Double-page spread analysis 3 (Q magazine)

Q magazine have used a less conventional approach to their double page spread layout. One image has been used, however, it is in the top right corner of the page and the article is in columns around it. Also, a border has been used around the edge of the page(s). This suggests that the articles featured in Q magazine are more intellectual than articles featured in other magazine (such as Kerrang! or NME for example).

The colour scheme is consistant with the front cover and contents page too as the text is red and black. This helps to deceive the audience into thinking they have a relationship with the artists featured in the articles and the people who work for the magazine also. This synthetic relationship convinces the readers to keep buying the magazine in the future. Moreover, the lights on the image attract the audiences attention to the image which contrasts with the eyeline of the image as it isn't directly to the camera lense, therefore, this combination attracts more attention.

Double-page spread analysis 2 (Kerrang!)

Kerrang magazine have also used the conventional layout as one main image monopolises the majority of a page. However, there are 3 other images featured in the double-page spread too. This shows other aspects of the bands life as not all of the pictures show My Chemical Romance performing live on stage. Also, the colour scheme is mainly black with a little bit of red and white. This helps keep the magazines housestyle, moreover, it represents the band as their image is usually dark and mysterious, therefore, dark colours are usually used throughout their clothes and album artwork etc and the red connotes multiple things such as romance, anger and blood-therefore violence and death. These emotions can also been seen throughout their songs. Also, the images are in black and white/grey scale which implies to the reader that they are, once again, a mysterious band. Furthermore, there is a caption with each image giving a brief explanation of what each image is showing. This helps to clarify what the reader is thinking if they are not 100% sure.

The headline is in a bold font which is a very similar font to the title of the magazine (Kerrang) which is featured on the cover. This means the font will be recognised by readers of Kerrang instantly and it helps to keep the continuity throughout. The headline is in two separate colours (red and white). The white text reads: 'the best MCR' which makes sense when read without the red text, moreover, it implies the bands latest work is better than anything they have done before, this is then backed up when the red text is added as the red text reads: 'we're being we can be' which creates the headline: 'we're being the best MCR we can be'. The anchorage underneath the headline is also white with the band name in bold. This makes the band name stand out on the page catching the readers attention.

Furthermore, the article is laid out in two columns under the headline and is once again in a white font. The column technique implies to the reader that there isn't a lot of text despite the fact it could continue on the next page(s) as the feature is a big deal in the rock and alternative music industry. Moreover, the white connotes innocence and purity, therefore, it suggests the article is innocent and pure, however, this is opposed with the black background it is layered on to and the large red 'M' at the beginning of the article.

Penultimately there is a section down the right third of the page which is a white box headed 'new MCR tracks the lowdown'. This feature then tells the readers of Kerrang what the staff at Kerrang magazine think of some of the new tracks from My Chemical Romance's new album. This could persuade the readers to either buy the new album-because the reviews are positive or to make their own mind up about the album-however, it could persuade them to not buy the album as the reviews are negative or the reviews make the songs sound like something which the individual wouldn't personally like.

Finally, page numbers are situated in the outside bottom corners of the pages which makes it possible for the readers to find the article quickly. Also, there is a 'news' box in the top left corner of the page. This box features the web address where readers can go to to find out more information on this feature and other features in the magazine. Moreover, there is a red tab at the right hand side of the 'news' box headed 'world exclusive'. This has a red background which once again makes it stand out on the page, and the white text implies it is pure, therefore special and something which others havn't used before. This encourages the reader to read the article as quickly as they can to try and be the first one to 'use' the information which has been presented on the page.

Double-page spread analysis 1 (NME)

NME magazine have used the conventional double-page spread design for their magazine. They have a large image monopolising one page and the article on the other. This helps to attract the audiences attention when they are flicking through the magazine as the image will stand out at a glance compared to the text. Therefore, the image is on the right page and is in colour; red and black mainly. The colours used also keep to the housestyle of the magazine along with suggesting things about the artist - Lily Allen.

The headline is a clever way of showing attitude, moreover, representing the type of person Lily Allen is. The capital font used shows she likes to be noticed and the bold used helps to show that too. Also, the black, newspaper, anonymous-letter font connotes mystery and danger. This is then backed up by the use of black and red and the pose in which Lily is stood. It also suggests the article is going to be very truthful as the headline is a quote taken from something Lily has said within the interview. Despite using the word 'honest' in the quote, it isn't a pun which helps to portray the honesty more.

Penultimately, the story itself is placed under the headline and tagline and is set out in columns. This is a deceiving technique as it makes the text look less than if it was in a paragraph. It also defines the fact that it is a magazine and not a novel.

Finally, there is the appropriate legal information such as who interviewed Lily and who the photographer is, and the page numbers are still present making it possible for the reader to find the article instantly after looking at the contents page.

Contents page analysis 3

The left third of the page consists of a 'features list' and an 'every month' list. This is always in the same place as the consistency helps to make the reader feel comfortable and secure within themselves. Also, the audience will read from the left side of the page to the right side, therefore, the list is in the appropriate place as it will be one of the first things the audience comes to. Each feature has the page number in a larger font and a different colour to the name of the feature to make it stand out and ensure it is easy to find.

The rest of the page is taken up by a large image of the cover story with the same format as the list - a page number in a large red font, the name of the band in the same size font but in black and the anchorage in a smaller black font. This shows the audience where to find the cover story instantly as some readers might have bought the magazine as a one-off because they like the artist/band featured as the main story.

Moreover, there is a box underneath the picture and next to the list headed 'review'. This is a regular feature as each issue there are different things being reviewed and this section of the page lists what is being reviewed in each specific issue. Also, the style of the 'review' heading is the same style as the 'contents' heading - a black strip with the red and white 'Q' logo at the far left, followed by the title of the section and the other necessary information.

Finally, the colour scheme is consistent from the front cover creating a look which is easy on the eye. The red, black and white also creates an image of danger, mystery and purity all at the same time which inspires the reader to keep buying the magazine as a mixture of bands and stories could feature at any point in time.

Contents page analysis 2

The contents page for Kerrang! magazine is slightly different to other contents pages, however, that suits the genre of the magazine, therefore, it works well.

At the top right of the page there is the word 'contents' to show the reader that it is the contents page. There isn't the name of the magazine although the same font is used to advertise the fact that it is the contents page. This shows the reader that it is Kerrang! magazine as the font stands out in a unique way to both regular readers and one-off buyers. Also, the issue number and the date of which that issue was issued is printed at the bottom of the contents box.

The pictures take up the majority of the page and one photo is larger than the others. This makes it stand out more, therefore, it shows the reader that it is the main story featured in this specific issue and this usually means it is an image from the main cover story. There are then 4 photos under the image and 4 lined up along the right hand side of the larger image. This technique helps to fill up the page in an effective yet simplistic format. Each picture has a caption and a page number so the reader can find the article they want quickly also.

Finally, there is a bit of information-possibly about this specific issue or maybe the previous or next issue-situated in the space next to the contents box to ensure the reader notices it and some information at the bottom right corner, which by the looks of it from this image is information on subscribing for Kerrang! magazine. This is set out underneath the list of what is featured on page to ensure the reader sees this too. Plus, the list has page numbers and headings which have categorised the type of thing in the magazine and it informs the reader of where to find that specific thing instantly, for example, they could want to read the album reviews first, therefore, they could look for the 'album reviews' heading and go straight to the corresponding pages.

The colour scheme and house style has stayed the same as the cover to keep continuity for the audience.

Contents page analysis 1

The purpose of a contents page is to inform the reader about what is featured in each issue of the magazine.

The name of the magazine is at the top of the page in a black box with the date underneath it. This helps make the name stand out reminding the audience of what they are reading and it informs them of the time at which it happened. The positioning of the box leaves a section of white at the top left and the black box at the bottom of the page advertises the fact that you can subscribe to NME magazine, however, the positioning of it leaves a section of white at the bottom right, therefore, it creates an effective image for the page. 

The left third of the page is a band index which is very useful. It helps the reader to find the article(s) they want to read quickly and easily, therefore, it reaches the expectations of a contents page. This is also a regular feature of NME magazine as it is very useful and can be altered every issue to suit the featured bands and artists.

The central image tells the audience instantly that the Astoria music venue is a big deal to the magazine, therefore, it will probably mean a lot to the majority of the readers too. This is then backed up by the anchorage underneath and the page number indicates where to find the story. This makes it simple for the readers to find.

Finally, the other stories which are featured in the issue have been categorised and are in a list on the right third of the page. This makes it possible for the reader to find individual articles instead of individual acts from the band index. Also, the arrows next to some features indicate that those specific articles were featured on the front cover. This makes them stand out from the others so the audience can find what it was that attracted them to the magazine; especially if they are one-off buyers. Plus the large red arrow at the bottom of the right third fits in with theme of the page but the difference in colour shows it is about something different to the other arrows; in this case it is informing the readers of a UK gig guide.



music magazine front cover interpretation 3

L: the colours used in this particular issue are dark colours which connote rebellion and mystery. However, this isn't the usual colour scheme for Q magazine. The colours used tend to chage depending on which artist is featured. For example, Madonna featured in Q magazine in her younger years and the colour scheme was mainly white. This was because it went with her image at the time as white connotes innocence and purity, however, over the years her image has changed causing the colour scheme to change too. The splash is a close up which focuses on Madonnas eyes. This helps to attract the audiences attention by creating eye contact. The overall look of the magazine creates a sophisticated look as there is one main image - like every other magazine - and there isn't a lot of other images to distract the audiences attention, therefore, there are lists used to inform the reader of who else is featured in the magazine.
I: Q magazine is published by BAUER CONSUMER MEDIA.
I: Q magazine suggests it has high standards as the paper used is high quality in comparison to other magazines - newspaper style paper is often used in other magazines - whereas photograph paper is used in Q. Also, the 'Q' connotes 'quality' which implies the content is quality and that the artists are well established within the music industry
A: the target audience is high class people as they tend to have more disposable income, therefore, they can afford to buy Q magazine as the magazine costs more than other magazines due to the quality of the paper and the content etc.
R: the cover of this magazine suggests the issues faced in Q magazine are based on feminism as the main artist is Madonna and the puff along the bottom is 'women in music'. there are male artists featured on the cover, however, they are only listed and don't have a picture. This suggests the main focus is women in a positive way as the magazine represents quality throughout. It is also suggested that there will only be positive issues discussed due to the target audience which wouldn't appreciate 'lower class' issues being discussed in the magazine they read.

music magazine front cover interpretation 2

L: the colour scheme for Kerrang! magazine tends to differ depending on who the main story is about. The main feature for this issue is Green Day, therefore, green has been incorporated slightly via the font, however, dark colours are usually used in the background of the cover. This suggests what genre of music the magazine is about, it also helps to make the other information on the cover stand out, including the images. Red and yellow are often used to outline the smaller features and the header and footer also. These primary colours stand out when placed on a dark magazine, therefore, it will attract the audiences attention causing them to take the time to look at the rest of the cover. The splash takes up 2/3 of the cover - the left and the middle - this helps the audience to recognise Billy Joe Armstrong - as he is a well known rock star - when it is stacked on a shelf as the left third tends to be on show when stacked. This entices the audience as they could glance at the magazine when pasing and recognise him which could then lead to them stopping to pick up the magazine and have a lok at it properly. The main image is a mid-shot however, there isn't direct eye contact with the camera lense. This breaks the conventions slightly as the main image on the magazine usually has direct eye contact to attract the audiences eye contact. Despite this break in the conventions it works alongside with the genre of the magazine.
I: the publishing house for Kerrang! magazine is BAUER CONSUMER MEDIA.
I: the name "Kerrang!" connotes a power chord being played on an electric guitar. The onomatopoeic qualities combined with the exclamatory punctuation suggests the music reported in the magazine will be loud with a heavy use of electric guitars alongside other instruments associated with rock; such as drums for example. The guitar in the main image also shows this along with the other images of Slipknot and Reading and Leeds festival. Finally, the use of informal taboo language - wtf - shows the issues in the magazine don't shy away from the criticism which other magazines, such as pop magazines for example, would.
A: the target audience for Kerrang! magazine is most likely to be lower class - under class. This is suggested as it only costs £2.20 and is a weekly magazine. Therefore, it isn't too expensive compared to other magazines such as Q. The paper used is also of a lower quality compared to Q magazine which connotes the people who read it don't have a lot of spare income to spend on leisure. Also, the image of which the bands portray suggests students and specific stereotypes, such as rockers and emos for example, will be the main audience for Kerrang! magazine. This is also backed up by the image of their website and the Kerrang! television channel.
R: the issues faced in Kerrang! magazine look focused on music mainly and the personal lives of certain musicians. This is suggested by the images used of the artists as the reputation that comes with the image of the stereotypes portrayed tend to involve a lot of issues - usually including drink, drugs, sex and rehab. It is also backed up by the cover line - "READING AND LEEDS '09: RATED! 8-PAGE PULL-OUT" and the poster pull-out section plus the album reviews. This shows that this specific magazine does focus on it's genre rather than drifting to other issues in the world which isn't involved in the music industry.

music magazine front cover interpretation 1

L: New Musical Express uses a lot of red and yellow in its design which are primary colours, this suggests that the content is primary, therefore, it is fresh and new and once it has been established within the industry, it could go on to be involved in other creations, therefore, the content in NME can become secondary colours once the world knows about them. The splash is of a television programme however. This opposes the conventions of a 'normal' music magazine, however, it works due to the anchoring selling line; "SEX, DRUGS AND MYSPACE...HOW TV'S BEST SHOW MADE MUSIC BETTER". The main image also attracts the audiences attention as a medium close up has been used with all 3 people looking directly at the camera. This helps to make the audience feel as though the magazine is singling them out from the crowd. The house style of NME magazine looks quite unorganised as there isn't really a left third which magazines usually have. This connotes that it is a "new" magazine, therefore, it looks like they aren't sure how to lay the cover out for the best, however, it has been made to look like this purposely to support the title of the magazine.
I: IPC Media is the publishing house which NME magazines uses
I: NME represents new music which the title; New Musical Express; connotes. The title implies that the magazine brings you new music quickly, therefore, the audience get a positive vibe from the title of the magazine alone. This persuades them to buy the magazine which could then lead to them buying every issue. Also, the phonetic sound of NME suggests it is the 'enemy' of other music magazines such as the pop genre or rock genre for example, this is then backed up by the other images and coverlines on the cover which are in this case: White Lies, Killers, Kings of Leon, Klaxons, Lily Allen, Glasvegas, Florence and The Machine, Friendly Fires, Oasis, The View, Prodigy, My Chemical Romance, Black Lips, Eagles of Death Metal and The Gay Blades. The majority of which are indie bands, therefore, the content of the magazine and the sort of issues which will be discussed are shown instantly.
A: The target audience for NME is middle aged and middle class - under class citizens. This is shown via the bands featured in the magazine and the TV show used in this particular issue. The price; £2.20; suggests that upper class citizens are less likely to buy this magazine as they can afford more expensive magazines such as Q, it also suggests that they will have different interests, values and morals too due to their place in society. Both genders can read NME as it isn't gender specific in any way, finally, it doesn't discriminate against people with disabilities either. However, the bands suggest the main percentage of readers will be mid teens - late 20's, therefore, students.
R: This particular issue represents teenage life as the main image is a TV programme which focuses on a group of students at college and the day-to-day problems they are faced with. The tagline: "HOW TV'S BEST SHOW MADE MUSIC BETTER" suggests the music featured in this issue has influenced many lifes, possibly more than the music usually featured in NME does normally. Therefore, it attracts a larger target audience instantly. Its coverlines also represent different genres as Lily Allen and My Chemical Romance don't usually have the same audience. This suggests that the TV show, Skins, has many different viewers from different social groups, therefore, NME can have a mixed audience from different social groups too.

L.I.I.A.R interpretation of the main task:

Language: camera angles, colour codes/scheme, conventions, layout- 'splash', house style

Institution: for example:

                Q (published by BAUER)

                NME (published by IPC)

                Metal Hammer (published by FUTURE)

                MixMag (published by DEVELOPMENT HELL)

Ideology: what are the morals, values and messages being sent out throughout the

               magazine?

               for example:

               NME = New Music Express

                            connotes bringing you new music quickly

                            suggests it is the 'enemy' of other music such as pop for example as the

                            phonetic sound of the name implies this, also, the images on the cover

                            are of indie bands such as Foals and Florence & The Machine.

                            This gives the audience an idea about what is inside before they read it.

Audience: age, gender, type, social class

                Social class is defined in the following way:

                A - upper middle class - barristers, directors etc.

                B - middle class - teachers, accountants etc.

                C1 - lower middle class - sales people, police, nurses etc.

                C2 - skilled working class - brickies, electricians, plumbers etc.

                D - working class - manual workers, shop workers, apprentices etc.

                E - under class - casual labourers, state pensioners, long-term unemployed,

                     students etc.

groups A - C1 will probably read Q magazine whereas groups B - E are more likely to read

NME.

Representation: what issues are dealt with inside the magazine and how can this be shown

                        on the cover?

                        new albums, gig guides, disabliities within a band etc.

Main task brief:

My next task is the main task which I am hoping to have completed by Christmas.

The brief of the main task is: to produce the front page, contents page and double page spread of a new music magazine. All images and text used must be original (produced by me), and there must be at least 4 images present.

Front Cover of Magazine

Front Cover Plan

Contents Page Mock-up

Contents Page Plan

Magazine Analysis 2

L: The masthead of Kerrang magazine is partly hidden by the main image of this issue. This helps to show that the magazine is well established in the world as it doesn't need to leave its name on full view to attract its audience. Plus it has a unique font which is recognisable and appeals to the target audience as it is a very art-based font and the target audience tend to be creative and artistic too. The main headline is almost central and layered over the image which it is talking about, therefore, if the image doesn't attract the attention of a passer-by it is very possible thatthe headline will. This will then lead to them noticing the images and the rest of the cover. Also, the coverline is at the top of the magazine which is the best place to advertise what else is inside of the magazine as often magazines get stacked on the shelf in a position where you can only see a section of the top of each magazine unless it is the magazine at the front of the shelf. Penultimately, there are always small images at the bottom of the cover showing who has posters in that particular issue of Kerrang. This helps to keep a sense of continuity and helps the reader to make a personal connection with the magazine as they will get used to its layout and it will soon feel like Kerrang is catering for their personal needs.

I: This magazine has been created by members of the Kerrang encorporation. It has been made to coincide with the other Kerrang media such as the radio station and the Sky TV channel.

I: The ideology behind this magazine is music based, and the majority of the bands featured in the magazine is rock genre.

A: The target audience for Kerrang magazine is music lovers, however, teenagers - young adults tend to enjoy the genres of music featured in the magazine the most. It also depends on the stereotype of the individual and personal preference as to who reads it.

R: The representation of Kerrang magazine mainly deals with stereotypes and events happening in the music industry. There are several adverts throughout the magazine informing the audience of upcoming gigs in several places for several bands and artists who fit the required genre of interest. However, other topics such as gender, race, disability, sexuality etc. are often represented and that is usually done via interviews with band members and individual artists. You can see which topic is being explored in each issue by the headlines and coverlines usually.

Magazine Analysis 1

L: one main image with the model making full eye contact. This helps to attract the readers attention and keep it as it creates a personal bond between the individual and the image itself, therefore, they are more likely to look at the rest of the magazine cover and possibly look inside and buy it. Plus the image stands out as the background is slightly distorted causing the readers main focus to instantly be on the clearer image. Also, the masthead is in a bright and unique font which matches the models top, this connotes that the girl on the front of the magazine is involved with extra curriculum clubs etc. creating a positive atmosphere about the college and this will also encourage people to look into that particular college.

I: this has been created by an American College as the bottom right coverline states. Also, every coverline is aimed at student activities.

I: the ideology behind this magazine is aimed around student living and health as each coverline is linked to either student living or health, if not both, therefore, it is the main focus of the magazine clearly.

A: the audience of the magazine is students who are currently at the college and would like to keep updated on what is happening, or students who are considering studying courses at that college. This is shown by the age of the model, the setting of the main image and the masthead itself, along with the coverlines giving a little insight on what the magazine discusses.

R: the representation of this magazine is for students of both genders, however, most students are mid teens-late twenties, therefore, there is a specific age group which it will cater for. It will also deal with sexuality, social groups, race, disability etc. as a college magazine will want to show that everybody has equal rights no matter what makes you different to others.

L.I.I.A.R

Language:   the terminology used in media eg) masthead and medium close-up, also the way in which things are portrayed via lighting, camera angles, editing, costumes, setting etc.

Institution:   who is producing the text? This can affect the budget and ideology etc.

Ideology:     what are the values, morals and mesages behind the text?

Audience:   who is going to be recieving the text? Different audiences make diferent readings, therefore, you have to take the target audience into consideration when creating the text.

Representation: what is the text meant to be representing? eg) gender, age, race etc.

The Brief

Preliminary exercise: using DTP and an image manipulation program, produce the front page of a new school/college magazine, featuring a photograph of a student in medium close-up plus some appropriately laid-out text and a masthead. Additionally you must produce a mock-up of the layout of the contents page to demonstrate their grasp of DTP.

Main task: the front page, contents and double page spread of a new music magazine. All images and text used must be original, produced by you and have a minimum of four images.