Billboard Magazine Research

1. Magazine Research
Jessica Smith

2. Front Cover Analysis
The background colour of the magazine shows a close relation to the mise-en-scene of Katy Perry’s clothing
The artist’s name is the largest font on the page. This is done to suggest to the reader that the magazine will i
The central image is a long shot showing the whole body. This is done since she is the main subject of the ma
In this magazine the language used is moderately complex. This shows that the magazine isn't aiming at kids

3. The splash promotes
something using a
graphic. In this case it is
promoting chart heat
using a red circle to make
it stand out more on the
page.
The subjects facial
expression is clearly shown
due to the mode of address
being shown. This makes
the reader feel more
involved in the magazine
and to the subject.
The masthead has the
main cover image
overlapping its title. It
stays the same every
magazine with a simple
sans-serif font and
coloured in letters which
makes it look a little
childish.
Main feature
headline.
Entrances the
reader and makes
them aware who is
on the cover
straight away.
The puff is a competition
in the magazine that is
put on the front cover to
get people to buy it to
win the competition.
This skyline advertises
content included in the
magazine. in this
magazine it shows that
‘Sheryl Crow” will be in
it.

4. Contents Page Analysis
For this contents page, the typography is varied using a range of different fonts. Billboard use both serif font and sans-serif font. I think they
do this as the magazine is aimed at a large range of people so they are trying to match the font styles to everyone too. On the right hand
side of the page, there is a column written in small font which suggests there will be a lot of information within the magazine. The titles
included are in a much larger font as they are trying to stand out so people know that they are looking at the ‘contents’ page.
The layout of the contents page is a bit crowded; however a contents page informs people what the magazine consists of so this is very
helpful. The contents are in 2 columns and show only the main contents of the magazine and not all articles. The contents are split into 4;
‘upfront’, ‘features’, ‘music’, and ‘in every issue’. This is a god way of categorising to help the reader know what they're looking for. On the
left hand side of the page there is a Billboard chart. This is consistent with every magazine so it becomes regular and people want to look
at it and what the popular songs are at this moment. Even the charts are categorised into 3 sections of ‘albums’, ‘songs’, and ‘this week on
.biz’. this makes it feel organised and gives the impression that s what the magazine is going to be on the inside.
The colours used are very bland such as black grey and white. however this gives it a formal and sophisticated look. The artist seems to
blend in well with the background. The main 3 colours in this are black, blue and yellow. These are the theme colours on the page to make
it look professional. It has a simplistic colour scheme and the colours chosen all compliment each other well. These colours are neutral and
fashionable so they will appeal to both genders of the young target audience.
For images, there are inserts which are relevant to the features within the magazine, as there is a lot of text the images give the page more
colours and make the layout more interesting. The shot used for the main image of the artist is a long shot because you can see her whole
body. This is effective in showing the body language and her kneeling down pose shows her having a humble and relaxed attitude. She is
kneeling however at eye-level which also shows it was taken with a low-angle shot. This is also effective since it connotes her being
comfortable and content.
The simple background causes more attention to the main image. The other 3 images are all relating to the articles in the magazine. Most
of these images are using direct mode of address therefore entrance the reader into coming to the article they are about.
The language of this magazine is very informal and therefore suits the target audience with simple to moderate language. The use of
contractions and simple sentences gives the impression of a lack of professionalism with the audience reading this.
For conventions, the title-‘contents’- is at the top which is usual or most magazines. conventionally, there is a page number for each
feature/cover line. On the other hand, the list of features in the middle of the page is unconventional as it is normally positioned on the left
side of the page.

5. The page numbers shown are only
main features that will appeal to
the readers. The page numbers
are in black whites bold to help it
stand out to the readers.Also, the
few images that are shown have
page numbers next to them which
is effective as it makes it easier for
readers to simply go to the page
they want by looking at the image.
There is a ‘billboard”
logo, which suggests
branding and gives
the magazine an
established look.
There is a column which
shows what songs are
currently in the charts. There
is a variety of charts as there
is not only just one official
chart. I think his is
appropriate as Billboard
magazine is based on the
US so it will interest readers.
The title is ‘contents’ which is
suitable as it tells the reader
exactly what the page offers. Its
style is in block letters and is
black which makes it stand out
and contrast with the
background.
The main features within the
magazine are in the centre which
gets the most attention as it is in
the centre of the rule of thirds grid.
People generally go straight to it
instead of the left hand column
because it has smaller font.
The white hotspots are on or
around the column and the
image which catches the
readers attention and draws
them in.

6. Double Page Spread Analysis
The font is representing what the words are saying as the word ‘fiercely’ is put in a very bold font whereas the w
For colour, both words in the main headline stand out a lot as they juxtapose the background which is a gradie
For the layout, in the top right hand corner is a caption for the article that says ‘woman of the year’. This tells th
The main image is placed on the right hand page and takes up the whole page. This is because when the read
The language of this article is quite intense and inspiring including words such as ‘fierce’ and ‘achievement’. Th

7. Sub-heading
Showing the audience what
might be included in the
article. Also showing
audience she is well known.
The artist is
looking directly
at you which
may suggest
that the purpose
of her article is
to connect with
the audience.
Main Image.
Takes up half of double
page spread which
highlights she is the
centre of attention.
The main image links to
the title of the double page
spread. The word ‘fiercely’
links with the make-up on
Beyonce’s face. The
costume also links to this.
The byline is located
underneath the stand
first, above the article.
It is in capital, white,
bold font as it
contrasts against the
background. It isn't a
large piece of text as
the byline is seen as
irrelevant information
to the reader.