Title Blocks Analysis

The style of the Rolling Stone title does not show any genre of the magazine as it’s written in a fancy handwriting so you wouldn’t think the title would be of a rock magazine but from the title you can tell that it could be a rock magazine as there is a rock band called the rolling stones and it could be related to the band type of music. The colour of the title is a basic single colour. The tone of the red is bright which makes the title stand out and appeal to readers but otherwise it does not show any other information about the magazine from the colours.
The rolling stone title shows that the magazine varies from music which are more of the olden type such as the rolling stones themselves and Bon Jovi, yet still introducing new artist. The title Rolling Stone, as it’s a rock genre magazine, can be taken from the rock band The Rolling Stones and be inspired by their music to create a magazine on behalf. The style of the magazine title is handwriting based and it looks like more of the old 90’s time, this created a target audience of readers between 16+ and who are into rock music.



The title of Q magazine is too basic and plain, it does not show any other but just a letter. It does not show any clue or images of what music genre it might be. The colours used are basic red and white and for someone who has never read or seen Q magazine, I would expect by viewing the title it would be a sports/men magazine as the title is written in a fancy style and because of the colours. The Q leaves readers asking questions if they saw the title. The font is hard to review about the magazine and the meanings to it as there are no other extras included, it gives a clueless idea of the magazine and the meaning behind it but the way the title is written the magazine could be reaching out to audiences ranging from 16+ because of the style of the font and colours used which changes the type of magazine it could be.



The KERRANG! title represent that it is a rock magazine because of the way the title is presented with an exclamation mark at the end that could represent the tone of music the magazine views. The colours used is just black written in big bold capital letters to represent an obvious magazine type to their readers and attract their attention as the title is in capitals and black. The title KERRANG appeals that it is just a random word which attracted the producers of the magazine that could be from rock stars would use and shout out to their fans. The title views that the target audience could be towards readers from young age of 13+ and those that are interested in rock music.

Double-page spread #2

The choice of band featured in the article is of a Hip Hop artist, GZA which represent the magazine as a hip hop genre therefore its targeted audience are towards readers who are interested in hip hop music.
The type of language used in the magazine is directly being told from GZA who is being interviewed by the magazine reporter, this includes slang and foul language – “IT’S FRUSTRATING SEEING RAPPERS TALKING ABOUT THE SAME SHIT ALL THE TIME, THERE’S SO MUCH TO WRITE ABOUT!” quoted directly from GZA.
The colours used in the article are mainly black and red. The use of red are features to represent the character such as the subtitle in the centre of the article. The colours are used as a Q&A style, red for the questions as the main interest and black for the answers.
The style of text is written in a formal layout and the text are direct speech. It also included dialog of GZA reaction – [chuckles].
The layout of the article is separated with a full page image of the artist GZA on the left page and the article on the right page with the heading pointed big and bold in red at the centre of the page.
The images and text has a page on its own for their features.
The tone of the magazine when addressing the reader is as though they are talking directly to them as the journalist as the article is laid out as an interview.
The image is showing a full length picture of GZA with the “ghetto” look and relaxed. The audience would see the image as a hip hop street style artist by the clothes GZA is wearing as it’s basic and plain with just jeans and a plain white t-shirt, so the style is simple.
The style of the article and the image of the front cover match well as the use of colour and the font text are similar and also used on the cover of the magazine such as the title.
The article does not demand a high status of knowledge about the artist itself as he has been introduced briefly at the beginning of the article. “He’s rated possibly the best emcee which most would consider to be the greatest rap group of all time”.

Double-page spread #1 KERRANG

The choice of band in the article above is of My Chemical Romance who are a rock band therefore the target audience the magazine is reaching out to are for those that are interested in rock music. This is suggested by the genre of the band itself and the type of magazine the news is featured in as Kerrang is a rock magazine.
The language of the article is written in a formal presentation of an interview, there are no specific style of wording or phrases but a written interview with MCR.
The colours used in the article are just red, black and white which represent the neutral rock colours. The black and white photographic background creates a reality in the music studio of MCR recording which represent real passion and success about the rock band. The Red titles and speech such as “NEWS World exclusive” brings a leading start to the heading “WE’RE BEING THE BEST MCR WE CAN BE”. With these text written in capitals and bold, it attracts immediate attention to the article for the readers to look into it. The read sub-headings bring attraction as it’s one of the thing that will stand out of the page.
The style of the text such as the big bold title introducing the article creates a direct speech to the readers, viewing about themselves (MCR). The style of the article is written in two columns which present the article in a well organised prospective and easy to read.
The double-page spread is laid out with one page a photograph of the leading singer performing with the title NEWS in bold, red writing on the top left corner. This can catch the readers’ attention to read about them and find out the news that’s being revealed. On the other page presents the titles in big capitals rock theme fonts which represent MCR genre. There are also images of the band on the bottom of the page with the short article in the centre of the page above the images. The layout of the article with the text placed in the centre of the page creates a centre of attention feature to the news which allows easy access for readers to read.
The image included in the article mostly covers the double pages with the short article placed only in a small section in the middle of 1 page. There are not much text written on the pages about MCR but there’s a side bar on the right hand sand where listings of their new tracks from MCR are revealed and reviews from listeners are told.
The sort of language that’s used in the article is being told as a member of an “in crowd”, as though it’s speaking to viewers as a news reader and not a friendly approach with interviews included.
The images of the band are presented as a hard-working successful group as it shows the rock stars in recording process.
The article in the magazine matches the front cover because they have similar text font and colour, also similar fonts has also been used for some of the article text. It also introduces the magazine Kerrang in its title which is what the magazine being issued is.
The article does not need a high demand of knowledge about the band to understand the article as it introduces the characters: “My Chemical Romance, Gerard Way”. It also includes many quotations from the interview. “Our original game plan was to make a quick visceral record” which was reviews by the Kerrang crew; this involves reader into the article as it’s mainly writing about the characters in the band and not needing specific known knowledge for readers to include while reading the article.

Magazine Content page #2

The content page is from CLASH music magazine. It shows a full length image of an artist from a popular rock band called the Foo Fighters. It shows his character as the main image as they are news of the day in the magazine. It also presents few other images on the left side of the page who are featured in the magazine.
The style of the magazine is view in the centre bottom middle of the page with listings of what the magazine includes with headlines from Features, Ones to watch, Fashion and regulars. It’s a well presented content as it’s laid out in front of you under each page guide which makes it easier for readers to know what they are reading about. The presentation makes the magazine view as an indie magazine because of the colours and the information it shows with the artist.
The colours used are basic with mainly white writing with a blue background. It creates a melody feeling to the readers as the blue background isn’t so violent but a calm midnight blue. The colour used does not attract immediate attention to an alert topic but the image of the artist brings attention on what the image represents and the story behind it.
There are promotions or advertisement of orders which readers might be interested in to receive such as their fashion.

Magazine Content page #1

KERRANG

The image on the left is a contents page from a Kerrang issue. The page is laid out in a simple form where images are on one side and the listings are on the other which presents an easier way to find the article that you’re interested in. The images of various artists are set out in a row of 3 with the icon of the page number on the top left corner of each image. The genre of this cover is Rock as you can view from the images on the left of various bands such as Bullet For My Valentine and Fall Out Boy.
The colours used on this content are between two, yellow and black. The yellow highlighted titles bring an immediate attention to the topic; this can attract readers to read on what is expected in the magazine such as the “THIS WEEK” heading, it’s an immediate spotlight, giving the readers a sneak peak on what’s inside.
The information in the magazine are organised with images of bands and artist that are included in the issue covered over the page with the topic and page icon underneath each images for an easier access onto what they want to read. The different section ranges from reviews, news, gigs updates and many more with each topic including the famous gossip behind a rock star. The contents page reviews that the magazine is based on rock music and it also shows that the magazine is a regular magazine where updates are released on monthly bases, it also view a suitable magazine for readers who are involved with music especially rock and of the age group from 14+.
The promotions included an offer for a £6 per month contract of updated Kerrang issues straight to your door which saves you from travelling to the stores or missing the last copy, you’ll receive your copy through your front door.
The logo of the magazine titles does not appear on the content page except for the front cover image of the Kerrang release on the top left corner but it does not show any immediate attraction to it.
It also does not include any franchise advertised on the contents page but occasionally the magazine involves a free music CD.

Comparing Kerrang with CLASH music, it includes older groups and artist such as Jay-Z, Hot Chip and Yeasayer.

Analysing Magazine Front Covers #2

Kerrang music magazine;

The cover represents a Punk/rock music magazine.
Articles such as Music gossip on various artists and what’s been going on in the rock modern industry with information on tours and gigs of artist that’s soon to be performing around an area near you! will be included in the magazine.
The target audience the magazine is seeking for is a group of 15-18 years old but it also does not show a certain group it’s attracting as this music magazine is suitable for anyone who find interest in rock music and the artist it advertises on the front cover such as Paramore.
There is no specific age group pointed out with this magazine but usually set out for 15-19 would read this type of magazine.
The magazine’s interest is in Rock music advertising the upcoming bands such as Paramore and its events.
The magazine is an instant attention to the audience as the centre image of the lead singer in Paramore, leaning towards the reader and reaching out for your attention. It addresses the magazine with an exciting welcoming.
By the centre image on the magazine it applies a friendly relationship, one where you would like to keep attraction to the reader and keeping them entertained.
On the front cover presents a rock band called Paramore.
The anchorage text says “We were sick of it all” Secret conflict revealed.This can be implying that the artist or band in this case, of Paramore, its story behind the distance and break they took and the secrets of their problems.
The sort of message the artist is presenting is a bring back expression, shooting themselves out of the image as if they are leaning out towards you.
Paramore are represented on the front cover as the group's main attention positioned as the centre image.
The title block tells the audience that the magazine is based on rock music.
There are no slogans shown on the front cover.
The centre image on the magazine creates an attraction to the audience.
The colours used are mostly pink, yellow and white. It attracts attention to the words and phrases as they’re highlighted in bright pink.
The type of writing used on the magazine are all written in capital letters which is trying to state an immediate attention from the audience.

Analysing Magazine Front Covers #1

NME Music magazine;

NME is a punk/rock music magazine.
Inside the magazine we expect articles such as gossip on the reunion of the ban Blur, tours/gigs that went on and behind the scene information, the line-up about the Gossip and how they “smashes the mainstream”, news on what’s happening and updating articles on artist business, gossiping and finding out anything about the music bands. In the article we also expect to lookout for advertisement, such as new album releasing soon, gigs and tours happening soon near your area if not information on their tours and where they’re performing at also which artist are involved.
The magazine doesn’t really have a target audience; it’s suitable for everyone but mainly those who takes interest and enjoy the sort of genre it releases in the magazine such as punk/rock music.
The magazine slants slightly towards the teenagers/young adults age group such as 15-19 years old as the design and layout of the magazine is basic and straight forward, more recognisable of a teen to be interested in.
The central image is of a band called The Gossip, with the lead singer posing of an image as if she’s looking out which could refer to advertising their music. “Look out for the Gossip, music you wouldn’t want to miss” expression.
The relationship the magazine is seeking out to readers is to inform them with the gossip everyone loves to hear. The image attracts immediate attention which is represented with the leading artist looking straight at the reader.
The front cover is of a band called The Gossip. This image advertises them as a come back from their break, bringing back a better and a new start to their music. It also presents the main attention of the day, how the Gossip broke through the mainstream of their line-up.
The anchorage text shows “THE GOSSIP: SEX, SKINS AND STANDING IN THE WAY OF CONTROL. HOW THREE PUNKS SMASHED THE MAINSTREAM”. This shows that the artist/group produces rock/punk music and made a success through their career.
The artist is presenting an instant welcome with the pose the artist is showing, it give a “come in and take a look” attraction.
The group band Muse and the Gossip are presented on the front cover
The Gossip image is present in the centre of the page which creates an immediate attention on them. Muse is placed as a side image with the text advertising their tour in Wembley and count downing until the very day comes.
No the magazine does not show any buzz word on the front cover.
The effect it attracts readers is the attention of them being intrigue and interested in the sort of information the magazine provides and gossip of the artist involved.
The title block itself does not show what the magazine is about or the genre but the text below the block title presents that the magazine is a music genre.

1. the readership – The magazine has a lot to speak out to the audience and inform them on the modern music lifestyle.
2. its image – There are many image on the cover, this can present a attraction to the audience on reading into the magazine about all the gossip.
3. its style – It’s based upon the genre of the music which is rock and the style of the magazine would be straight forward to its audience to understand and suitable for people who are interested in rock music.
The type of audience the magazine is trying to attract is around the age group of 14-18, its attention is seeking out to people who are into the rock music industry.
There are no slogans presented on the magazine
The colours used are mainly black, white and red which are known to be seen suitable for a dark, rock genre.
The way it is used and presented I believe attracts immediate attention to audience.
The fonts used are all capitalised which could attract audience attention with the big and bold text, as it being all written in capitals this can present the effect of it shouting out to you, reaching for your attention to buy and read the magazine.
The strategies used on the magazine that attracts audiences are the images, especially the centre image with its anchorage text about it, it stands out and attracts attention to the magazine.

Preminilary Font Cover

The magazine is a college magazine which possibly gives the experience of college life of students and staff of Bishop.
The front cover though bold, does not specify what will be inside the magazine i.e. what sort of articles or story we would expect upon opening it. However using initiative; by looking at the pictures on the front cover and having the knowledge on the fact that this is a college magazine we probably can expect articles based on course experience such as feedbacks/comment on their enjoyment of their chosen course as well as what students get up to during free periods.
As it is a college magazine, its target audience is the college's students and possibly staff. However the magazine can also be use to advertise the college to new students who are currently applying in order to encourage them to apply at bishop.
The magazine cover has no central image; however it has a familiar slogan “Stop & Stare! Read All About It!” This slogan is obviously being use to attract readers into picking up a copy. It gives out the expression that there is something interesting for you to read and look at within the magazine, but you will have to have a look.
The magazine wants to be read – hence the slogans.
The front cover images are of a girl, group of students studying and a group of student taking a break and having fun. The idea this image brings and wants its readers to know is college life; it sends out the message; work hard and then play or aim high and enjoy yourself.
“All work and no play? - All have Bishop” - Another slogan portraying the personality of the college and its students. The overall message its giving is; Work hard, aim high and enjoy. A possible encouragement for students; working hard can be rewarding.
The college's students are being represented on the front cover. The magazine is showing readers that It is All About the Students. The effect of the focus of students on the front cover encourages or attracts new students, as they might think 'this college concentrate purely on their students there fore education in this college must be good'.
The fonts on the front cover are easy to read as they are white with a blue background. They are if fair size so again there is no difficulty in reading them. However it is difficult to know which one is the magazines name. The texts are all over the place so it is very chaotic – however this can sometimes be appealing to readers.


The above are the images I used in my preliminary front cover

Preliminary Contents Page

The content page has one image of a group of students working in a classroom environment with a subtitle; The Simple Life? this gives out a clearer idea that this magazine is in fact about the lives of students within the college.
The content page uses a font size 70/80 for its page title and at size 20 for the page numbers which are in white and their contents which are in orange, this is use of fonts distinguishes what-is-what on pages inside the magazine. Finally it uses a blue backdrop which is consistent with the front cover and also allows the text to stand out for clarity.
The arrangement on this page is minimal in style and therefore simple but also clear. The magazine is shown to have a mature purpose which is to inform others of student life in college again shown by the minimal design but still attractive in some extent.
There isn’t any promotional feature in this page; it simply shows what is in the magazine.
There is no magazine logo on this page.

Below shows the image I used for the preliminary contents page.

Questionnaire Results

Questionnaire

What age group are you?
13 - 16 17 – 19+

Are you male or female?

What type of music are you interested in:
Punk/Rock R&B Hip hop Pop Country
Other:

What artists do you often listen to?
1)
2)
3)

How much are you willing to pay for a magazine?£0.99-£2 £2.50-£3 £3.10+

What sort of context would you like to read and be included in this magazine?
Interviews Album reviews Celebrity gossip Horoscopes

Other:


What’s your favourite colour?

Which titles appeal to your attractions?
TUNEZ Various Jams BOOMBOX PULSE

Other ideas:

Planning

The target audience the magazine will be for are the age groups from 16 – 19 who are interested in the artist and genre daily gossip the magazine will be on for both boys and girls.

The style of my magazine will include images from various genres such as Panic! At the disco to represent punk/rock, Taylor Swift/Kelly Pickler for country, Michael Buble for pop/blues and Usher for R&B/Hip hop, these mixtures will be shown on the front cover to lead the idea of a mix cultural magazine to readers so that it’s not just for targeted readers.

The magazine will be released every 3 weeks to be issued of every month i.e.: FEB 2010 issue will be release at the beginning of the last week of the month.

The type of the magazine will include context from the daily life in the music industry, i.e. the truth behind closed doors involving interviews with various artists, updates on new releases and the charts. This context will be base on various genres as it will not just focus on a specific genre but more spread to do with all genres but each releases will target more on a single genre as well as all round. A good example of my outline will be of Q magazine.

The cost of my magazine will vary form £2.10-80p considering the age group my magazine is targeted who are mainly students; the cost of the magazine is the average amount.