The conventions listed in the post below are the main points that I have found from analysing these three magazines.This is a more indepth analysis of the conventions.
The front cover typically has an image of the band/artist in the centre with the coverline regarding their article overlapping it so that they are both in the hotspots. The are usually only a few images on the front cover to keep the focus on the main image. The masthead is placed at the top of the page in a bold and distinguishing font and colour (while still following colour and font schemes of the page) to draw attention to it. There is often a line of text above this to fill the gap. Coverlines are typically down the sides in an ordered layout to appeal to the mature audience. There is also a list(s) of band names at the bottom to show who is going to be in the magazine, appealing to the target audience. A consistent colour scheme is used which includes black white and up to 2 other colours to keep it simple. Only a few fonts are usually used, a sans serif one that is clear to use and a serif one to look interesting and draw attention to certain articles. Mid-shots to long shot of the main band/artist are used to show their costume and background but keep the main focus on their faces for the audience to recognise.
The contents page is also ordered, with the article names in columns, often down on side of the page. There is usually one large image on the page and a few small ones on the other page. This is to keep to focus on the main one. All coverlines are usually about the same kind of topics and the descriptions are smaller in size that the bold article name. The page number is typically in a different font again. The colour and font scheme usually follows that of the front cover to keep it simple and mature. Most features of the contents page are designed to be clear and easy to read.
The double page spread usually starts with a double page that contains large images of the interviewee(s), a title, a standfirst, and a kicker. The route of eye is used so that at a first glance, all the important things are seen so to have a greater chance of appealing to the audience. This feature is used in the same way on the double page spread. There is a large kicker in the primary optical area to draw the reader in, and usually a sans serif font to make the small text easy to read and simpler. The background is often plain white and the text black to create a basic but classic look that is more mature - appealing to the audience. There are several images used of the artist/band showing their profession and perhaps popularity as they are usually of a gig/concert that show the audience. It also gives you an idea of what type of music they play. The articles are typically in-depth and personal to appeal to the audience better than a shallow one would do. The topics are also mature and aimed at an older audience, often mentioning drugs and alcohol.
I can use these findings appropriately to help me make my own product and appeal best to the target audience. They help me understand more about my target audience so that I know a bit more specifically who I am aiming my magazine at. Therefore I will know where to place things to best appeal to the audience, what topics to use as coverlines, and what fonts and colours to use. I can also use cultural capital of the audience to better appeal to them, which i know how to do from looking at the language and mode of address or the pages.
Level 4 (A)
ReplyDeleteYou have produced excellent research into similar products. You analyse similar magazines in detail, making consistent use of terminology, and explaining the effect of technical aspects such as layout, font, etc. You identify the key conventions clearly, and explain thoughtfully how this will help you produce a successful product.
To improve further upload images (ideally annotated) of the pages you have analysed.