Contents page analysis - Q magazine

 

The top of the page has a red banner, this is traditional of Q magazine, it's like their trademark colour with the white 'Q', and always has a relevance on each page. It informs the reader of the issue and of the specific page 'contents'. Part of the word is covered by the image of the main artist because he is more recognised and is the main aspect of the magazine. The red of the background of the Jay-Z image and the banner is pulled together by the artist himself as the image has been edited to look like his face is red or at least has a red light shining on him.

 

There is a showing of the front cover in the top right corner, also referring to what will be the most interesting parts of the magazine. Although there are 10 images, Jay-Z is still the most dominating, he stands out the most and rightfully it's him the magazine is trying to sell as they know how big of an artist he is and the masses of fans they can reach through an interview with such a huge star. And with that huge star it shows the magazine is big enough to afford and be able to get Jay-z to do a feature for them.

 

The smaller images, including two double page spread previews have their page numbers shown in the corner, so you know what are main topics and can give an insight as to what the article is about. It can also be used as an advertisement because if a reader spot even just a small story is included they may want to buy the magazine and see what the story is, it will strike their interest. Seeing current artists on the front or on the contents page will inform that the magazine knows what it is talking about and are up to date

 

Because there is so much text, it needs something to break it up, so the images are used in the middle and the text is more or less around, framing them. In a sense there are three sections to the pages, which makes it easier and clear to read. Because people read and look from left to right, the first part of the text has been put on the left which will consist of the bigger, more popular stories and to the right of the images are the last things the reader would look at and so the text, consists of the other stories that are regular in the magazine. The text at the bottom of the pages are the Q reviews, which are in a different colour to the stories and articles to show it's not the same, its shows a professional look, having reviews.

 

A red line separates the the different stories and makes it easy to locate the different topics. On top of it shows the page number and name of what the article is in a serif font, underneath the line, in a sans serif font, is a quick description of the article. The amount of text and the fact that it is small suggests that there are a lot of stories and they are trying to feed the interests of all of the audience ranges they may have. This could be why the magazine is a popular one and very known.

 

In my own magazine I hope to include the look of a scrapbook photo, stuck on slightly off angle because i feel it adds personality to the page.

Contents page analysis - Vibe

 

 

The magazine has chosen to use a very well known artist, Kayne West. Passers by will recognise the artist and be intrigued as to what the article will be about as he was very big at the time of the publishing.

 

There is a suggestion of what the article could be about, by the arm over Kayne's shoulder holding the heart on his, it gives the impression that the article will be about Kayne's love life and what he generally loves in life, somethings that are personal to him. The red heart, is the only bit of colour on the page, so it instantly stands out.

 

The page, being in grey scale suggests there are a lot of things Kayne has hidden in the dark from the public. The background of the page is lighter than that of the foreground so makes the artist stand out, which would be the aim of the magazine. The 'V' in the background represents the title of the magazine, it's purpose would be to show what magazine it is, and add their own little touch onto each page, like a personal trademark.

 

The layout of the magazine, much like the Blender magazine, it has the image on the left and text on the right. The subheadings are in a slightly bigger, more fancy fonting to make clear that it is a different section, which highlight what is to be expected to be seen in the magazine.

 

The convention of including credits, magazine name, page number and issue is followed by this magazine on the bottom right of the page.

 

From this magazine I will use inspiration from the letter in the background, I think this adds a distinct identity to the magazine, and I think it adds a bit of familiarity.

Contents page analysis - Billboard

 

This contents page is a traditional one for 'Billboard', it has a selection of image related to the articles, and it has its trademark music chart at the left hand side. This makes the customer aware of what songs are the most popular and what is No 1. Billboard has it's own charts, and it being at the very beginning means that readers are instantly shown what it is they probably want to see, without them having to search the whole magazine to find it.

 

The colour scheme seems to consist of mainly black, white and blue - excluding the music chart, the black writing and the black clothes of the person in the image both contrast with the bright white background, making it easier still to read. The blue of the subheadings further separates and makes it easier to locate the different categories of the magazine.

 

The pictures underneath the 'contents' all correspond to the articles in the magazine which give a slight preview to the stories. It also highlights which are the most popular and the biggest stories. In the bottom left corner of them it shows what page you can find the article linked with that picture, this is a good way to make it more simple for the read inside of having to search all over for it, it also looks more professional.

 

The title of the page 'contents' is easy and clear to read as it is in sans serif. it has an odd style to it with lines separating parts of the letters, however it still seems to look quite tidy and not rugged. The subheadings have been put in a serif font, which gives a little bit of edge to the rest of the text and it would look boring all being in the same font. Separating the magazine into subgroups, allows to reader to quickly flick to whatever page it is they are wanting to read, and can clearly see the other feature stories and what is included in the magazine.

 

In my own magazine I aim to include one main image and then other smaller images on my own contents page as I feel this would appeal to my target audience, similar that those of this magazine, I will also aim to include the magazine title, page number and issue at the very bottom of the page.

Contents page analysis - Blender

 

 

The long shot from a distance is shown to show the full scene of the artist holding a inflatable mushroom. It is to show the artist's personality of fun and a bit bizarre.

The mood is exciting and fun loving, it's the only thing going on, on the contents page so the image is the main focus.

 

The pose is meant to be unnatural and as if she has been positioned there like a doll, as Katy Perry like to be different and alternative. She has used her trademark food theme with the mushroom and the bright colours against a plain white background. The background hasn't been edited in as white, it's in an actual room.

 

The image is trying to reveal what Katy Perry is really like, how she doesn't take her self too seriously and is successful with this.

 

The font of 'contents' is bubble writing which is usually used for a younger generation, so this could be an audience they are aiming to target. Also a reason they may have chosen this artist. A lot of the younger generation can relate to her songs so will be enticed into buying the magazine.

 

A quote from the artist gives a quick preview of what will be included into the article, this will also attract those interested in Katy Perry to buy and read the magazine. The feature stories on the right hand side are positioned there so because people look and read from left to right, this means that the feature stories are less relevant because they will be looking at Katy Perry's image first.

 

The font of the feature stories and date are in a more simple to read font, so that it is clear to see and allocate where you want to read and flick to. 'Feature' is in a different colour so that it is separated from anything else so that readers know exactly where to look. 

 

 

I will use a similar large sized font on my contents page, to highlight what page it is. This is about the only thing i will take from this contents page because i'd like to put more pictures on of the feature stories.

Front cover analysis, Groupie - La Roux

 

The mid shot gives a very intense aura because of La Roux's glare to the camera. The head is positioned square on as if trying to intimidate, this relates to the serious expession, it makes the reader feel there is something intimate to reveal.

 

The indie look, attracts the indie readers, the styling is basic with its colours but clothing has a lot of detal, like on the collar. The white corresponds with the white of the magazine title, to pull everything together and relate them the each other. The feel is very simplistic.

 

The colour scheme parallels sky and clouds. It could show that at the time of the issue, La Roux was on a high in her career and feeling like she is floating in the sky. It can represent the mood of the artist. The shades of blue contrast with the white of the clothing and the paleness of the face.

 

The magazine title is on top of the image where as in more recognised magazines the magazine title underneath as if there is no need for it to be shown as people know what it is. It is as if they are trying to raise awareness of their brand.

 

The target audience would be the niche because she has an alternative take on music. They would have to be soley interested in La Roux because the magazine doesnt advertise anything else on the front that could persuade the public to buy it. The target audience could also be sophisticated because the head line is in french 'Bon Appetit' and you'd need to have the knowledge to understand what it means.

 

I won't be using much of this for my magazine because I think it's really bland and abit boring. It doesn't show the audience what will be inside of the magazine other than that of La Roux.

Front cover analysis, Vibe - Kesha

 

 



The mid shot shows off Kesha's womanly physique, which appeals to the female audience as inspiration and also appeals to the male reader. The artist is looking into the camera with a sort of shocked expression and covering up with her hands where she wouldn't want to be revealed, this signifies how 'Vibe' will reveal what she likes to keep hidden, as if it is a personal secret. Something the singer's fans will want to know and continue reading about.

The styling of Kesha's dress contracts with the pure white backgrounding and her pale complexion makes the shoot seem natural as if it wasn't so staged. The colour scheme prodominantly shows black and white possibly providing the readers with an idea that Kesha's views are black and white, or you either like her or you don't, very basic.

The most important words to this particular issue are in red to make obvious what the issur is about and it's ther main words that would attract an audience, like; the artists name, the title of the magazine and 'exclusive'. Sometimes even stories of interest are in red. The font all remains the same throughout the front cover, no flicks or curls - it's all just basic and clear.

There is only one image on the cover, no previews of others stories inside, because Kesha is the main focus, her image covers the majority of the page and is certainly a focal point.

I will use a basic background and fonting just like this one in my own magazine to make one focus instead of the readers eyes having too much to focus on.

Front cover analysis, Q - Florence + the machine

The close up shot, shows the interview with Florence will be intimate. And the pose she is doing, with her hands is to represent how natural the artist is, and how she does whatever she is comfortable with - not being staged, and continues to be elegant. Because it's a close up, it shows that the artist is willing for the magazine to possibly ask a couple of personal questions.

The lighting falls onto the artists face to highlight her pale complexion, again demonstrating her naturalness. Although the main focus is Florence's face, he blazing red hair is positioned to frame her face, and show the contract of the colour. Most of her fringe is now in the final image, but part of it is left just about the eyes because it is an iconic image for the singer and she may be possible unrecognisable without it.

The facial expression, with the piercing eyes looking at the camera, engages the reader as they feel an connection looking into someones eyes, like familiarity in a conversation, which makes the reader want to find out more, and hear from the celebrity's own perspective.

A common convention of a music magazine includes a sticker with additional information that could attract extra attention, which is highlighted with a bright colour, the blue, which is sparsely used on the rest of the cover. The colour would have been specifically chosen as part of the colour scheme to pull the look all together as it is used in Florence's eye make up. It connects the image with the text.

The target audience seems to be quite feminine as colours for male readers are often portrays as dindgy and darker. The red of the hair and the shade of blue, along with the red background of the magazine name makes the magazine look less plain and dull so appeals to the eye. A more sophisticated audience could be also targeted as the focus is of natural beauty not fashion interpreted through clothes, as no clothes are shown. It would also appeal to mature readers as the expression is subtle serious so the article inside would be expected to have a rather serious tone to it.

The magazine isn't headlined with Florence's name, it's highlighted with a quote from her, which is also in a different font to the rest of the text, but all still in bold. The biggest text is that of the names of artists or important people like 'Simon Cowell' and also the mention of 'Gig' will attract a lot of readers as they will want to see who is performing at the gig and if there is anyone they like that they would be interested in enough to attend.

I will incorporate part of this magazine into my own, by having selected words larger than the rest, and using a little bit of colour to highlight parts of the magazine features to tie everything together like to sticker and the make up.

Front cover analysis, Billboard - Katy Perry

 

 

The headline of the magazine 'Women of the year' would attract female readers as it proves how they are high achievers in the world of music. It is placed in the middle of the page while the character is looking at them so that the readers eye is drawn to the title edition of the magazine.

The lighting is very bright to show the pale and pure complexion of Katy Perry, representing that she is truthful, innocent and doesn't keep secrets. This could potentially link to the interview within the magazine. The costume she has been given also shows purity as it is a natural look - being a similar colour to her skin tone. It contrasts with her dark hair so that nothing particularly stands out and that the image is all drawn together.

The way she is poised looking at the camera but her face looking a different way portrays the idea that she will be a bit reserved and shy, a difference to what other media portray her as. Normally she is known to be extravagant with the outfits she wears and the bright colours she uses, but the magazine subverts this idea suggesting they are revealing the truth and cutting back to 'natural Katy' to see what is underneath.

The target audience would include females from the age of 16, being interested in chart music and the women such as Katy Perry, Beyonce, and Adele that are all big influential stars in the industry. The magazine offers and inside view of their lives, and attempting to show what they are really like off stage.

I will try to incorporate the look of the simple, one colour background and a clear colour scheme, nude, feminine with a little of colour, within my own magazine and it shows part of the stars personality - natural with a burst of colour.

Front cover analysis, Billboard - Adele

The close up of the front cover image shows Adele looking directly looking at the camera, showing the interview and feature inside could include something intense or something from her perspective, like looking into what is through her eyes. The serious facial expression provides an idea that the topic is something she is close to and sometimes has difficulty talking about. The fact that the image is a head shot covering the chest up, focuses on he facial image and what goes on inside her head, as there has always been criticism of the celebrity's weight.

The colour of the black outfit would have been chosen to blend with the background so that Adele's facial features and especially, her red hair stand out. The lighting only reflects of the face to leave no shadows and so that the image looks clean, simple and classic. Although there is colour in the middle of the letters in the magazine title, the colour scheme appears to be black which and red. The emphasis of the red hair could represent the fire that the singer feels and her passion of what she does.

The target audience for this particular issue would be females of any age, as she is wearing little makeup so looks young and fresh but especially isn't dressed provocatively - which would be how to target the male audience. The magazine targets those who are interested in the charts as Adele has had several No 1's and has more or less dominated a lot of the charts.

 The image captivates those that would be interested in hearing of the singer's life and how she has coped with a lot of criticism. The cover looks as if it is trying to achieve a serious and intimate look into the life of Adele.

From this cover I will use the minimalistic look on my own magazine, because it highlights the artist more and makes the magazine look classy and sophisticated.

Initial ideas mindmap

This is an over all look at what my ideas are for my magazine. I have stars next to the most likely options. Through audience research I will narrow down the most appropriate style and proceed to work on it, with the specific audience in mind

Final contents page

The finished product

The contents page

On my contents page I intend to add a picture of a current student of which one of the articles will be about. I also need to add titles indicating what the articles will be about, without forgetting page numbers.

I will be using this image on my contents page, I have brightened the image so that it looks clearer and looks more natural, with the skin tone.

This is the front cover image after editing, I changed the brighness, as the original image was too dark, and looked gloomy against my chosen background.
I have cropped out one of the people to make the image look more balanced and so I could have things framing the 3 figures, but still alloow it to look as if that was the original with just the 3.