Research part 1

This was my first attempt at a magazine cover. I Chose the masthead because it looked like college art; it looks like somebody has drawn it, the type of thing a student might do when listening in a lesson. I felt it would appeal to students. The image is of one of the students in my media class. This was meant to make students feel that this magazine is for them and by them. The teasers on the cover were chosen to interest the target audience as well as raising the profile of the collegeI chose the background colours of the teasers to stand out from the background but to blend with the overall colour scheme. I used the same typeface on the teasers but altered the size. I didn't want o have too many different typefaces on the cover as it could make it look messy

My choice of background for the contents page was chosen as this is a very well known location within the college. Most students walk down this corridor everyday. This would make students feel part of the magazine. I used 70% transparency so that the image is clear but the text can still be seen. The corridor perspective helps draw the eye into the image. The other 2 images were also chosen for their familiarity to a student; the canteen and the library. I purposely chose an image with a student in it as the corridor background and empty canteen look a bit deserted.The choice of colour for the contents was a mistake as it does not stand out sufficiently but putting each item at a different angle, and jumbling them around makes it more interesting and less like a list.

Total Guitar EssayThis report is a textual analysis of a magazine cover for “Total Guitar” featuring the image of a leading guitarist. The black title on a contrasting white background is stark and clear. It would be instantly recognisable to existing customers but would also catch the eye of someone who has not read the magazine before. The alternating red and black used for the smaller print on the cover stands out against the white background. It adds to the slightly gothic feel of the cover which is carried through into the way Matt Bellamy is presented. The red and black motif is also suggestive of blood and vampires, which is again echoed in the central image of Matt Bellamy.In direct contrast to the red, white and black theme is the name “Matt Bellamy” in gold, the only place where this colour is used. Apart from the colour and font size making the name stand out, this could connote that he is the “golden boy” of guitar playing who would appear golden to his fans. However this colour is often used to connote jealousy. Possibly the intention is to portray someone we should feel envious of. He is labelled “guitarist of the decade” which also gives the impression of a superior being.Another feature that stands out because of colour is the blue tag. It denotes a partially torn, stick on label. This gives the impression that this amazing offer is so important that the label has been attached to prevent readers missing this opportunity.The image of Matt Bellamy is positioned in front of the magazine title showing that the publisher is confident that readers will still recognise the magazine even if the title is partially obscured. The image is a medium shot, from the waist up which is an effective way for the magazine to make Matt Bellamy appear to connect with the audience. Surprisingly, there is no guitar in the image, drawing the audience’s attention to Matt Bellamy as man, rather than as a musician. There is no background or depth of field, just the stark white cover, suggesting that Matt Bellamys image is enough by itself to attract the audience’s eye. The lack of anything else to distract the audience adds importance to the central image. The image is completely symmetrical, even down to the turned up collar of the guitarist’s black coat. This gives a strongly dominant masculine impression to the image, while the choice of colour for the clothing matches the overall colour scheme and gives Matt Bellamy a brooding “bad boy” look. His masculinity is emphasised by his hands on hips posture which appears covertly hostile.There is an interesting use of lighting in the image (chiaroscuro). Matt Bellamy is lit from above causing shadows which define his brows and cheekbones and making his face look very pale. This reinforces the gothic vampire look which fits well with both his clothing and the overall colour scheme of the magazine cover.In conclusion, the magazine cover is presenting a strong confident image of the musician as an individual. He is being portrayed as slightly dangerous and very masculine. Overall, the cover is stark and plain with very simple but effective use of colour. This simplicity of design ensures the audience is drawn to the central image.

The colour scheme is unusual for a music magazine; they are cool relaxed colours, not the angry colours of rap or rock covers. The image is very posed, and they are wearing clothes we associate with previous times, giving a very traditional feel to the image. This would not appeal to a young audience but is more likely to appeal to an audience of 25+. The image covers the title, showing that the editor is confident that readers will recognise the magazine without seeing the title. The font is also classy and likely to appeal to an older audience. She is wearing ballet shoes and adopting a dance pose, giving an arty, creative feel to the cover.

Bruce Springsteen is represented in a mid close up which is a very natural shot. The camera angle is slightly higher, looking down, and he is looking directly at the camera which is very personal. He appears to be on our level unlike many celebrities. The necklace softens the “hard man” image that the leather jacket might give. Because the background tones with the image the readers are more able to focus on the advertisements. The writing is simple but bold, making it easy to read, definitely not a classical magazine! The fonts used are fairly similar which avoids making the cover look cluttered. 2012 draws the eye as it is the only blue used, and the audience would then automatically read the text underneath. The top bar stands out as it is blocked in red, again referring to the same article. The artists names have been picked out in colour to contrast and stand out from the mainly white text.

This is a black and white, medium shot, which is quite dramatic and eye catching. This effect is increased by the text not being placed across the image. This gives the impression that he is very important, as he is the only person featured on the contents page. He is not engaging with the audience which will make them curious as to why. The colour scheme is cool apart from the minimal use of red which leaps out of the page. This is a simple and sophisticated look that will appeal to people in their 20’s, particularly females, who would be attracted to his brooding good looks. Even the article descriptions are of similar size giving an almost symmetrical appearance. There is a consistency of fonts and font size adding to the cool sophisticated appeal.

Contents page

It is a very striking colour scheme (yellow on red). They are contrasting colours so it is easy to read. The subtitles are clear bold, the overall effect is clean and clear. Most of the pictures have borders around them to catch the audience eye and separate them from each other. The medium long shot on the left hand side stands out because of its unique positioning and more posed structure than the other pictures. It appears more important to the audience than the other images. The shape of the image reflects the shape of the sleeve tattoo, drawing attention to it. The sleeve and sleeveless top make him look hard and dangerous, a stereotype for rock musicians. I believe this contents page is targeting 14-20 year olds because this is the “angry teens” age who are likely to listen to angry music and find these images attractive.

Article page

The yellow on black colour scheme stands out. The black represents darkness and the yellow represents light. They are opposites. The yellow banner looks like police tape which gives a sense of the forbidden. The image on the left indicates that he is the most important member of the band, and the one that the audience is most likely to recognise. The black and white image of the band shows thelead singer with his fist held up aggressively and the word “fuck” on his knuckles. This

suggests that the magazine is not aimed at a young audience. The other images appear to be snapshots of them on tour. The white border increases this impression. The photos link with the text and so give a taster of the article to a potential purchaser.