Media coursework magazine analysis

Media CourseworkMedia CourseworkLucy PughLucy Pugh

Front cover analysisContents page analysisDouble Page spread analysis

Masthead- This masthead is recognisable by readers as it is a well known magazine and the masthead is the same in every issue of the magazine. It is light blue and the same colour is used again within the main images name ‘Amy Winehouse’. The colour blue also symbolises the feeling of cool or cold so the magazine is cool to read.

Main image- The main image shows Amy Winehouse who is a large image in the music industry. She is shown as a bigger star as the magazine itself as she is over the masthead, but everyone can still tell its called rolling stone.

Pug- This pug is on top of the main image so it stands out and also this makes it look as if it was actually stuck on after the magazine was printed. The text inside is white on a black background which automatically stands out and the words ‘ worse than bush’ the font gets bigger on each word.

Colour Scheme- 4 main colours: blue, white, red and black connoting rock stereotypes.

Secondary features- these stories attract the audience but not as much as the main image as that stands out more. Also on this magazine cover the stories have no pictures alongside them which would attract the audience more.

Feature headline- this shows what the main image is about, and the main story of the magazine. This attracts the reader and grabs their attention.

Barcode- This is an ugly feature to the magazine but is also very important. They are normally small so they are not so recognisable, and the date is included on this sometimes.

Masthead- This masthead is small and too the left hand side of the magazine. NME is a well known music magazine so this would be recognised by the audience. Also the colour red is used which is one of the main colours used throughout the cover. This symbolises rock and roll as it is also used with black and white.

Main image- The main image shows Lilly Allen a music star which a main story about her troubles. She is shown to look depressed as she has dark makeup around her eyes. She also fits with the colour scheme of the magazine as she is wearing a red, black and white checkered shirt.

Banner- The banner on this magazine shows what is going to be inside the magazine so theirs more to read. The text and background is also red and white so this is still the same colour scheme.

Pugs- These pugs contrast as one is yellow with black writing and the other is black with yellow writing. They also have a main bit of information in larger font than the background information.

Secondary features- These secondary stories are shown as they will be talked about on the inside of the magazine. Also they both include large text and images so this stands out to the reader.

Date and price- The date and price of the magazine are labelled in small font underneath the masthead. The use of small font shows that its not a main feature to the magazine, and the price is expensive but they still want readers to buy it.

Main headline- This describes what the main image’s story will be about. The text is white on a black background and is connoted as newspaper cuttings for each letter used.

Colour scheme- red, black, yellow and white.

Masthead- This masthead is central and straight across the top of the fashion magazine. It is recognisable straight away as it is directly in front of the audiences eyes. Also uses two colours of baby pink and blue which are girly and fun which attracts the target audience of teenage girls.

Banner- This has a yellow background with black writing that stands out on that background. The colours are yet again girly, and it is talking about ‘Justin Bieber’ which is also the main image.

Pug- This pug emphasises on the word ‘Young’ and ‘Hollywood’. Young is used as it is the magazine for Teen Vogue, and is young and hip for teenagers. The word holly wood is used as this makes it look glamorous to read as the audience.

Main image- This main image shows a huge star in the music industry ‘Justin Bieber’ but he is being used on a fashion magazine as he is known as a popular teen for young girls which is the audience for this magazine. He looks flawless so girls will automatically fall in love with him and buy the magazine.

Secondary Features- These show what’s going to be talked about in the rest of the magazine, the names of famous people used is listed so the audience can see this clearly. The ‘More cute boys’ sub heading attracts the target audience of young/teenage girls as it is in girly font and pink and ‘Cute’ boys are something girls are in to.

Barcode- This is a necessary feature to the magazine but is an ugly one. It includes the price which is small so it isn’t a huge pointer to the audience buying it.

Main Headline- The main headline is talking about the main image and the words ‘Bieber Fever’ are used with this star a lot. It is in pale yellow again which is girly and in capital letters and larger font. This gains the readers attention from looking at the magazine straight away.

Colour Scheme- the main colours used are pink, yellow, black, blue and white. They are all pale colours apart from black and are very girly and fun, which suits this magazine.

Masthead- This mast head is central and across the top so it is automatically seen. It is bright pink with bold font that stands out, the colour pink shows its girly and fashionable. Also the magazine is recognisable as ‘Cosmopolitan’ is a popular magazine in America and it is also headlining one of America's biggest stars.

Main Image- This main image is of a well known star ‘Jennifer Aniston’. She is shown as a glamorous as her skin is fresh and clear and her eyes have been edited to look crystal blue. Also her hair is a bit blown out of her face so this gets the impression she is flawless. Her face is straight on so she's looking at the audience, and she is shown to just see flesh so she could not be wearing anything.

Pug- This pug stands out as it has a black background with green writing, also it is appealing as the rest of the background on the magazine is white and neutral colours. The words ‘Sale’ and ’20%’ stand out most as they are in thin text but are larger than the rest of the words.

Secondary features- These are going to be talked about in the rest of the magazine. They are all using the same colour scheme but having some text in black and some in the hot pink colours. The start of the sentences are used in bold and larger text than the rest so this gains the readers attention first and that is the most important information.

Colour scheme- The main colours used are bright pink, lime green, black and white. These colours are used to make the magazine fit within the girly genre. They are bright colours aswell which makes them stand out to the audience.

Main headline- This main headline is small compared to usual ones on magazines. The colours used are lime green and white which fit with the colour scheme and the fonts used are curly on her name which could insinuate she is fancy and glamorous. Also her name being bigger than any of the other words means she has a high status.

Main Headline- This is the main headline of the whole magazine. It’s the biggest bit of text to be seen on this magazine, yet is isn't the main story or about the main image.

Colour Scheme- the colour scheme for Q’s contents page includes black, white and red. These are basic colours which which make is easy on the eyes to read and it fits with the front cover and genre of the magazine. Red is the brightest colour used and attracts the audiences eye the most.

The text takes up 1/3 of the contents page on the left hand side. It is set out in one log column describing all pages that will be in the magazine. There is more text in the bottom right hand side central where it has a Q review. This gains the audiences eye as it has a picture with text and the text is again in columns.

The main image on the contents page always links back to the main story on the front cover as this will be the headline for the whole magazine. Also this is large and central usually so it can be seen clearly and attracts the audiences eye as soon as they turn onto the page.

Smaller images on the magazine make the audience aware of what else is going to be included in the magazine. On this contents page there is only one smaller image which is of ‘Nick Cave’ which is in the review section.

Page numbers and captions linking to stories are in different fonts and colours to make them stand out to the reader. Some text is bigger than other parts which shows the most eye catching information that will draw the reader in and is the most important past of information.

The website is featured at the top in the right hand side corner. The text is small and is white on a black background, it isn't outstanding to the audience but is still there as it is important for the magazine.

Buzz words are used to link to the stories that are going to be talked about in the rest of the magazine.

The main heading/masthead of the word ‘Contents’ would normally be at the top either central to the left or to the right but always at the top as it is the title of the page.

The colour scheme for NME is red, black and white. These are basic colours that are used on the front the issue as well. These colours are common for the NME magazine as they show a rock and roll background, which suits the magazine depending on what artist they use on their front cover.

The writing on the front cover is set out in columns which makes it easy to read. On the left hand side everything is listed in red and the page number it can be found on in black. The red text attracts your eye more as a reader which will allow the audience to look as what's included in the magazine instead. On the right hand side there is a column labelling more important pages in the magazine as they have sub headings and the text used is bigger and bolder.

The main image on the contents page should revolve around the main image on the front cover as this is the main story of the magazine. They are normally large and central on the contents page so the audience can see this straight away and it draws the attention away from looking at ‘boring’ text.

Smaller images are normally used to inform the reader on what could be included in the rest of the magazine. The only smaller image on this contents page is a smaller image of the front cover which is being advertised for readers to subscribe.

Page numbers and captions are used to link different stories to the page they will be found on. The numbers and captions are usually in bigger font than the description so they stand out more so the full details of the story are actually read.

A drop cap is used in the central paragraph so that the reader is drawn to this paragraph as it is important. Also it makes it look like a newspaper which is more formal than a normal magazine.

There are deals for magazine subscriptions which are normally found on the contents page. This promotes the magazine because readers can subscribe and the magazine can be sent to the them weekly.

The masthead can appear on the contents page such as NME as this is the masthead on the front cover of this magazine. They are usually smaller on the contents page but resemble the same as the front cover.

The colour scheme is simple and plain as the main colour used are black, white and red. These are common colours for magazines as they are easy colours to red and see. Also using black text on white background makes it stand out especially the title as it is in bold large font the same as the front cover would be. The colour scheme fits with the genre of the magazine also as it is a fashion magazine for women, the colours are classy and of high quality.

The writing on the contents page is set into columns. On this contents page the columns are set across the whole page but into category blocks such as ‘vogue stars’ and ‘beauty’. These headings are used in red to show they are a heading and for them to stand out above the text.

The main image on the contents page should link to the main image on the front cover. On this contents page the main image attracts the reader as the picture under the title that is a young women posing on a rock under the sea. This has been photo shopped and the sea would have been fitted around her. The main image should be the picture of ‘Emma Watson’ as she has a label under her as the cover look. She has been used on the front cover.

Page numbers and captions linking stories are always used on contents pages. The numbers on this page are are in a bigger and bolder font than the text talking about the page. The title of the page is also in a bigger font so this sticks out to the reader more.

The word contents is normally found at the top as a masthead but on this contents page the masthead is the magazine name of ‘Vogue’ instead of having this as ‘Contents’. The word contents is above the ‘V’ on vogue and has the date also. It is straight across the top so this is still visible to the reader.

In the list of contents the page number will always come out before the text and will follow with a few words about the article. This is to show the reader just a quick explanation what is going to be talked about in the magazine but is kept to a minimal.

The colour scheme revolves around the colours grey, black and white. These are simple colours but they fit the genre as they are classy which suites a female fashion magazine. By this colour scheme you can tell it’s a magazine with a higher price range. Also using white text for ‘Contents’ makes this stand out as its on the black background which fades into grey.

There is only one column of writing on this contents page which is along the right hand side of the magazine underneath the main heading. This is spilt into two sections with one labeled ‘features’ and another ‘fashion’. These are in a more girly, bolder and bigger font than the text describing what will be included.

The main image should link back to the main story of the magazine. This main image isn’t of anyone famous so this doesn’t attract the reader to be reading about someone a list. However the image is of a young model who is attractive and looks fashionable which would attract the audiences eye. She is put across the whole page so she cant be missed and stands out to the reader. She is also wearing clothes that suit the colour scheme and she is shown in a shadow.

Page numbers and captions are always used on contents pages to link stories to what page in the magazine. The numbers used are in a bolder font that the main writing which is a much thinner text. The font is also smaller than the main headings above it as this is less interesting information to have on the magazine.

The word ‘contents’ is normally found at the top as this is the masthead for this page. On this contents page it is laid out slightly differently which is a good feature for the magazine. The word ‘contents’ is spilt into parts and stacked on top of each other. Also this is in bold and clear white text which makes the masthead stand out even more. This is the only bit of white used on this magazine contents page yet one of the main colours in the colour scheme.

Headline- this headline is bold and short so this stands out as the first thing seen on this double page spread. The writing used is bold text and all in capital letters. It is black writing on a bright blue background which stands out as this blue used is one of the main colours.

Main image- this main image is of a band that fits with the genre of the magazine. This image takes up the whole left hand side and text and captions are fitted around them. They stand out as they are the biggest thing seen on the magazine. They aren’t wearing any bright colours but the background has been edited so this is lighter than them.

Columns- all text used is always set out in columns as if it’s a newspaper. This text should never cross the centre fold as this then makes it difficult to read. Also if the text is set into columns it is easier for all text to be fitted into the limited space area and for the reader to clearly see the paragraphs.

Pug- This pug isnt like a conventional pug used on front covers but a just a pug to create interest and excitement to the page. This is a fairly small pug of a mans head who is the writer on the below paragraph, he stands out as a pug as he is highlighted in a bubble in bright blue which is one of the main colours.

Pug- this is another pug used on this double page spread but this is more recognisable and is on the opposite side to the second one. This stands out as it has white text on a black background and is layered onto the main headline. This creates interest and is fun for the reader.

Drop cap- This is when the first letter of the text is bigger and bolder than the rest of the text. This is used to show the reader this is an important paragraph to read and attracts the eye to this straight away. Also as the columns of text are central this is more recognisable.

Drop quotes- drop quotes are used and fitted around the main story or image. They are usually words that are used in the main story or related to this. They also normally are spoken from the famous person being talked about.

Fact file- fact files are used as a caption for the main image sometimes. This is a more interesting way of producing information and is more eye catching to the reader. In this fact file the main colours are used and it is over lapping onto the main image.

Colour scheme- the colour scheme on the double page spread should relate to the magazines main colour scheme especially if this is about the main image on the front cover. The colour scheme for this page is bright blue, white and black and the blue is the most attracting colour as it is bright and fun.

Main image- this main image is of the lead singer of ‘MCR’ (my chemical romance) which this double page spread is about. This fits the genre for the music magazine and this is the first thing recognised on the page. It covers the whole left hand side and information is fitted around this image as it is most important. He is shown in a sepia effect which a black background around him.

Headline- This headline is used as a quote/drop quote as MCR have actually said this. It stands out as there is red and white text being used on a black background which contrasts and looks bold. The writing in white has been edited and bits have been taken out so it looks rocky and tough. The headline is short and snappy so it grabs the readers eye.

Secondary images- These secondary images are placed across the bottom crossing over the centre fold. They are members of the band and the middle image shows them at work. They are used in the sepia effect also so they are related to the main image. They are placed next to each other in a line like a banner but it is wide and takes up a lot of space.

Drop cap- this is used to attract the reader to this main story. It shows the main letter of ‘M’ in red and the other text following it in white, all on a black background. The text in red sticks out as this is the brightest most eye catching colour used and is one of the main colours in the colour scheme.

Columns- The text is written in columns so all the text is easy to fit on and equally set out into the right paragraphs. The text can not pass over the centre fold as this would make it difficult for the reader to read.

Colour scheme- The colour scheme for this double page spread is red, white and black, but all images are shown in sepia effect which shows the effect of fading. The most eye catching colour used is red and this is bright and stands out but white is also contrasting as this stands out on a black background.

Text- the text used varies across the whole page as the most eye catching parts are bold and in the bright red text. The least attracting parts are in smaller, thinner text and shown in white. They are shown as thinner and smaller as this may not attract the reader as they prefer to see eye catching things such as images and large text.

Smaller headline- There is smaller headline used above the main story, The text used starts bold to show who its about and thins out on less interesting information. This is short and snappy but gives the reader an insight to what the main story is going to be about.

Headline- this headline is short and snappy and is shown on the left hand side at the top hand corner. The text used is thin and simple, and they have used black text with pink to end on the word ‘Liverpool’ which states the location. This text looks classy and this suites the genre as it is a female fashion magazine.

Pug- this is not a conventional pug like used on front covers, but is here to create interest and excitement to the magazine pages. This is eye catching and looks like a balloon or bubble with a bright pink background being attractive. The white writing stands out on this and attracts the readers eye,

Editors letter/note- this editors note is a small part of text and small image talking about the editor and showing a picture of her. This is short and sweet but is interest to the reader so they now know who edited this magazine double page spread.

Main image- this main image is a series of images following central down the page and across the centre fold. They show different types of fashion whilst trying to be like role models such as Rihanna. They all use different colours and this is eye catching and makes the pages look busy.

Secondary images- these secondary images are used the same as the main images as they follow along but across the bottom underneath the main images. These relate to the main images as they show the people the women above are trying to be. They are also all different and eye catching and make this busy effect even more.

Columns- columns are used on magazines so the text is clear and easy to read and the paragraphs can all fit on easily. Text should normally not cross the centre line but on this double page spread the images and text both does. This is because the main story crosses both pages and is lined up centrally.

Colour scheme- There isn’t a main colour scheme on this page as it is very busy and eye catching. The colours used are bright and attractive so the reader will be interested in this straight away, The same colour of pink keeps re appearing across the page and black text is always used on a white background.

Text- the text on this double page spread is limited as there is more images than text. This is so the reader is more attracted to the page. The text is also thin and small so it doesn’t automatically stand out and the images over power the text used.

Captions- captions are used on every photo describing prices and places of where and how much there clothes were that there wearing. This allows the reader to themselves by these clothes and look like the role model famous women underneath.

Main image- this main image is a series of images put together as a collage. They show the same two people who are celebrities ‘Madonna and Britney’ and the pictures are taken but the same photographer showing the next move of the situation as it goes on. The pictures are central and cross over the centre fold of double page spread.

Headline- this headline again crosses over the centre fold and is short and snappy to the point of the main story. The text varies as it is thicker and bolder on the main words used such as the celebrities names and the location of where they were at. The words in between are in a thinner text and just in plain black where as the rest is in pink.

Secondary images- these secondary images relate back to the main story showing the two celebrities. They aren't posing for the pictures they are caught off guard and they are used related back to the story.

Columns- columns are used on magazines so the text is clear and easy to read and the paragraphs can all fit on easily. Text should normally not cross the centre line but on this double page spread the images and text both does. This is because the main story crosses both pages and is lined up centrally.

Captions-captions are used on every photo describing prices and places of where and how much there clothes were that there wearing. This allows the reader to themselves by these clothes and look like the role model famous women underneath.

Website- The website is shown in the top right hand corner. It is in white writing on a pink background so this stands out. It is used with smaller thinner text as it isn’t a main attraction for the magazine.

Colour scheme- the main most attracting colour used on this double page spread is pink as this is the brightest colour used. The other colours used are white and black which are neutral and non attractive but stand out against eachother.