The document discusses how the author addressed and attracted their target audience for their magazine cover and contents page design. Key points include:
- Using buzzwords like "Free" and filling the cover with artist names to appeal to a wide demographic of music fans.
- Including features like exclusives, photoshoots and charts that the market research showed appealed to readers.
- Repeating the magazine's name "U" to create brand identity and trust.
- Using varied fonts, images and a color scheme of red, blue and silver to make the design visually appealing while reflecting the indie genre.
- Arranging text and images in a balanced way across pages to provide necessary information without overwhelming readers
2. WORDS USED
A used a variety of words throughout my front cover in order to capture my
audiences attention. I integrated buzz words into the design such as Free and
Exclusive, as these are primarily appeal towards a teenage demographic who
always want to stay up to date whether that be through social website or
magazines and also want to get the most for their money. The primary function
of the front cover is to attract the audiences attention, therefore by filling the
design with a variety of artists names it insures that the issue appeals a wider
audience, as one/multiple will attract them into purchasing the magazine. I
advertised features upon the front cover that would capture my audiences
attention such as Exclusives, Photoshoots, and Top 20 track charts, as they wider
the appeal that the magazine has, but also fulfils all the features that achieved
high votes within my market research. Insuring that I have appealed to markets
needs. I inserted the “Top 20 Indie Artists” plug at the top of the page, so that it
was directly within the audiences eye line if placed in a rack, reassuring them of
the genre of the magazine and capturing their attention immediately, due to
younger audiences desire to stay up to date. My magazine immediately attracts
the audience through the banner at the top of the page depicting to them the
genre, pulling them in, and reassuring them of the quality of what their reading,
this is important to a younger demographic as they always want to stay on top
within their own social gathering, so U will provide them with all their music
needs. The Letter U is repeated multiple times throughout the front cover of the
magazine, creating a greater sense of brand identity making the magazine more
memorable and trustworthy to the reader, building a strong relationship between
3. WORDS USED
The emphasis upon artists is continued into the contents page, as all
article headlines are the names of the featured artists, which will
appeal to a younger demographic as its easier to navigate meaning
they will have to read through the synopsis to see if the article
appeals to them. Upon the contents page I used the term “All-time”
to attract my audience, as it makes them feel that they can’t miss out
on the top 20 and that U are providing them with all they need. The
synopsises underneath the headings upon the contents page intrigue
the audience into reading further by not giving away any of the
details about the articles, e.g. through rhetorical questions “What
Went Down?”, as it makes the audience assume its something
unpredictable hooking them in. Throughout the double page spread I
choose to use a range of pull quotes to capture the audiences
attention, focusing around areas that would be in their interest. For
example, I chose to use a large pull quote rather than an article
heading, relating towards the fans, helping to allow the audience to
get a better feel for the artist and build relationship between them.
With two of the three pull quotes relating towards the individual
artists Life and experiences, it helps the audience to view the world
from their angle and understand what drives them. Making an
emphatic point to the reader showcasing their style. Throughout my
magazine I did not use any specialist musical terms, which could
possibly make it less accessible to any members of the audience,
4. FONTS
Throughout my media product I used a range of fonts in order to emphasis
certain points over others. For the masthead of my design I decided to use
the Magneto font, as the serifs upon the design were completely different to
each and any other font I seen before, helping to relate U’s aim in promoting
the individuality of each artist. Furthermore the typographic shape formed an
intertextual reference to a beamed eight note used within the musical
industry, meaning that it is easier for the audience to relate the musical
aspect with U magazine. The majority of the remaining fonts used upon the
front cover are sans serif in order to make them stand out to the reader, but
also as they are relatively noncomplex to understand/read. Furthermore I feel
that this style of text is more appealing to my target audience as it presents a
semi-formal style that does not over faze a younger audience, who are
predominantly look for interest rather than excessive formal detail. By
creating this variation of fonts upon the page, it creates a greater sense of
contrast making certain areas stand out more to the reader, drawing their
eyes around the page. This is appealing to a younger audience as it means
that the design is non linear, it does not follow a set pattern making it less
formal, similarly to how young individuals want to break from society and
express themselves individually. Across the font over, I decided to vary the
point sizes upon the headlines, emphasizing certain words to the reader,
catching their attention. For example, within “Free Music Memory Stick” the
5. FONTS
I felt it also produced a strong visual effect that made the magazine
look more professional, but als created a visual hierarchy forcing the
reader to focus upon certain features, without overwhelming them
with the contents available. I continued to use a range of fonts within
the contents page of my design, I decided upon the -------- font for
the titles of the contents page, as the block like appearance made
them stand out upon the page and created a contrast against the
generic text used for the synopsis. I felt that this font would appeal
towards my audience as its completely different compared to all the
previous fonts used, therefore making it memorable. Although the
font style is relatively different it does not represent the individuality
of each artist, allowing the audience to discover what each one is like
and form their own opinion. When depicting the top 20 artists I
decided against using a serif font as due to the size of the text it
would be difficult for the audience to read, instead I went for -------
---, which although was quite basic it did not lessen the impression
the audience got of the artist/band. Due to the juxtaposition against
the album cover, which is meant to be the major selling point of each
artist. Open the double page spread, I used a regular font ------, due
to the fact this font was aiming to be easily legible not visually
pleasing to the reader. This is a common convention used through the
magazine industry, which I chose to follow as the audience will be
able to associate it with a qualitative written piece.
6. PHOTOGRAPHY
I chose to use a medium shot of a teenage male upon my front cover. Through the mise-en-
scene it is evident that he has his own individual style, due to that fact that he is not wearing any
branded clothing, connoting the individual style that U is aiming towards. Furthermore I felt that
choosing a male model was best to appeal to my audience, as they are predominantly male as
shown through my target market research, therefore providing them with a role model. This
relates to U’s mission statement as we are providing the audience with a form of tutor who will
guide them in the way of music. Breaking with conventionality, the model is not directly
addressing the audience instead he is looking up towards the U masthead. This connotes to the
reader that the artist is like the other musicians they’ve previously experienced his different and
proud of his individuality wanting to branch out from the others around him. Plus, by having the
artists eyes off centre it makes him more open to the audience, as he is not intimidating them
with a lacklustre facial expression. Finally, by pointing the models eyes towards the U masthead
it connotes to the audience the connection which U have with the artists on a personal level.
Portraying to them that U is like an intersection between them and the artist, providing them with
all the in-depth knowledge they require. The models mouth is partially opened, connoting that
he is about to speak, presenting him in a positive light as he wants to connect with the viewer. I
used a range of different sub-images upon the front cover. I incorporated a sub-image of a
guitar memory stick, juxtaposed against the Free buzz word capturing my audiences attention as
its an item which they want and there getting it for free. Making the overall magazine more of an
attractive purchase. Finally, I choose to include three miniature poster based images upon the
cover in order to pull in my audience, as the teenage market is attracted towards merchandise
and want to express their interest in the artists, which is possible through displaying these
photos. Furthermore, I decided that it was beneficial to include these feature as they scored
highly upon my market research. I used a range of images upon the contents page, all of varied
in size, the main is a three-shot, medium shot of a band, situated in the top left corner. The
image breaks/follows conventionality by having some members of the band looking out towards
the audience, whilst others look away, this makes the magazine look friendly and attractive to
the reader, but also adds an air of intrigue. The clothing (mise-en-scene) worn by each member
of the band is slightly different, in colour, style and branding, which connotes that they all have
their own individual style that they are trying to express, be that through music or clothing
choice. Although so that the audience can clearly associate the band members together they all
share the underlying similarity in that, their all wearing a coat/jacket in some form. This allows
the audience to get an impression of each individual artist, whilst also presenting an image of
them as a whole.
7. PHOTOGRAPHY
The props used within this image are flight cases, connoting to the audience that
the band are on some form of tour, peaking their interest surrounding the article,
as generically younger people are associated with visiting festivals. The high key
lighting within the image, creates a strong shadow, connoting a sense of leaving
their old lives behind and moving forward into the future. Alongside the Top 20
Artists list there are sub-images of the album covers, providing a visual aid to the
audience and capturing their attention, due to the fact they want to see if any of
their favourite albums made the list. Another sub-image included upon the page
is a U magazine T-shirt, juxtaposed alongside the subscription box, connoting to
the audience without reading the explanatory information what they could
receive. This is appealing to a younger demographic as they stereotypically
purchase more merchandise compared to a mature audience. The integration of
the magnifying class next to the Bastille logo, represents how U get closer to the
artist providing their audience with more information than other brand. Which
appeals to a younger demographic as they always want to have the latest info to
stay on top in their social group. The final image present upon the contents page
is a spotlight juxtaposed against the Second Heist article, connoting to the
audience that the article is very significant within this issue, so therefore it should
not be overlooked. Upon the double page spread, I used two images, the first was
a long shot of the same male model from the front cover, wearing consistent
clothing, so that he was directly recognisable to the audience. I scarified the
direct address upon the image, instead I opted for the model to look down,
drawing the audiences attention towards the text. The posture and facial
expression of the model, represents to the audience that he is not overly
confident and is very proud of what he’s achieved so far. Through the
juxtaposition of his eye line looking down against the text the audience are
presented with an image of him look a back at what he’s achieved. On the second
half of the double page spread, the audience is presented with a close up shot of
8. COLOUR SCHEME
Following my planning, I decided to produce my magazine using the colour scheme of red, blue and silver,
although not originally in the planning I also decided to include the colours black and white. I decided that
blue are red were very effective when used together creating a strong contrast that was applying to the
eye, although they are not on opposite sides of the colour wheel. I individually chose the colour blue, as
it’s an unconventional choice for a magazine, well relating U’s aim to be different appealing to my
audiences individual different styles. Additionally blue is associated with trust, relating how U provides its
audience with the most credible information, which is appealing as the audience can relax and trust their
getting all the relevant in one place. I chose to use the colour dark red as it’s a relatively common colour
used amongst music magazines, it also stands out against both black and white, meaning it could strike
the audiences attention on any page. Plus red is associated with energy and determination, which shows
the audience the passion U have for music, but also conveys the intensity of our audience. Furthermore I
included the colour silver into the scheme as it produced a triad of colour and made the pages, especially
the front cover, more diverse. I felt that this colour scheme would appeal to my audience as its completely
unconventional and different to anything I’ve seen before, making it stand out and reflect the Indie genre,
(as its not fitting within your expectation). I decided to integrate black into the colour scheme when
developing the double page spread, as it helped to produce a greater contrast against the white
background drawing in the audiences attention towards the pull quotes, capturing their interest. I felt that
this would make the design overall more visually appealing to the audience, as the juxtaposition of the
contrast in colour against the quotation, gives the impression of the artist shouting out to the reader.
Making the reader feel more personally involved. I decided to highlight sections/words within the text,
creating a visual impact that stands out to the reader. This is an effect way to intrigue the reader, as they
become drawn and hooked to certain words, encouraging them into reading the article. For example,
highlighting the word “Exclusive” in alternative draws in the audience, as they’re forced into feeling they
cannot miss this article. Across the magazine, I have used a range of colours as its more vibrant and
attractive to the audience, furthermore it means that there is less consistency across the pages, forever
9. PAGE LAYOUT
When developing the front cover of my magazines, I laid it out so that the main image was
the focal point and the text surrounded him, situated in the right and left thirds. I tried to
cover as much space as possible, showcasing all the different content that is available inside
the magazine, as this will appeal to a younger audience, who are attracted to a magazine
purely based upon its content/additional features. Upon the front cover, when adding the
coverlines, I editing the text so that it alternated between dark red and dark blue, creating a
strong contrast that draws the audience to certain areas of the page. This is appealing
towards for my target audience as its more creative and interesting. Relating towards the
Indie genre as they consider relatively creative people. I incorporated sub-images on the page
to present the audience with a secondary focal point, capturing their attention for longer
period, as stereotypically this age bracket has a low attention span, it also allowed me to
create visual plugs that are more striking to my audience than text alone. Within the contents
page the text to image ratio is relatively balanced, making it visually attractive to the
audience, providing the necessary information, whilst neither over fazing them will text or
belittling them with just images. Breaking away from the conventional contents page I
included a range of sub-images, out weighting the main image, this helped to get across
more of the individual style of U, but attracts the audience as its relatively busy, capturing
and re-capturing their attention, representing how much is on offer inside U magazine. I also
choose to integrate a Top 20 tracks chart into the magazine, a similar feature to that used by
NME magazine, as it immediately grabs my audiences attention providing them with what
they want. As shown through the market research, though as it only achieved a moderate
voting, I deduced that it was necessary to be a feature rather than an entire page. It appeals
to a younger audience as they always want to know what's popular in their genre, so U
corners this aspect, providing them with a trusted opinion on what to be listening to.
10. PAGE LAYOUT
The main image on the contents page has a bubble coming of it relaying to the
audience that its related to the cover story, a similar feature is used by Q
magazine, it consistently advertises the lead story insuring that it resonates
within the audiences mind, plugging them into reading it. Furthermore articles
from the cover are advertised within the contents page, along with other features
of interest. Overall, this feature of repeating the articles hooks the audience in
reading the magazine, as those are the areas their interested, but by only
showcasing certain elements it insures that the audience is intrigue to find out
what else is available. The layout of the double page is relatively conventional, as
the text is arranged into columns along one side with the model on the opposite.
The layout of the page makes the article easy to read, furthermore through the
model staring down at the text the audience is further encouraged in reading.
The alternation between red and black text makes the article stand out towards
the reader and less overwhelming to read, due to the volume of text. This helps
to make the overall page more inviting and visually appealing to the reader. The
use of multiple imposed block pull quotes, intrigue the audience, and
highlighting certain key words makes the page impossible to miss when flicking
through the magazine, drawing in the audiences attention and allowing to
connection with/understands the featured artist. The second half of the double
page spread is divided up using the artists head, making the page visually
striking to the reader and connoting his individuality as he stands out from the
text (his piers).