4. Front cover Analysis Female dominated cover. Both the cover stars and the artists within the coverlines are female. This allows LIVE magazine to challenge the conventions of a music magazine as it may seem to segregate 50% of the potential readership. However I believe the cover attracts both genders through its use of neutral colours and simplistic multi-gender style so therefore this female orientated issue is not considered a problem for LIVE’s potential readership. ‘ The UK’s biggest new music magazine’ may develop the idea of a PUG as a PUG entices the reader into purchasing the magazine by usually offering a free gift etc. However, although this does not offer a free gift it may be seen to entice the reader into buying the magazine through its persuasive techniques. Coverlines positioned within the left third of the page layout which conform to the conventions of music and general magazines alike. This is the most efficient and effective positioning as it will attract the reader to LIVE magazine because they will expect the coverlines to be positioned in this place making them easily noticeable in retailers. Cover image shows the ‘stars’ with an open gaze which is typical of a real media product as it allows the cover star to make eye contact with the potential readership. The ‘LIVE’ masthead conforms to the conventions of music magazines and general magazines alike. It is bold and the writing is placed over a colour background as I believe this makes it stand out and attract a readership for LIVE magazine. I also added a drop shadow effect which I believe further adds to the bold and effective use of the masthead. I also decided to use a neutral coloured background behind the cover stars as I believe this works effectively with the colour scheme of my magazine (red, black and white) by making the masthead and coverlines stand out to an audience in front of the neutral background.
7. I decided to include the masthead of the front cover in the contents page as I believe this allows the LIVE logo to become more recognisable and establish a brand name for LIVE magazine. This is something that some other music magazines like Q add to their contents page but not as the same size as the LIVE logo which stands out more on the contents page that Q magazines logo on their contents. I decided to include a ‘Also inside’ feature into my contents page. I believe this is effective and useful for my readership as it allows them to gain a quick summary of some of the features inside so they are able to quickly refer to that particular page and go straight to the article. This therefore does not match a typical style of a music magazine as it is not something that is usually included in the contents page but sometimes on a front cover. This allows my readership to distinguish LIVE magazine from other magazine through this unique feature. I also included facebook and twitter addresses for LIVE magazine. I decided to include these as I believe this appeals to my target demographic of 16-25 year olds who are regular users of the internet and social networking sites. This therefore allows me to maintain further connectivity to my audience through the use of social networking sites and also allows an effective way for reader feedback so I will be able to improve the content of the magazine based on customer feedback.
10. ‘ Musicians’ posture is shown to be confident but not aggressive. This is typical of music magazines. It would appeal to the audience of LIVE magazine as the ‘Star’ being interviewed will be of a similar age to my target demographic so the confident representation of my readerships age group will have a positive effect on readers. The font used for the ‘Queen of Odd’ headline is shown to be young and modern which is a further representation of the readership. Font from dafont.com is a stylish, unique and fresh font that The double page spread is typical of a music magazine as this is what audiences expect from an interview article. The language used is informal which will appeal to the young readership.
