Brain storm of ideas for magazine

This is the brainstorm I did for my music magazine ideas, it mentions all the main things that need to be included in the creation of my magazine. I think this helped me to decide my final ideas a lot faster!

Double page spread analysis

This image is of a double page spread, taken from Kerrang magazine. I like the set out of it, as it produces the effect that they have caught the artist in action. The magazine has used a noticeable layering technique, the use of 3 layers produces a 3D effect and allows for an idea of a collage. In this instant the magazine company has chosen to use dark colours and edit their photos to have a grey-scale effect, I think that this has been effective because it adds to the idea that this is a rock band, along with the lighting and positioning of the artist in the picture the colouring and layout allows the audience to believe the band has a cool, edgy attitude. With the background being dark colours, primarily black, the use of white and red (which compliments the choice) for text etc has allowed this effect to be pursued.

The fact that the article has been produced on a double page spread already allows the audience to believe that this is an 'exclusive' or 'important' article, however Kerrang have also used call outs such as 'NEWS', at the top of the page, which instantly attract the attention of the audience to the article. Minimal text - over half of the two pages include just images, with the main points and comments on the artist featured helps to make the article seem more fun. Generally an article with too much text will not attract the reader and they will skip a page. This shows that the magazine knows how to grasp the attention of the main audience, as they probably only want to read about the band and it's music - opposed to 'tween' magazines that want to show the artists love life status etc. for their audience of young teenage girls. The main reason for this article is primarily the band/artist's image, and I feel with the techniques and styles of media used that they have achieved to compliment this - as well as ideally attracting the reader.

Analysis of a contents page

Mojo

Layout - The page is divided up in the effect of a cartoon magazine, surrounded by images but the text is centred. Headings remain in the centre followed by a short description of the feature and a page number. The contents arrnaged in one column in the middle and each heading in a row, this makes it appear neat as well as professional. Images featuring bands as well as some cartoon pieces surround and background the contents which gives the effect that the contents is a sheet of paper placed on a collection of photots. The layout is simple which makes readers able to find what they're looking for, and important articles are made bold or highlighted. Captions do not have any particular order which also adds to the effect of a cartoon.

Images and Colours - There is no particular main image as such, however the cartoon image stands out particularly as it is out of line from in the others which would draw to the reader attention more than others. This image consists of a Dennis the Mennis sort of character screamer at a simliar character with a heading 'The Smasher' (which is all in red, black and white). Smaller images include: a puppet from The Muppets, a picture of a modern band, and two pictures of old fashioned artists (old fashioned style photos) this gives the audience a sense of differntiation between the types of music featured. The same use of red, black and white has been used throughout the whole contents page.

Text and Language - No headings have been used, however I think that the contents page is organised enough without it. Some headings for features have been made to the point, although some have been made humorous and shortened, this engages the reader and makes them feel like the magazine is speaking to or relates to them. Feature titles and the magazine name itself are bold and a San Serif font is used, all other text is usual size and again San Serif. Nothing has been underlined but there is a particular use of italics again making it appear more important than other text.

Kerrang magazine front cover analysis

Kerrang

Masthead -  The masthead of Kerrang magazine would almost instantly give a clue to the magazine's target audience, a simple black and white but complex and well designed text. The text's cracked effect reminds me of smashed glass, I think that designers did this because it implies that the music featured in this magazine is so loud that it smashes things, perhaps your ears? This could also provide it with a dangerous vibe.

Main Image - The main image could also provides an on looker with the idea of what Kerrang's target audience is. The image, which appears to be a mask of something mutant or monstrous, connotes horror or terror I feel that it looks like some thing from a sci-fi horror movie. The black eyes and silver face show something from a futuristic era and perhaps shows us that that is what the band is relating to with it's music. The images text showing the band's name 'Slipknot' once again showing it's effect of danger! When you hear the word slipknot you think of something murderous, behind the band's name (which has been coloured a mustard brown) there is what appears to be spots of blood, backing up my point the band seems to harbour the theme of horror.

Text and Colour - There are only 3 colours used for text all very dark, they don't uplift a happy mood like some of the music magazines we see i.e. Top of the Pops. This links in with the bands and images featured, once again connoting a bad vibe, also linking to the masthead. Text only a San Serif font has been used on the music cover showing it's modern edge. The magazine itself, along with text and images shows that Kerrang must appeal to groups of people who are interested in genres such as 'Screamo' or 'Rock'.

The website didn't provide any information to it's main audience, sales figures etc. But google did provide a site that gave some info:

Kerrang is the world's biggest selling weekly music magazine and the original multi-platform youth brand for all rock genres. Kerrang delivers the hottest news, reviews, gig guides, exclusive features, posters, videos and more every week. In print, on TV, radio and online, Kerrang lives life loud for its army of dedicated, music loving fans.
Platforms

• Kerrang Magazine
• Kerrang Radio
• Kerrang TV - Sky 368 , Virgin Media 342
• www.kerrang.com
• Kerrang Awards
• Kerrang Tour
• As well as a Facebook and Twitter page!

Audience Profile

Young, individually minded and passionate consumers, an audience defined by attitude, passion and loyalty.
Radio - 15-35 male bias.

Q magazine front cover analysis

Q

Masthead - Q's masthead, similarly to it's magazine name is very simple however very effective. The use of, what I consider, a royal red and white perhaps connotes that it only features the 'best artists', the simplicity of it may always metaphorically show that it is straight to the point. In this particular issue it shows the slogan 'Q the music!' in small text underneath the magazine name, again, simple, clean and effective!

Main Image - The main image may criticise my statement above. Although no actual nudity has been shown, it perhaps provides a mature element to the magazine. The image itself is very 'glamorous', the use of the panthers connotes wealth and high status. The artist is wearing little but fashionable clothing - this appeals to the female audience because of the fashionable image, interest in the artist etc. Where as it may apply sex appeal to the artist which would appeal to a young to mature male audience. An off white/grey background has been used, along with that and the lack of bright colours may produce an idea of a bad reputation from the artist.

Colours and Text - This particular issue of Q magazine has stuck to four primary colours on the front cover: red, blue, black and white. This is effective because it gives the effect that the magazine is 'expensive'. There aren't too many colours and it doesn't look messy, this will attract an older audience.

A San Serif font has been used for the cover line of the magazine, which is in contrast to the serif font used on the masthead and most other text, once again this will attract an older, modern audience, there is a contemporary vibe. One particular thing on this front cover that draws the readers attention is the way in which the text 'wicked' has been filled in red - which in some cases connotes danger or evil.

http://www.qthemusic.com/

I was unable to find any information directly from Q magazine about their main audience and their sales figures but instead searched a resource taken from google which just gives a small bit of information about the magazine and its features, I think that this once again help me with research etc.

Q continues to be the UK’s biggest selling music monthly with a circulation of 100,172. Its unrivalled access has allowed it into Bruce Springsteen's inner sanctum, Noel Gallagher's family secrets and U2's make-up box for world-beating exclusives has not only driven newsstand sales of the magazine, but provided complimentary content for Q’s digital offering - qthemusic.com, Q TV and Q Radio.



Music magazine front cover analysis.

NME

Masthead - The use of a red masthead, that has been backed with black, produces a loud effect, almost as if to drag attention in to the audience/purchaser. The white outline of the text allows for a 3D effect and also provides a modern vibe.The use of colours and font also allow readers to guess what genre of music the magazine distinguishes. In example you're more likely to see a band such as The Killers (mentioned on the front cover) in this magazine rather than a singer such a Rod Stewart.

Colours and Text - A blood red has been used throughout the entire cover of this magazine. Without being a reader of this magazine I believe that this particular shade of red implies that the music screams at you. A simple use of black, red and white has been used throughout the front cover (just as on the masthead) this allows for attention to detail and also allows editors of the magazine to mix up colours without worrying about the use of them becoming too 'clowny'. A bright yellow has been used as the colour of the screamer text - note that the screamer text is showing something that comes free with the magazine, I think the reason that they use yellow is because it is something that doesn't often occur in the magazine (it's not your usual red, black and white) this drags to the viewers attention more so. The same font has been used throughout the whole front cover however the size and boldness has been changed and affected on many occasions allowing to still provide different design and interesting layout. Note that everything is in capital letters. The use of boldness also provides attention to the articles or feature the magazine has used to interested readers enabling a purchase.

Main Image - The main image appears very simple, however includes very modern poses by the artists featured. The accessories and costume of each artist connotes the genre of music at which they stand. Underneath the image and the lead article headline we see a white banner proclaiming: 'How three punks smashed mainstream'. This shout out would help interest two different audiences - mainstream and punk. The female artist is positioned at the front and the two male artists are slanted at each side this also connotes that she has been the most successful and possible the most featured in the article.

Key facts taken from NME magazine's website.(http://www.nme.com/mediapack/pdf/nme_media_information_full.pdf)  -

Key Facts

Price £2.20

Frequency Weekly

Circulation 56,284

Readership 411,000

Launch Date 1952

Male/Female 73%/27%

Average Age 25

ABC1 73%

Target Market Men 17-30

NME Readers are entertainment enthusiasts!

80% of NME readers feel that music is an important part of their lives.

79% of NME readers like to listen to new bands

63% specially choose to listen to indie/guitar bands

49% specially choose to listen to live bands in studio

52% are interested in taking a musical course/qualification

36% are thinking of buying a musical instrument in the next year

NME readers are techno savvy

72% have a broadband Internet connection at home

67% have bought something online in the last 12 months

59% agree they like to keep up with the latest technologies

More about the reader

34% are working full time, 18% are working part time and 26% are full time students

62% read at least 3 out of 4 issues

Almost half (49%) have been reading NME for at least 3 years

84% think the magazine gives them what they want spending an average of 46 minutes reading each issue.

 This has helped me think about the sort of genre, price, features, dates issued etc that i want to effect my audience and my magazine.

Preliminary task - College magazine

My magazine uses images that are particularly flattering of the school, its pupils and the headmaster. The pictures appear formal and clean – imposing a ‘classy’ impression on the school. I used ‘French script’ as my main font for the text on the front cover because I thought it gave the effect of class and formality. A yellowy-gold was used to colour all text on the front cover because as I said above, this also connotes wealth and class. I used a picture taken of a grand house that located in the village that I live in for the image of the school, this also helps to connote the fact the school may be private or even a boarding school, the grounds look very neat and tidy and the picture also connotes a countryside environment perhaps leading to the assumption of a boarding school. The house colours, which I used to apply to the house system I deemed the school to have, are a deep and warm plum and teal, again I felt this also connoted the above.

Instead of using the house colours for my contents page (see front cover) I used a modern black and white theme. I did this because I felt that I could not only show the school’s history, reputation and wealth but it also indicates that the school isn’t stuck in its old ways (strict, if you prefer), that it focuses on a more modern and sensible up-bringing for its pupils. I also felt that it challenges the idea that wealthy, white people of great ‘importance’ should only attend a British public school, and allows for the idea that we are all equal and the school considers that something to encourage.  I then used a picture I took from my old school of all the pupils gathered together on the last day. I used this because I felt that it gave the school a sense of community and friendship. A shot of a ‘mature’ man dressed in smart attire indicates a headmaster, his stance and general appearance shows his hierarchy as well as his pride.

I feel that the font of the text connotes the wealth and class of the school. It relates to the target audience of the school magazine as it will possibly be familiar to the pupils and the parents – it implies that the school is important and due to the fact I used a similar font for all text it seems that everything relates of the same importance.

None of the images I used were positioned centrally. Which may or may not (but does in my opinion) connote that the pupils are as equally important as the school’s name and reputation. Not all of the pictures I used are of people; I used one of a large manor which I felt contributed to the vibe I was enforcing upon the school.

The mode of address used in each cover is indirect; none of the shots are angled directly at readers. This perhaps produces the idea of mystery – the school as a whole produces a sense of unity and safety, that’s what I aimed for.

The colours I have chosen are a deep/royal purple and teal. This not only connotes wealth but is also very welcoming and warm.

No specific techniques have been used to encourage readers to the magazine as it only really applies to pupils, parents or people interested in the school, therefore only a certain group of people will read it, hence why there is specific puff or buzz words that appeal except ones that demonstrate the school’s success i.e. ‘academic’ and ‘success’.

School Magazine front cover.

The magazines layout is very formal, it uses blocked images in a 'banner' style across the top and bottom. The school colours used are a velvety royal green and a yellow gold, these colours give the effect of formality, elegance and wealth. The images used show that school thrives on it academia, including pictures of Princess Anne making the schools importance. The logo and school name centered provides the audiences main focus to be on the school its self. The four images that have been blocked in to a banner at the bottom shows what the school provides and focuses on academic areas such as: Drama; Sport and Learning. The name of the magazine provides us with the idea that the school is 'Independent' as Melrose is a rather formal name for a school magazine. Overall the magazine reflects the appearance and reputation of the school.