Pixlr session

We dedicated the majority of a lesson to learning how to use Pixlr editor online, i used different layers and a vibrancy enhancer to create this image. I added a default effect to one layer and enhanced the other and rubbed out the overlaying image to reveal the background. I decided to add a potential masthead behind her to try and gain a feel for how this would look on the front cover of a magazine.

Secondary Research

Although i don't want to create a niche publication is was interesting to look at Raygun from an artistic point of view:

The colour red is a striking colour and it does stand out in comparison to the rest of the page, however the variation of capitals and lower case letters within the masthead is unusual, there is a sense of disorganisation. The masthead is not positioned in the usual place. Although it has a bold characteristic, the positioning is not central or placed along the top of the page.

The background seems as if it is one of the pages from a well used book, adding to the authenticity of the magazine. This could reflect the type of artists featured in the magazine and the era they’re from.

The font of the cover lines seems similar to the work of a typewriter, the text spacing also suggests this.

The barcode is positioned at the bottom of the page. This seems to be the only aspect that is similar to the usual magazine conventions.

There is not a set theme, layout colour scheme, font style or a consistency with the masthead visible for this magazine. This is intentional to add to the quirkiness of Raygun.  The lack of organisation has a purpose of having an effect on its readers. Several of the magazine front covers include text and images that aren’t typical of the distinct magazine form. Aspects such of the rule of thirds and the set positioning of where certain things should be placed is not present; the page is free to creativity. The centre of visual interest is not clear for this magazine. In some cases it becomes difficult to reveal the main artist through the edit applied.

Analysis of double page spreads

The picture editor has used a black and white shot to give the image a sharper definition, this is important because Lana Del Rey is a big star and she needs to grab the attention. She is winking, at the reader, which suggests a mischievous and flirty attitude, which is synonymous with the model. The background is of the national flag of America, this shows patriotism but could also connote a desire to challenge authority. The playful nature of Lana Del Rey is juxtaposed with the solemnity of a national icon. The additional facts, highlighted in blue, add further interest for the reader; this reinforces Lana’s popularity ‘A STAR IS BORN’. Also the blue colours connote freshness and purity, a new star has burst into the music industry. There is also a sense of honesty established about her already, on the front cover she is described as the ‘true face’ of a modern American icon. She truly represents America hence she is a positive and influential role model. Lana deserves to be admired for her huge success ’MISSION Accomplished’, the word ‘accomplished’ appears in gold, connoting that she has brought illumination to America. The drop caps are also in gold so the theme of success is carried through the article. This links with Bulmer and Katz’ Uses and Gratifications theory, seeking models of good behaviour and aspiring to be like them. This along with finding personal identity, the readers may find an air of determination after being presented with Lana’s dramatic success, she is a more realistic version of a superstar due to her background and upbringing, sticking to her roots; this also helps the consumers to identify with her and her situation. Also the consumers may just enjoy her music and since she is so popular, may use her as a basis for social interaction.

This double page spread includes conventions of a stereotypical magazine:

The text in columns defines a clear layout for the reader, the typography is small which may be tricking the reader into thinking there is more of the article as it appears that only two thirds of one of the pages is filled with text. Drop caps have been used, the first one, ‘C’ for ‘Cheryl’ is overly large and is cut off by the other featured image, it is bold and vivid in red, adding a splash of colour to the page as the images use a lot of black, and a lot of black text can be boring for the reader. The layout, sectioning off a whole page for a large image is stereotypical of a magazine such as this. A very similar image has also been seen in the contents page but this time no shadow is behind her, her body is positioned to the front and her eyes although aren’t giving direct address are seen to be looking in towards the article which directs our attention. This is a cleaner and more striking image, revealing a little more to her this which is also the intention of the article. The image is mid-shot, which shows other things in greater detail such as the studs on her top, also her facial features etc. but does not show her fully, this may infer that there is more to be learnt and discovered about her. The image in the contents page shows the whole of her body but she is positioned almost as if she is coming out of the page, the bottom of one of her legs cannot be seen. This image puts Cheryl in the spotlight which is effective as the article also does this; the white background also starkly contrasts with the sharp, glossy dark image. Pull quotes – the quote from Cheryl herself is a rhetorical question, which brings the attention and connection from the reader as they feel involved; the readership is being directly addressed. The article, according to Bulmer and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory, may be intended for personal identity, the connection with the reader may make them learn something about themselves, maybe they are alike Cheryl and also don’t know what they look like anymore.