Analysis of two different magazines chosen to suit my chosen genre. The analysis includes the front cover, contents page and double page spread.

1. Magazine Analysis

2. Aim
My genre for my music magazine is going to be Rhythm and Blues (R&B). However I have decided to
concentrate on blues which is a genre which you would not normally associate with a target audience
of teenager/young adults 16-19 years old. From my research on the next two slides I have chosen a
R&B magazine and a blues magazine. My aim is to create a magazine for my target audience by making
is young similar to the first magazine analyse (R&B called VIBE) but with the music genre of more Blues
from the second magazine analyse, Blues & Soul.
I want to create a magazine with
the genre of Blues (magazine on
the right). However, making and
designing it suitable and
appealing for my target audience
so its young (magazine on the
left). Both these magazines are
Blues & Soul (same magazine) but
created to suit different audiences

3. First Magazine Analysis

4. The masthead in positioned above the artist.
Connotations: Even though the mast head partially cover the artist head it still suggests that a large Gender both male and
section of the articles content is going to be about the artist, James Morrison. It also suggests that the female. However
magazine is a popular and well-known brand due to the fact that it is on top/in front of the artist. maybe more female
due to the posture of
the artist.
Denotation: The masthead is white on top of
Aged 41-55/56-70
a black background in a sans serif font.
Connotations: This particular magazine sticks
to the theory that Roger Black came up with
which is that only 3 colours should be used, It is normal for the western world
white, black and splash headlines in red. to read from the top left to the
Connotations: The black background, which is bottom right this is why the
simple allows the red and white text to stand magazine is structured in a specific
out as well as the sign, being the artist. And way with all the main text
the strandline beneath the masthead also positioned on the left side of the
supplies more information about the article and the artist positioned
magazine which helps viewer to establish more to the right, this way the last
whether the magazine is right for them. thing the audience will read is the
main selling point which is the artist
‘James Morrison’.
Denotation: Splash headlines in red and text
in white both in sans serif fonts
Connotations: The splash headlines in red
stand out to the viewer and give the
audience an insight in what the magazine is The boost picture or artist is positioned staring straight at the audience with
Psychographics: Aspirers,
about. This will help the audience decide his head leaning to the right with his eyes sharpened so they are a deep blue.
Achievers and maybe
whether magazine is right for them or not. Connotations: The artist has connotations as being maybe quite relaxed, laid Tradionalists
The text itself is in white and the red and back, this also makes the reader feel laid back and relaxed before going into Jicnars- the magazine is £3.95
white text works we’ll against the black the magazine. In some ways the artist looks quite innocent or passionate every month so to afford this
background and doesn’t take the viewers with the deep blue eyes. However with the black background and stubble maybe the audience is well-paid
eyes away form the main selling point, the we still get a sense of masculinity and power and the red being strength and or on a descend wage maybe
artist or the text itself. This also helps the confidence, from the splash headlines, “GOING ALL THE WAY”. Jicnars, B and C1
audience identify the audience and the
main articles with the magazine

5. The background is simply white This means that any colour will
draw the attention of the reader to it. This colour also works well as The masthead is placed in the at the top of
it doesn’t take away the readers attention. The layout is almost in the page in the centre and is spread out
the layout of a newspaper which gives the impression that the across the entire top of the page, it is also
At the top of the page beneath the magazine is to entertain and inform even though it is actual bold in white and capitalised behind a black
masthead is highlighted using a simple purpose of the magazine is to subtly persuade giving the illusion
black frame around the text, this works background so it will instantly draw the
that its purpose is to entertain.
well as the viewer instantly is drawn to it readers attention. The colour also links with
because it is highlighted. the colour scheme of a typical news paper
linking to all the features within the
contents.
The contents is surprisingly quite small,
however is placed down the left hand
side, so the this is the first thing the
viewer will see and read. The contents is The font with the content is very simple
also set into 3 sections and again set in in sans serif font and in black, this may
the layout of a typical newspaper. From also give the impression of laid back
this we can assume that this is for similar to the layout of a news paper
Tradionalists from the psychographics as genre. The headlines and sub headlines
Tradionalists are people who think the also flow and are in a newspaper style
past was better than today (keep things layout and this all flows, this will also
the way they are)v gain the audiences’ attention and will
lead them to the important information
beneath.
The use of a Drop cap also gives the
impression of newspaper layout as this is
more common in newspapers, this also
draws the readers attention as it is
enlarged, capitalised and bold.
The way in which the text is laid out on the bottom is also very effective. The
The text within the article is simply just designer has deliberately placed the subscription sheet at the bottom of the
black. In a sans serif font again linking to page as this is the last thing the reader will see and read as it is normal for
this similar layout of a newspaper, this the western world to read from the top left. This is done deliberately as this
particular section is also set out into four is how the magazine makes money by trying to sell it to their audience this
paragraphs not columns which are also gives the illusions that the magazine is to entertain as the important
typical of magazines again linking to this information about the content is read first as it placed at the top and the
layout of a newspaper genre. money making part is placed at the bottom so it is the last thing the viewer
will see and read.

6. The artist placed at the top left on The artist is positioned sat down, smiling, facing straight at the
the double page spread takes up viewer, although the artist appears in a formal like suit because he
half of the page, this works well as is sat down is suggest a more informal approach and this in ways
the viewer will instantly get an makes the reader feel relaxed and at ease with the magazine. He Images of what appears to
insight into the magazines content also wears a red suit this makes him stand out among the greys be an old band is pictured in
before even reading as this will be and black in the article. black and white this links
the first thing they will read and
with the content o the
see.
previous slide with this old
style maybe even
newspaper layout and style.
With the artists name
being in red link to the
artist who is also
wearing red., with the
rest of the text being in
black it makes the
masthead more
dominant and With certain sections of
noticeable as the the text in bold, spaced
background is simply away from the columns
just white and the text of text in black (pull
is black and the images quotes) it attracts the
are mostly in black and reader and allows them
white . This will also to summarise what the
help the audience text is about and find
identify who the person part of the text they are
or sign is and the more interested in.
articles masthead is the
name of the artist
The red line also help
the audience establish
the start of the article Images are text wrapped in the middle of columns and text, this
and also links with the The columns are in rows of 3 a allows the viewer to almost have a break from all the text and adds
colour scheme of red page. This well in making sure the colour to the article. It also helps the reader to summarise what has
which signifies the text isn’t to bunched together. This been said in articles and also helps them to find parts of the article
most important particular amount of columns will they might be more interested in. these images are also anchored as
features in the article. also be the same throughout the they are supplied with captions also helping and supplying
magazine information to the reader.

7. Second Magazine Analysis

8. Denotation: The masthead is red with a white background in a sans serif font. Psychographics: Aspirers, and Achievers –
Connotations: This particular magazine sticks to the theory that Roger Black came up with which is that only 3 colours should mainly targeted at a younger audience
be used, white background, black masthead and text with red splash headlines. especially with the type of music being
rap/R&B and with the language used such
connotations of red with the positioning of the model/artist suggests energy, strength, power, determination especially as
as ‘Aint’ which is slang commonly used
the artist is facing straight in front almost at the viewer. The sans serif font is quite simple. However, the colour red
within young people and splash headline
suggesting bold and power, stands out this makes sense as this is the first thing the viewer will see. The white background,
used which advertise rap artists.
which is simple allows the red and black text to stand out as well as the sign, being the artist.
Gender - More Female due to the
masculine artist on the front
The masthead is places above/ in JICNARS- D and E due to the young
front of the artist audience aged between 16-19
Connotations: Although the masthead
is in front of the artist it still suggests
that a large section of the articles
content is going to be about the
artist, T.I. It also suggests that the
Denotation: The sign or artist is places centre of
magazine is a popular and well-known
the magazine, facing directly in front almost at the
brand due to the fact that the audience, with his head slightly tilted. The artist is
masthead is placed in front of the in a formal suit with black and white, with a black
artist. hat, glasses tie and blazer and white shirt.
Connotations: The artist is dresses in a formal
Denotation: Articles are in sans serif fonts in black with black tie suit, which suggest class, expense,
splash headline in red. confidence, formal, sophistication, masculinity.
This works well with the rest of the magazine
Connotations: This particular magazine sticks to the theory using just black, white and red colour scheme.
that Roger Black came up with which is that only 3 colours The artist is also placed behind the masthead
should be used, white background, black masthead and which links well with the red pull quotes
text with red splash headlines. The sub headlines are in particularly the word ‘secret’ maybe suggesting
black with pull quoted in vibrant red, and the copy (main that he is secretive or doesn’t like to be express
feelings. This maybe why he has deliberately been
text of a story also does this. This particular colour scheme placed behind not in front of the masthead.
It is normal for the western world
works well with the sign (the artist) also being in black and
to read from the top left to the
white however, he still stand out. The red also works well
bottom right this is why the
against a simple white background, this works well as the
magazine is structured in a specific
red and black stand out and the viewer does not get
way
distracted by the background, the focus is mainly on the
headline and artist (sign).

9. The background is grey with a grey/blue The text within the article is simply just The title in the top right corner also works
‘V’ in the background. This means that black. However, the editor or designer well, even though the words are split up.
any colour will draw the attention of the has deliberately blended in the text, but
The title is bold in black and capitalised so it
reader to it. This colour also works well still making it clear. This works well as
as it doesn’t take the readers eyes of the the attention of the audience is on the will instantly draw the readers attention.
main feature which is the artist and the main feature or selling point which is the The colour also links with the colour scheme
contents itself. artist of greys and black but without taking the
attention away from the masthead and
these particular colours also have similar
connotation of the artist as greys and blacks
are traditionally seen as masculine.
The artist is clearly making eye contact
with the audience, this will instantly
draw the audience to him and the The font with the content is very simple
magazine. Thee artists looks quite stern, in sans serif font and in black, this may
serious or even edgy, this maybe also give the impression of laid back
reflective of what the audience can earn similar to the artists posture. This may
if they continue to read and buy. also have been done so the attention of
off the reader doesn’t get side tracked of
the main feature being the artist. The
headlines are also flowing, this will also
gain the audiences’ attention and will
lead them to the important information
beneath.
The artist or sign has his hand in his The way in which the text is laid out on
pockets which gives the impression of the right hand side is also very effective.
The artist himself is wearing a jacket This is the last thing the audience will
relaxed or laid back approach but also which clearly stands out, this will draw
suggests confidents. This will give the see because it is normal for the western
the readers attention to him. He also has world to read from the top left. However
audience a laid-back and relaxed what appears to be females hand across
approach with the magazine even because the title has been placed in the
his shoulder holding a heart, this maybe top right the attention will instantly be
though his facial expressions suggests suggestive of the article about him which
stern and serious. drawn to this so the important
will be a large section in the magazine. information will be read first and the
The connotations of the colour red are main selling point and article will be last.
romance, sexiness, power, strength and
confidence which may all be suggestive
of his personality.

10. The banner of images a long the The models posture has connotations of innocence but
top of the double page spread also also sexy with the connotations of red being sexy,
works well, this in some ways gives strong, passionate and bold. The model also has her
the reader an insight into the artist hands behind her back almost child-like but maybe also The artist wears a vibrant
before they have read the text, a slight confidence. red dress which stands out
this also breaks up the page from
against the grey and black
just being text.
colour scheme in some ways
clashes. The connotations of
the colour red are strength,
love, romance, passion, fire
and sexy. These could all be
reflective of her and what
the article is about, as the
article is about her. What
she is wearing will also
attract the reader as it
fashionable and many
people mainly female will be
interested in celebrity
With the artists name fashion so this will attract
being in blue and the mainly a female audience.
main words or phrases
in the masthead being
in blue , with the rest of
the text being in grey
makes these particular
word more dominant
and noticeable as the With certain
blue contrast against sections of the
the grey text and white text in bold,
background. This will spaced away from
also help the audience the columns of
identify who the person text in black (pull
or sign is and the quotes) it attracts
articles content, this is The model or artist has direct eye the reader and
also reinforced with contact with the audience. This will allows them to
pull quotes. help entice the reader into the article, summarise what
The columns are in rows of 3 a the text is about
page. This well in making sure the it also in some ways makes the reader
feel relaxed as the artist looks relaxed. and find part of
text isn’t to bunched together. This the text they are
particular amount of columns will This photo also allows the texts to be
almost broken, giving the reader a more interested
also be the same throughout the in.
magazine break from large amounts of text.