1. Initial Inspiration for Regional
Magazines

2. Initial Inspiration for Regional
Magazines
Whilst researching for existing regional
magazines in the area, I found three which have
given me ideas and inspiration. All are lifestyle
magazines, the same genre as my own will be. It
covers a wide range of features such as health
and fitness, tourism, leisure, fashion, decorating,
or culture in various areas of the North East.

3. Living North

4. Living North
Living North describes itself as “celebrating much of what is excellent
about the North of England, from its glorious coastline, small niche
businesses, heritage, food and numerous other attractions, from
boutiques to bistros and much more besides”. This magazine projects
quite a mature image, suggesting it is aimed at adults living in the
North East with an interest in the above. It appears to be quite gender
neutral in many senses, as it creates articles that would appeal to both
gender stereotypes, for example its articles showing photography of
different areas of the North East. However it may be directed slightly
more at women, for example using pink as a theme colour for the
March 2015 edition. In addition there are extensive fashion and beauty
pages within the magazine. I think the layout of the front cover is quite
clever in appealing to its niche target audience – the colour scheme
used is different in every issue but matches the image projected. This
creates a smart, professional appearance.

5. ETC (Everything That Counts)

6. ETC (Everything That Counts)
ETC describes itself as “a luxury lifestyle magazine for
the North East and beyond”. It is predominantly aimed at
women – for example by having Pixie Lott as its cover
star, who would probably attract teenage and young adult
women. It also features articles on interior design etc., in
which flowery patterns and colours such as pink are used.
This would stereotypically appeal more to women than
men. However, as it is a lifestyle magazine some features
are more gender neutral, for example reviewing bars and
restaurants. The language used is quite colloquial and
familiar with the target audience, reaffirming the idea of it
being in close relation with its audiences and their lives.

7. Luxe

8. Luxe
Luxe describes itself as “regional, relevant and entertaining,
the region’s newest and finest downtime magazine celebrating
the best things about life in the North East”. It is more gender
neutral than other similar magazines – both men and women
feature and colour schemes of black and white are used often.
In my opinion it is also aimed at a more mature audience –
ages around 30+ - due to the content featured within it, such as
articles about the region’s dairy industry. All of the articles and
features are about local people, which helps to bring a sense of
community to the magazine. It has a very simple design,
however this is effective in setting it apart from its
competitors. It’s slogan ‘regional, relevant and entertaining’
also serves as a constant reminder of the magazines focus and
creates a more informal tone with the reader.