Front cover analysis( Kerrang, OCT 11,2014)
1) Colour in magazine
How many colours are used? Is it calming or more exciting?
The image overlaps the colors showing that the image is dominant, The colour is split in to two, with black on one half and red on the other half. The colour red represents anger or excitement whilst black represents selfishness and darkness. There is also a difference in colour between yellow and a masthead in purple. The white colour design in big capital letters shows that the white colour gives out the key information because of the size of the font. The mast head in black with a 'VS' showing the separation in the rhetorical question shows the difference in competition engaging the reader straight away.
Are colours used to emphasis particular information? If so what colour is used and what information is emphasized, how does this attract the audience?
One colour used to emphasis particular information is the colour used in the title. The white colour obviously illustrates, especially in a big white font, that most important piece of information are in white which of course is the title. The different types of colours also tells us that different colours represent different pieces of important information. For example, ''THROUGH THE KEYHOLE'' With a pun in there, tells the reader that this is key to the magazine, also giving out the idea that it its vital to the magazine's message relates to the what the title is saying.
Analysis of the colour that is based in the magazine
What are the main colours used throughout the magazine ( not including images ) ? What are the connotations of these colours? How will they attract the audience?
Through out the magazine, mostly the same kind of colours are used around the perimeter of the image or at the bottom, consisting of the primary colours or plain white. Also a blend of light blue and purple is used in the magazine as well, including black and yellow contrasting in with the text. The text in the central part of the page is split up. The colours in this context connotate different things.For example, the sub heading is yellow and the text in the master head is purple, whilst the text is in all black or white, a mixture of both black,white and purple are portrayed through out the magazine.
How is colour used? (font; headlines; boxes around titles/words etc ) what is the effect of this?
The colours each have a unique effect on the point that the text is implying. For example, the big capital font around the center of the page implies the most importance. Usually, the most important and biggest message that is being made, also through out the magazine big blue and purple capital letters are used as headings or sub headings in other pages. Generally, the images convey of the colour of turqious, red and a blend of black and grey. These images are mainly in the text, headline or the perimeter of almost every single page, also purple and dark blue or white is used a lot for the perimeter of the page to fill that space of the page to add sophistication the magazine's final production.
2) Analyzing the front cover of a magazine
Front page elements
Image || What is it of? How is it positioned ? Is it aspiring to the reader? Does it look friendly to invite the reader?
The front cover of the magazine consists of a main image in the center of Ozzy as the central image, with two small boxes of a man with a dog, and another right next to it with a man eating coco pops. Under that, it shows text of people with names in different colours. Also, at the bottom of the page shows six posters, a big number '6' connotating the number of posters to the audience. Also, the name 'Kerrang' is in big white capital letters behind the the image of Ozzy. This means that the niche brand is very popular and that the brand name doesn't need to be in front of the picture to be realized.
Title || What connotations does it have ? Why would the reader be attracted to this name?
The fact that the brand's name is behind the main image, it means that the brand name is famous and the people who are involved in the magazine are well known through their producers. The reader would be attracted to this because it is in big white, capital font. Also, the fact that its so broadly known is also engaging to audience since they know that the quality of the magazine will meet their standards.
Subtitles || What are the articles about? Why would the target audience be interested in this?
Unlike the ordinary paragraphs, the subheading is at the top of the page, and the sub title is catchy because it brings out an argument when it says 'VS' in black and by using a rhetorical question, the sub title also shows two images at both ends of the page which is very engaging because it makes the reader feel as if there two sides to the story of the magazine.
Language || Is it informal, colloquial ? Is it emotive? Does it grab the reader's attention?
The language is straight forward and formal and it uses a combination of imagery with ellipses. For example, '' At home with...'' , and it also uses a bit of informal language by using words such as 'awesome' and 'kick ass''. Secondly, colloquial language when it says ''motionless in white'', giving the audience straight forward information.
Colour || What are the connotations? How many colours are used, what does this say about the reader? What atmosphere does the colour create, why is this attractive to the audience?
The main colours used in the front cover of the magazine are white and yellow,either connotating what Ozzy is presenting or extra information about him or whats inside the magazine. It creates a exciting atmosphere for the reader since the style of the front cover seems so explosive and thrilling. This is attractive to the audience since its a niche brand which meets all the expectations of the audiences who have a strong understanding of the subject of 'Kerrang'.
Price || How does the price reflect the target audience? Think about the category of the audience, how much money would they have to spend on the magazine?
The price of the magazine will definitely effect the audience. If a group of people who are looking to purchase the magazine are of those who are massive fans of KERRANG, than the price will have a smaller negative effect compared to those whom are completely new to the idea of this kind of music magazine. A brand new audience who are starting to a take a interest in KERRANG might not even bother purchasing the magazines if the price is too high. For example, if the magazine was £5-£8 than a massive fan would certainly purchase the magazine. However a person who is new to this particular niche style would most likely not purchase it.
Identify the target audience of the magazine that you have been given
The target audience relates towards the brand identity and the revolutionary world of the media, having a niche target audience, this magazine is aimed for a specific group of men/woman aged about 18-35 since the music is so broadly known by their market consumer.
words such as 'explode' which are colloquial are used to bring a exciting image to the reader and it makes the magazine sounds more positive/friendly and that its targeted for people who want to socialize and have fun, also it grabs the readers' attention because such a creative words illustrates that people can happily express and can feel free to talk about their own thoughts with whats in the magazine.
Through the contents page, the target audience can be be described as young men and woman aged between 18-35,this can be justified through the imagery and informative text and the editor's letter. Also the colouring and facial expression of the images tells us that calm,young and stylish people are targeted for this kind of magazine.
The double page spread consists of one massive image on one page, whilst the article is on the other.
The front cover of the magazine consists of a main image in the center of Ozzy as the central image, with two small boxes of a man with a dog, and another right next to it with a man eating coco pops. Under that, it shows text of people with names in different colours. Also, at the bottom of the page shows six posters, a big number '6' connotating the number of posters to the audience. Also, the name 'Kerrang' is in big white capital letters behind the the image of Ozzy. This means that the niche brand is very popular and that the brand name doesn't need to be in front of the picture to be realized.
Title || What connotations does it have ? Why would the reader be attracted to this name?
The fact that the brand's name is behind the main image, it means that the brand name is famous and the people who are involved in the magazine are well known through their producers. The reader would be attracted to this because it is in big white, capital font. Also, the fact that its so broadly known is also engaging to audience since they know that the quality of the magazine will meet their standards.
Subtitles || What are the articles about? Why would the target audience be interested in this?
Unlike the ordinary paragraphs, the subheading is at the top of the page, and the sub title is catchy because it brings out an argument when it says 'VS' in black and by using a rhetorical question, the sub title also shows two images at both ends of the page which is very engaging because it makes the reader feel as if there two sides to the story of the magazine.
Language || Is it informal, colloquial ? Is it emotive? Does it grab the reader's attention?
The language is straight forward and formal and it uses a combination of imagery with ellipses. For example, '' At home with...'' , and it also uses a bit of informal language by using words such as 'awesome' and 'kick ass''. Secondly, colloquial language when it says ''motionless in white'', giving the audience straight forward information.
Colour || What are the connotations? How many colours are used, what does this say about the reader? What atmosphere does the colour create, why is this attractive to the audience?
The main colours used in the front cover of the magazine are white and yellow,either connotating what Ozzy is presenting or extra information about him or whats inside the magazine. It creates a exciting atmosphere for the reader since the style of the front cover seems so explosive and thrilling. This is attractive to the audience since its a niche brand which meets all the expectations of the audiences who have a strong understanding of the subject of 'Kerrang'.
Price || How does the price reflect the target audience? Think about the category of the audience, how much money would they have to spend on the magazine?
The price of the magazine will definitely effect the audience. If a group of people who are looking to purchase the magazine are of those who are massive fans of KERRANG, than the price will have a smaller negative effect compared to those whom are completely new to the idea of this kind of music magazine. A brand new audience who are starting to a take a interest in KERRANG might not even bother purchasing the magazines if the price is too high. For example, if the magazine was £5-£8 than a massive fan would certainly purchase the magazine. However a person who is new to this particular niche style would most likely not purchase it.
Identify the target audience of the magazine that you have been given
The target audience relates towards the brand identity and the revolutionary world of the media, having a niche target audience, this magazine is aimed for a specific group of men/woman aged about 18-35 since the music is so broadly known by their market consumer.
words such as 'explode' which are colloquial are used to bring a exciting image to the reader and it makes the magazine sounds more positive/friendly and that its targeted for people who want to socialize and have fun, also it grabs the readers' attention because such a creative words illustrates that people can happily express and can feel free to talk about their own thoughts with whats in the magazine.
3) Analyzing the contents page of a magazine
The conventions of the contents page include the information which is imperative for the audience to know what is exactly on what page. Easily to be structured, it should give the reader a clear out lining of what is going to be on what page specifically. Similarly, the posing of the characters in the big image, this reinforces the idea that young people are involved, this can also be justified by the images and the red text in the black in a semi circle saying ''Like a sat nav for your eyes'' which reinforces the idea of youth.Through the contents page, the target audience can be be described as young men and woman aged between 18-35,this can be justified through the imagery and informative text and the editor's letter. Also the colouring and facial expression of the images tells us that calm,young and stylish people are targeted for this kind of magazine.
4) Analyzing the double page spread article of a magazine
The theme/topic of the magazine is music/creative style magazine.
Personal experiences(mostly in double page format)
Personal/public life style. This is shown in the magazine through the long pieces of writing and quotations.
The double page spread consists of one massive image on one page, whilst the article is on the other.
The target audience might find this article attractive because they can personally relate and are going through similar circumstances, the personal issues that Ozzy may be referring to can be understood by his target audience which will engage the audience on a high level. Also, the audience will find this interested because they see him as a goal/idol in life. This may consists of having similar fashion sense or being a mere reflection towards their own peers and family members. Also all the information that the magazine contains and how it intrigues them and how he expresses himself in public figure which is engaging for the target audience. He also keeps them informed and updated on how his music magazines are changing(different editions).
5) Analyzing the Editor's Letter in a Magazine
The editor's letter is a personal response and understanding of the magazine will contain and its their job to reinforce the similar style/genre understanding of what is inside the magazine. The editor's letter may talk in a different style of language to bring in a bigger impact on the point that they're trying to make,for example, using 'informal' or 'colloquial' language. They can also build a informal/formal relationship with their audience who are reading the article and referring to the previous magazine to keep the similar kind of interest strong and alive which is imperative in the niche consuming economy. It is also important that there's a image of the editor's letter to build a positive relationship before they even read the magazine and that they are welcoming their reader; the photo can be judged through age and appearance and other aspects.
Representation - How did your research for for this magazine analysis influence your representation?
One way in which my research influenced my planning is through my continues expanding knowledge on magazine productions. I found it extremely interesting knowing exactly how a music magazine research can open your eyes for the world of magazines.
Genre - How did your research for this magazine analysis influence your choice of genre?
One way in which my research for this magazine influenced my choice of genre is through understanding the style of the magazine and the research I did in audiences. Audience circulation and the difference between a niche and broad target audience. This had an overall effect on the over view of my magazine since I based it around rap and embedded a tour idea into my production.
KEY CONCEPTS
Representation - How did your research for for this magazine analysis influence your representation?
One way in which my research influenced my planning is through my continues expanding knowledge on magazine productions. I found it extremely interesting knowing exactly how a music magazine research can open your eyes for the world of magazines.
Genre - How did your research for this magazine analysis influence your choice of genre?
One way in which my research for this magazine influenced my choice of genre is through understanding the style of the magazine and the research I did in audiences. Audience circulation and the difference between a niche and broad target audience. This had an overall effect on the over view of my magazine since I based it around rap and embedded a tour idea into my production.
