough for you to want to read on.

·         The use of different font colours creates a more aesthetically pleasing look and separates the different sections quite clearly. They have also included the competition that was shown on the front cover so you know exactly where in the magazine it is and it will encourage more people to read into it to find it.

·         I like the layout because it’s very simple and visual so not too much writing and the different categories are a good way of breaking down what the magazine is all about. The largest image is showing the people who are on the front cover again at roughly half the size of the left page so symbolise its importance.

Contents analysis Two

This is the Q magazine contents page. You can clearly see it is as ‘contents’ is written at the top and what issue you are reading (275) on the right hand side. The layout is quite clear and easy to read, with pictures making it more interesting.

I can see two main columns of what’s involved in the magazine which are ‘features’ and ‘regulars’. The features are the new bands or singers they are introducing whereas the regulars are things like competitions and quizzes.

There is an editor’s letter in the form of ‘Q review’. It’s showing the editor’s views about the enclosed bands and stories giving some insight into what readers could be thinking and revealing highlights of what you are about to read. The title of the Q review is in capital letters which makes it obvious on the page and it has its own section which also sets it apart from the rest of the writing.

There are pictures advertising the bands inside and the person who was on the front cover as he was clearly important and will have a feature article inside. The use of pictures makes it look more exciting and attractive for reading. The man’s pose is unusual as he is not facing whoever would be reading the magazine but looking away as though in thought and you can set the set he is on which makes him seem more real and relatable.

The page numbers are shown on the pictures to anchor them in the magazine and so you know where to find them if you think they look particularly exciting.

Contents analysis One

Front cover textual analysis five

front cover textual analysis five

For my last magazine front cover textual analysis, I am doing this mixmag issue from September 2012. The masthead is at the top of the page, and even though the models head is partially obscuring it, you can still tell that beneath him it says mixmag. The selling line ‘the world’s biggest dance music and clubbing magazine’ is at the very top which gives you an automatic expectation of what’s inside.

I really like the colours used in this magazine as it is pale and almost looks like a painting because of the way the man’s head merges with the background. I think this is quite a contrast to what the content will be as you know its dance music which is fast paced and anything but calm as shown in the picture. The models pose makes him seem as though he is deep in thought or contemplating something which could be to show how seriously he takes his music.

The coverlines are on both sides but I would say more are on the right which is unusual as it would normally be on the left, obeying the rule of thirds.
Clearly ‘sub focus’ is the main coverline and it has been directly related to the model as it has been placed over him. The dateline is at the bottom next to the barcode which is where it normally is on any magazine, even ones that aren’t music. The colours used for the coverlines are mainly black, white or a pale yellowy colour. I like this colour scheme because it complements the background picture and is very clear and relaxed. The fact that each coverline is in a box separates them so it is clear when the information changes and the use of capital letters makes them more obvious. It hints at what is inside without giving too much away and is all about the music which is generally what people will want when reading that magazine.

I can’t see any competitions on the front cover but there is an offer for ‘20% off beatport downloads’. Competitions are normally used to attract people to the magazine but I think they are gaining readers for the content as it says it’s introducing ‘bass music’s new superstar which lovers of that music will be interested in.

I don’t think this magazines front cover really gives someone who has never seen it before the impression that it is for dance and clubbing music but I actually quite like that because it would make people pick it up wondering what it was all about which gets them more interested. I like the layout with how each coverline is in its own little box and that you can clearly see which one is the main coverline. Also the font is very clear so there’s no mistaking what is being written which is another aspect I like.

Front cover textual analysis four

Front cover textual analysis Four:

 The main image on the cover of the rolling stones is Robert Downey Jr. He’s maintaining eye contact with whoever is buying the magazine which makes it feel more personal. He's dressed in a hooded jacket which is very relaxed. The connotations that are associated with this image are strength, wilfulness, determination and power. The slight frown makes it appear as though he is focussing on the distance or something the reader cant see.
The jacket is orangey-red and the main coverline states ‘to hell and back with Robert Downey Jr.’ this gives impressions of fire and heat which links back to his image. He’s also not that neat in the picture maybe because his general image is scruffy and he’s seen as an everyday relatable man. All the coverlines are in the left third, leaving the majority of the main image untouched. In shops some magazines are stacked so you only see the left third, so this attracts potential buyers.
The use of boxing separates the one sentence ‘Matt Taibbi follows the money’ from the over coverlines and it is on the other side making it appear more important. The dateline is above the masthead, black writing against a white background making it very clear and obvious to read. The use of intertexuality (in the dateline it has a web address) means you can stay connected to the magazine even when it’s not out. The contents is very male related compared to female magazines as there is a story about a massacre and there are well known men’s names on the front (Michael Moore, Matt Taibbi) and they are politicians or important people whereas women’s magazines ease you more cautiously into stories about murder and normally replace the important stories with gossip or smaller scale news.
The font used is very clean cut and clear, and the actual words get straight to the point. As the background is white the writing is clear and the main coverline is in a different colour and actually on the image so you can tell that they are directly related and being shown off as the main story. The masthead ‘Rolling Stone’ is in a different colour from the coverlines and has a shadow to make it literally stand out. It’s in a different font, one that’s more fluid and gives the impression of rolling; as the ‘r’ goes under the ‘o’ to join the ‘l’ that smooth movement makes the letter seem to move.
The magazine itself is worth £3.50. Compared to majority of magazines that is fairly expensive however a few are actually more expensive, like high fashion women’s ones. By using this price I think they are making their target market roughly 25+ yrs instead of 15-25 yrs because at the slightly older age you are more interested in stories about politics and the world you live in compared to perhaps teenage boys that don’t want to hear serious things like murder and campaigns.
I like the simple layout of this front cover and the fact that it’s not all completely music but has stories about things people might want to hear or are interested in as it could change their future. I like how direct the models gaze is and how not too much of what’s inside is revealed on the front so you want to buy it to see what else is inside.

Front cover textual analysis three

Textual analysis Three: Kerrang! magazine

This is a well-known rock music magazine, as showed in the title as it is the noise associated with strumming all the notes on a guitar, an instrument that is commonly used in rock music.

There is a lot going on on the front cover, mainly a large selection of pictures. The main model is hiding part of the title which could make it hard to read what the magazines masthead is, unless you habitually buy the magazine every time it comes out so you immediately know anyway. She is also hidden by the main coverline ‘the photos they didn’t want you to see!’ so you can’t see much of her, but her face is on full view so you definitely would recognise her if you knew who she was, and would buy the magazine for some information about her. The main coverline hints at previously unseen pictures of your desired bands being revealed and fans always want more material on their favourite singers or bands so that they can feel like they know them more. This obviously attracts buyers as it gives them a chance to learn more.  Its general house style is always like this, the front cover absolutely covered in pictures to advertise all the different bands and singers shown inside with different colours and a slightly eclectic layout.

It doesn’t have a sell line but I think because there is so much on the front you don’t really need one as also the contents change each issue. There is a range of fonts and colours in use which makes the front cover appear even more cluttered but if you look closely, it’s still quite organised. The use of boxing sections each picture so you know which part is related to which and don’t confuse the descriptions with the wrong pictures. I can see two competitions available on the front, one inside a puff and one on a picture, and if it was something that people really wanted they might even buy the magazine just for that.

It’s hard to say whether the magazine is obeying the rule of thirds as there is quite a lot all over the front cover but you can clearly see the first part of the masthead and some of the bands on that side so it would be recognisable from a shelf in a shop. Also one of the competitions is on that side which would further attract potential buyers.

I like the front cover of this magazine because of how much is going on you feel like you’re immersed in it even though it’s only the very first thing you see, and the content is shown really well with all the pictures spread out. I like the use of different font types and colours, which draw certain things to your eye first and are very bright so you would be able to see it from quite far away and as most of the colours are used frequently used you could even recognise it just from them.

Front cover textual analysis two

Front cover textual analysis Two: Acoustic magazine

My second textual analysis is ‘Acoustic’ magazine.

The masthead is clearly visible at the top of the front cover and has a good contrast of white writing on blue background, making it stand out. The selling line is ‘The UK’s only dedicated acoustic guitar magazine’ which tells you what the whole magazine is about. The coverlines are all mainly on the right hand side so that the models shown are not obstructed and you can see them fully. They themselves are wearing dark clothes so the main coverline, ‘the proclaimers, after walking over 500 miles, they’re back sounding fresher then ever’, is very noticeable and clearly their main selling point.

The dateline is at the bottom just above the barcode so all the information you need is all in one place, when the magazine came out and how much it is.  The two men are looking at the reader with a direct mode of address. Because of their dark clothes against a light blue background, they are even more obvious as the main selling point. The image is iconic because it is just a portrait of the two men.

I would say that this magazine appeals to anyone with a love of acoustic music, regardless of gender or age because the singers on the front aren’t that young and although one of the coverlines says ‘Jason Mraz’, there is a lot of information on guitars which would apply to guitar players of any type.
It’s not following the rule of thirds as majority of the coverlines are on the right, where they would be covered up by other magazines on a stand. This could be because the models on the front are in the way and the editors didn’t want to cover their faces with writing, or because most people who get that magazine will buy it without needing to know too much of what's inside as they just automatically get it every time it comes out.

There is a competition in a puff at the top, saying how you can win an amp which appeals greatly to anyone with a guitar.

I think this magazine is good for who it is aimed at as it has a very simple layout but I would say it was a bit too simple and they should have something else to make it more interesting looking, like different fonts or colours, maybe even more competitions. The artists on the front are quite well known which is good as it would potentially attract more people to buying it and I like that the colours are multi gender friendly and clear. I would personally try to spread the coverlines out more though because they are all crowded onto one side and I think it’s too much information in one place.

Front cover textual analysis one



Front cover textual analysis One: Q magazine

The masthead is very clear on this magazine, even though it is slightly hidden behind one of the models arms. The fact that it is simply one letter also makes it stand out amongst other magazines and could symbolise that the content inside is short and straight to the point. It’s white on red which are stark contrasts and can appeal to both genders as they are very androgynous colours.
The main dominant image is 3 singers that are well known in the music industry doing different poses that all connote independence, strength, power and confidence. The background setting is white, so that nothing draws your eye away from the main image and makes the coverlines stand out more. Their clothes are black, Lady Gaga’s are revealing to appeal to both males who like her and females who aspire to be her. However her clothes are quite simple and fun which hints at her style of music, which is pop. Jay-z’s clothes are also simple but the chain round his neck and stand offish pose clearly shows a darker side, as his music style is rap. Dave Grohl is slightly hidden away but you cans see that his clothes are also black and he is holding his guitar. The fact that it is all black and he has some jewellery can signify that he is a rock artist. These pictures are very iconic as there is no mistaking who they are.
There is clearly a left third and even the masthead is on that side to make it even more obvious on various newsstands. The main coverline is in that section, advertising what singers will be in the magazine and who has interviews. It gives something to entice you into picking up the magazine to see what else they have to offer.
The magazine doesn’t appear to have a selling line but it could be ‘the 10 most exciting people in music now’, a line that changes with each issue.  The use of a puff draws the reader’s eye to what is written in it, which is normally a competition or some more information of what you can expect in the magazine.
I think this magazine is aimed at young people, most likely the age range of roughly 15-25 as the artists included are all quite young themselves, also the clothes that they are wearing are all quite fashionable and new styles to appeal to a younger generation.
All together the magazine works because the writing styles complement each other and the colours do to.  Because of the singers and the layout you can tell the magazine is mainly popular music, but also things that an average person with no particular type of music they prefer above any others would enjoy as it’s clear and has a range of music styles.
I like this front cover because of how simple but effective it is at selling its product and getting straight to the point as to whom and what it is about. The fonts are large and clear and the colours are not specifically aimed at one gender or the other. It has popular singers on the front which would appeal to everyone who knows or has heard of them, or just recognises them from somewhere.

college magazine evaluation

Evaluation

During this project I created a front page and contents page of a college magazine, aimed at the students that would be going to the college. It was the preliminary task to the music magazine and it has really helped me develop my skills with Photoshop and shown me how certain magazines should have a certain layout.

I aimed it at the students so the age band would be 16-18 years old. I tried to overall make it sophisticated but not so much that it’s uninteresting to read. I tried to make it appealing to both girls and boys by including things that would attract both genders, for instance the media trip to comic-con should attract boys but the information that could potentially be revealed about the teachers should interest every girls typically ‘nosy’ side, along with the photo gallery. I also feel the colour I have chosen (red) is quite good for either gender, as its not specifically aimed at either like pink and blue are.

 The issue I have made is slightly media orientated, as one of the main coverlines is a media trip to America, however the competition also shown is to win Glastonbury festival tickets, which would appeal to anyone with a love of music.  The target audience is the college goers in general and I believe I have appealed to them well by including things that are interesting like the NUS extra card and the upcoming events that they have to look forward to. The competition is also aimed at younger people because it’s to a festival. I didn’t want it to be aimed at teachers or parents because they aren’t the people who the actual college is aimed at.

My front cover photo is a close up of a girl behind a psychology magazine. You can tell she is smiling behind the magazine due to the shape of her eyes. She is reading a psychology magazine, which gives the impression she is clever, as do her glasses. The connotations of this image are fun, happiness, knowledge, cleverness, studying, joy and innocence.  The title ‘Academic’ further shows the knowledge that can be gained in college, as does the reflection of books in the models glasses. I like my college magazine but if I was to improve it, I could have put on more coverlines so you get a larger hint at what’s inside. After showing the magazine to my friends the replies for improvement were that I should have put the competition on the front in a box. It would have made it more eye catching and obvious that it actually was a competition and not just another coverline. Another enhancement for making my magazine better would be including more information in my coverlines, as some of them could be rather cryptic as to what they involve. For the contents page everyone really liked the layout, as it was clear and easy to find the page you wanted but it was a bit too sparse and could have done with more photos to advertise what the college was really like.

I was asked to try to include different fonts or colours to make my contents page more interesting and I think I achieved this without making it look a bit tacky. I also included a photo of the college sign to really show which college its for and to create a sense of welcome as it’s the entrance sign.

Overall I feel like I have created quite a good magazine, which I feel looks professional and interesting and appeals to my target audience, the students.  

Creation of contents page

Creation of front cover

College magazine contents page

My college magazine