Analysis of contents pages

The contents heading is bold and striking, however the font differs from that of the front cover, it may be that the contents page has a particular style that Is followed in each issue. The date of the issue is positioned directly under the heading; this is a very important part of the magazine. The page seems to be divided into the rule of thirds; this method has created three columns of which feature text and images. The images within the left and right columns are of the same size; this ensures the layout is clear for the readers. The images used will relate to stories or articles included in the magazine. A short summary or quote is positioned underneath for clarity and to gain more appeal from the readers. Although the text attached to the images differs in style, for example some is in capitals, italic, bold etc., the fact that the rest of the layout is simple in terms of colour and positioning allows this to work, and there is still clear navigation around the page and for the rest of the magazine because everything else is simplistic and consistent. The main stories are seen on this page with their page numbers overlapping, taking up a fraction of the image, they are bold and larger than the text beneath them; this again adds to the clarity of the layout and makes sure the navigation is easy for the readers – user friendly.The centre of visual interest would be the central image of Pete Doherty even though the splash of red in the bottom corner does become a distraction. Direct mode of address is given as he appears to be looking straight at the camera; his weary and disillusioned expressions links with the comment of needing more sleep, with bags under his eyes he appears a shady character. The background is also very dull, waiting to reveal something brighter. The background colour of this magazine is plain and allows creativity on the page; this has mostly been seen with the different fonts used. All text is black, apart from what is included in the red box, so that it can be seen clearly against the background. It is apparent that some of the images on this page have been edited; this may have been done to relate to the music style of the artists or to present them in a particular way. For example the image in the top right hand corner is focusing on the individuals rather than the setting to outline the vastness of people on tour. There may have been editing with lighting to add clarity to the image. The advertisement is striking as the vibrant colours red and yellow have not been featured anywhere else on the page. Incentives are often included immediately on the front cover and followed through to the contents page, they are deliberately made to be eye-catching, this is usually a dominating factor people look for when choosing their magazine.The extra list of content is included for added interest and information about inside stories. Faint grey lines have been used to divide the page, this keeps the layout organised. It could be suggested that the magazine aims to satisfy people in late teens and above as the textual content is not suitable for anybody younger. ‘You’re fucked’ is not language for tame individuals. The content reflects the target audience of dominantly males effectively.

The contents heading is written in serif font which is clear and simple for readers. It is surrounded by a red box, outlined with black and with the magazine name in white, sticking to the house colours. Also the page numbers are large and bold, taking up a fraction of the images. The bottom image is portrayed as less important due to its position however it still grabs the attention as it is tilted creating the feeling of the image coming out of the page. Cheryl Cole seems to be turning her body away but her head is tilted slightly in towards the page but her eyes are looking down,  seemingly to direct the readers to the image below. Also the fact that we have no direct address, the element of disguise is continued. The lighting has created shadows; the light is directed from the other side, it seems as though something is drawing her in to the page slightly, this directs the readers towards other features as the main image is the first thing that is looked at. The element of danger is carried through the magazine, her clothing being ripped and black and it appears to be studs on her low cut top, also revealing her as a sex icon. Other artists are featured on the right hand side of the page to add further interest and to allow the readers to find specific articles to their preference without having to read through the whole magazine, this is a people pleaser.

The black and white effect creates an element of mystery which connotes something is yet to be discovered. This is also suggested as the heart is the only object that is colourful on the page, the fact that a hand, presumably a woman’s, is grabbing it from behind, portrays Kanye as being in a vulnerable position, maybe the article features shows that beneath the surface his heart and emotions are fragile. This is also reflected in the cover lines of the front cover ‘the truth hurts’. The layout for this contents page is bold and simplistic the main attraction is the main image which is clearly artistic and is set in-front of the V from the magazine name; the editors may be suggesting that Kanye is their ideal icon for the genre of the magazine. This contents page contrasts with the splash of colour presented on the front cover. The lack of colour here could suggest his emptiness. But also his facial expressions appear very similar in the two. In the front cover Kanye seems separated from the colour, he has a dark shadow surrounding him, this could suggest his grown inability to let people in because of the thought of life/love hurting him.

  

                                        

Analysis of front covers

The masthead (the name of the magazine) is adapted to the colour white, In keeping with the style and colour scheme of the magazine. The colour of the masthead changes frequently and so does the colour scheme, although NME is most famous for the red, white and black house style. The masthead on this cover is overlapping the main artist image slightly, in many other of NME’s magazines it would be the artist that overlaps the masthead, the fact that ‘Lana Del Rey’ is not overlapping the masthead could be because the house style isn’t present and the audience may not be familiar with the colours used.

The date line and issue number are usually positioned underneath or to the side of the masthead. The colour scheme links in with the American flag used as the background. Blue and White are the two main colours used, there is red featured within the flag however that has not been continued. The text is either black or white, the majority of the font is written in capitals. The pull quote “I’M A PHSYCHO” intentionally has drawn a lot of attention. We can therefore relate this statement with the artist’s expressions. The model credit is large as she is the centre of attention for the issue. The colour of the text is a very feminine blue; the use of this colour may have derived from the colour of the artist’s nails. The Pug is offering free posters, with supporting images of what’s inside. Lana Del Rey is the main artist image, dominating the middle third. Her appearance is one that the average young woman would idolise. Her facial expressions are very playful and edgy as she sticks her tongue out. Her hands are on her hips which may connote that she is very confident. She is wearing white, the opposite of black which may infer that the artist is successful and holds a bright future. Her hair is very sleek in perfect curls; this may have been styled intentionally to show the smooth and modern nature of her work. However with not a strand of hair out of place is she presented as a realistic role model for young women? Her appearance is idealised and most probably photo shopped, this creates an image that women stride for which they will never be able to achieve.The strap line gives further clues as to what is featured inside the magazine. These draw subtle attention for the audience. Information such as artist names and short conclusions of gossip are seen here. A bar code is always seen on the front cover of a selling magazine, this is just for purchasing purposes. The bar code is always positioned at the bottom of the page. 

  

Strap line ‘The UK’s biggest music magazine’, a superlative has been used to put the success of the magazine in the spot light. This adds a lot of interest and it is something that would make this music magazine a priority choice over another that does not share this success or that has not made their success obvious.The masthead is large, dominating a fraction of the left third. The colour red is very striking therefore the colour of ‘Q’ also stands out because of the contrast. The house colours are red black and white; this is also reflected in the main artist image.
The bar code for this magazine is positioned in an odd place compared to the magazine ‘NME’. I think this was not a thoughtful way of positioning the bar code as more interesting and alluring cover lines could have been used as the left hand side of the magazine is usually what is shown when sold on a news stand as other magazines overlap. The ‘John Lennon’ puff circled in silver gains further attraction from the target audience. The cover lines are small, stating the subject of the magazine content, being popular artists of the genre such as ‘vampire weekend’. They’re positioned on the left third of the page to ensure relevant information catches the eye of the consumers. Cheryl Cole is the centre of visual interest for this magazine; her image overfills the middle third. A very provocative expression is presented which draws appeal from men. Her red lips connote danger and link with the sexual nature of the image. The lighting and makeup makes her skin look pale and ghastly which in this case does not infer her purity as is juxtapositioned with the vivid, intense red on her lips and the blackness surrounding her eyes. In this case it simply draws attention to the other features, her eyes which may disguise her secrets and also her devil inside. 

The masthead takes up a large part of the top third of the page; part of it is hidden as the magazine is easily identified due to popularity. The colour theme varies with each issue; there are not set house colours. The vibrant blue masthead, linked with the title may reflect the feeling the type of music gives the listeners.  The pink and blue are relatively light and uplifting colours, used to create positivity and attraction to the page; the blue also links with the colour of the collar on the jacket of the main artist.The centre of visual interest is the image of Kanye West. The shadow effect creates the impression of him coming out of the page. The image dominates the middle third and more, which makes a statement, giving little space for text. His eyes are looking directly out of the page to the readers, alluring them to buy the magazine. The definition on the image is also making him appear more realistic. The cover lines are bold, simple, clear and striking. They assure that much about Kanye West and his work will be featured. This has been done intentionally so the most important content reaches the target audience when placed on a news-stand etc. The image may represent the ideal reader. The added cover lines to promote other artists featured inside are merely for further interest. The strap line is instantly grabbing attention with words like ‘EXCLUSIVE’, ‘NOTORIOUS’, and ‘SECRETS’. The magazine has clearly identified their audience and how VIBE is going to apply conventions to appeal to them. It is likely that the consumer type is rebellious and mischevious due to the huge feature of Kanye West. The consumers of his music are stereotypically dangerous and therefore marvel in the challenging attitude of Kanye, which is reflected in his work. His use of language also attracts this type; they enjoy challenging authority. This audience clearly look up to Kanye and aspire to be like him, although he isn’t sticking to pretty expectations he has huge success with his music, which is inspirational for his consumers. Apart from being simply entertained by the magazine and his music the consumer want to identify with Kanye, this may also lead to personal identity, the realisation of similarities may provoke even change.

Questionnaire Results (prezi)

Questionnaire

Target Audience Profile

My magazine is aimed at people who enjoy listening to indie rock music. My target audience will be aged between 15 and 30, predominantly men. They will be within the C1/C2 demographic, either at university or in a substantial job that will pay for their luxuries such as attending festivals and gigs. This audience will not be unaccepting of uniqueness but will be more interested in typical mainstream music and artists. My ideal consumer would be:       

Matt from Wellingborough:

He is 22 years old, part of the C1 demographic and currently studying philosophy and media at university. He has a part time job in a local pub and works this as his social life around his studies. He has a passion for music and has indulges in the creations of his favourite indie rock artists. As a philosopher he is knowledgeable, digging for meaning within the music but this is what makes it more enjoyable. He is able to enjoy mainstream music and really understand the message relayed from it. Although he keeps up with his studies and is sustaining a job he is rebellious when it comes to his social life, with a smoking addiction and being negatively influenced by alcohol, he is troublesome within Wellingborough’s nightlife. He’s ‘up for a laugh’ as his friends may say, they all thoroughly enjoy going to gigs and festivals together, they take an interest in festival guides, making the best out of their experience. He and his friendship group have a tendency to challenge authority; this is reflected in my masthead name as it has an element of illegality behind it. Although Matt may wish to appear rebellious through his actions, expected to maintain the conformities of his typical uni lad stereotype, he is in fact, at heart, quite conservative, enjoying mainstream indie rock artists/bands such as Kings of Leon and Lana Del Rey, rather than seeking out new, alternative music. He currently reads NME and Kerrang!, along with FHM. Therefore my ideal consumer (Matt) would read a magazine for the following uses and gratifications:

-          To identify with characters and situations – his favourite artists, there whereabouts, their latest music releases, upcoming appearances (gigs, festivals, tour dates etc.)

-          To be entertained – he has a passion for music and is positively consumed by this music genre.

-          To escape from daily troubles – Stressful workload at university, trying to juggle and find a balance of study, work and play.

-          The opportunity to feel good about himself.

-          Personal identity – to find out more about himself, he is perhaps very alike one of the indie rock artists, a character profile may reveal similarities in character types which may be thought provoking and help him to identify with himself on a deeper level.

-          Social interaction – as a basis for conversation with his friends; talking about plans for the next gig/festival they’re planning to go to.

-          Finding models of good behaviour – a role model will be able to influence his rebellious side and tame his wildness, or do the exact opposite by encouraging him to be free, making the most of life.

According to Young and Rubicam consumer types, Matt would fall under more than one category: He may be labelled as a mainstreamer as he lives in the everyday world, responding to big established brands. However his need to gain control over his own life would make him a Succeeder, his aggressive attitude towards life as a consequence of his highly stressful workload means he needs to relax occasionally, he does this by attending gigs and festivals to let off some steam. I wouldn’t label Matt fully as an aspirer, I think the only part of this type of which matt falls under would be his intent for status which he tries to gain through the way his friends view him, his rebellious nature gains him a dangerous but cool status.