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.