3. UK
Magazine
Circulation
In 2015, between the months of July
and December, there were 44,050
copies printed and digitally
distributed across the ABC
categories. This means that their
buyers range from people who earn
billions of pounds with highly
regarded professions to people of
the standard middle class
population with office jobs or
teacher occupations for example.
This suggests that Q is a magazine
aimed at the public who have a
disposable income and possibly of a
higher intellectual status.
4. UK
Magazine
Social Demographic
This represents the particular
sector of the population that
reads the Q magazine.
Reader Profile
Here is a reader profile. This is
created by the company Q
themselves to show what they
think is their stereotypical
target audience. This helps the
reader gage whether the
magazine is suitable for them
or not.
5. UK
Magazine
Q’s Mission Statement
The idea of a mission
statement is to allow the
company to express what they
are hoping to deliver by
supplying a few facts and wow
factors. This is with purpose to
encourage the reader to
believe that they are a
successful and unique
organisation.
7. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
MASTHEAD
With Q magazine, they
have a recognisable Q logo
that is located at the top of
the first third of the
magazine front cover,
which is the strongest
focus point of the page.
The purpose of this is so
that it is easily identifiable
for their audience. It is
always red and white with
a serif font which implies a
level of sophistication. It is
the only text that is written
in this font which gives it a
unique identity. The name
‘Q’ is a play on the idea
that people queue music
when making a playlist.
COVER LINE
The cover line however, is
displayed on a white
banner which contrasts the
dark colours illustrated on
the majority of the page.
The band names are
written in a bold serif font
which implies that the
bands are less
contemporary and they are
attached with a more
classic connotation. The
colours used in the cover
line, match the three main
colours used in every Q
magazine published,
accompanied with a splash
colour of blue to make it
more visually appealing for
their readers. Underneath
the band names, in small
font, there is a strap line
which is written using a
strong serif font. The
purpose of this is to give
the reader an incentive to
continue to read the
magazine.
8. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
MAIN IMAGE +
MIS-EN-SEN
From analysing the front
cover, we can see that a
mid three shot of the band
GREEN DAY has been used
as the main image of this
page. The triangular
formation that has been
made, immediately has
constructed a single focus
point, the point of the
triangle. If we look at Mis-
en-sen, we could say that
the person in the centre
third of the page is dressed
with character, wearing a
tartan suit with studs.
Whereas the two people on
either side behind him are
wearing black plain t-shirts
which allows the centre
person to stand out.
PLUGS
These are often used to
advertise something new
that the magazine is
offering to continue
enticing regular readers
with new and up to date
information. Often they
are displayed in a circular
shape to contrast the
linear writing and as a
result of this creates a
main focus point
capturing the reader’s
eye.
FONTS
When looking at the fonts
that are incorporated,
there are uses of the serif
font which are
accompanied with more
classic, iconic band
names, whereas the
names that are written in
sans serif are
contemporary. This is
represented by the style
of font that has been
used.
9. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
BUZZ WORDS
On this page, we can locate
two occasions where Buzz
words have been used: ‘THE
1975’ and ‘BLOSSOMS’.
These are demonstrated in a
larger font to title a small
summary of one of the
stories that are in the
magazine. This simply
emphasises the specific
word due to a possible
significance it may hold but
also to draw the audiences
eye to that particular area of
the page.
COLOUR SCHEME
As mentioned previously,
the Q magazine uses their
statement colour selection
of red, white and black.
The purpose of this is to
create consistency which
in turn formulates a
recognisable brand for a
buyer to locate. It must be
noted, that the colour red
provides a strong
connotation of passion
and energy which is
reflected by the band
image demonstrated on
the page and also the
shared love for music from
the publishers and the
buyers. To contrast this,
the splash of blue that is
shown, provides a sense…
COLOUR SCHEME
… of tranquillity. The use of
this colour informs the
reader that the art of music
and reading this magazine, is
a good act of relaxation.
While the colours white and
black both have their own
provoking connotations, it
must be said that they are
often used in media and
base colours or to design
contrast.
10. Analysing
Magazine-
Contents Page
LOGO
The Q logo has been displayed in the top left
third of the page which is a main focus point
because readers read from left to right. By
incorporating the logo throughout the
magazine, it keeps consistency.
MASTHEAD
The masthead on this page is used to
inform the reader that it is the Contents
page. Similarly, it is written in a serif font
to keep consistency of the classic theme.
The black is dominant over the white
background, making a statement
MAIN IMAGE + MIS-EN-SEN
The main image over the double page spread is a medium long shot, capturing
the artist holding a guitar. This particular prop provides the audience an estimate
at what sort of music Johnyy Marr produces. The subject is alone in the shot
suggesting he is a solo artist and he is located in what looks like an urban studio
of some design. Possibly, this has been chosen to highlight the genre or audience
of his music. In terms of colours that are contained within the image, the range is
quite limited with many dark shades of green and blacks which often
demonstrates a symbol of growth and hope, which in this instance would be
reflective of the growth and hope he has for his music career.
SUB-HEADER
From looking at the spread, the sub-
header that is located on the left page,
overlaying the image, is titling the text that
has been formulated underneath it. The
bold, white serif typography has been used
to make it stand out from the picture that
dominates the page. However, the font
isn’t too large so that it detracts from the
main image.
11. Analysing
Magazine-
Contents Page
OTHER IMAGES + CAPTIONS
It is evident as discussed previously, that the
main image is located centre of the left page,
although it must be recognised that there are
also a range of other images that are
significant to the double page spread too. On
the bottom right of the left hand page, there
is a group shot of Metallica which has a white
trim border and is placed on a diagonal. These
design features definitely draw attention to
the image as it is inferior to the other image
on the page in terms of size. The photograph
has got a dark grey background which is
considered a very trendy colour in fashion and
design. The figures in the shot are stood
orderly in a trapezium shape which is often
formulated in a band shot. The men too are
wearing dark colours which suggests they
have quite a heavy approach to the music that
they produce. In addition to this it has a small
black back grounded caption located above it.
The purpose of this in many music magazines
is to inform the reader which artists are in the
picture.
TEXT
In terms of text that is used on
this page, they have
demonstrated the artists that are
included in the magazine in small
paragraphs. The name of the
artist being in bold black font
and the page numbers are
written in either a red or blue
font. These font tools help make
the significant text stand out.
OTHER IMAGES + CAPTIONS
… On the right hand page there is a
collage of different images used: close
up, mid shots, two shot and group shot.
The purpose of this is to create page
that is appealing to the eye with a
diverse range of images in shot, size and
colour. Any captions that have been
incorporated, inform the reader who are
in the picture and a very brief idea of
what they are doing in the photograph.
12. Analysing
Magazine-
Double page
IMAGES
There is no obvious header or title of this
page, but by looking at the beginning of
the text, it is a double page spread that
has been continued from a previous page
where possibly the header is located.
However, The photographs that have
been used in a collage sort of format, are
all live shots of the band BLOSSOMS
playing. In terms of camera work, there is
a extreme long shot, mid shot from a low
angle, couple of group shots and extreme
long shots. Some of the images are very
bright in colour with reds, greens and
blues which highlights the vibrance of the
band and the mood of their style of
music. There are also small captions that
accompany some of the pictures. They
inform the reader about the events that
are occurring in the photographs which is
particularly helpful for those who are not
familiar or avid supporters of the
BLOSSOMS.
LAYOUT
When looking at the double page spread as a whole, it is quite clear the top sector is
very heavily dominated by images and the bottom half is very heavily text based. The
purpose of this is so that the images are presented to the reader and then the article
beneath explains them in detail amongst a story perhaps. The pull quote that is
positioned just off centre, deregulating the formal column based layout. The fact
that it is jet black against the white background and positioned in the middle of the
page, is eye catching. A pull quote is a good way to entice readers to read the article
as it often offers something entertaining, shocking or just something particularly
significant.
14. UK
Magazine
Circulation
In 2016, between the months of
January and December, there were
308,606 copies printed and digitally
distributed across the ABC
categories. However the NME
magazine is now free, consequently
shifting the readership and target
audience of the magazine. Due to it
being free, the number of young
people and students reading the
magazine has increased also
meaning that the content of chosen
artists will have changed.
15. UK
Magazine
Social Demographic
This represents the particular
sector of the population that
reads the Q magazine.
Reader Profile
As you can see from the
image displayed on the
left, there is no specific
reader profile designed
for the NME magazine
however, they have
recorded and drawn
some statistic and
percentages which gives
the public an idea what
type of people are
inclined to read NME and
their interests.
16. UK
Magazine
NME’s Mission Statement
To provide up to date and new information, reviews and listings of the best new
music.
USP- Unique Selling Point
To Always provide up to date information on new bands and new developments in
the rock music world.
18. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
MASTHEAD (LOGO)
When looking at the front
cover of this NME
magazine, a single
masthead can not be
identified, although it is
evident that the publishers
have gone for a different
approach. The Masthead is
the NME logo that has
been scattered across the
whole page. The purpose
of this is to add to the
chaotic nature of the
image used and not to
have any major textual
information that would
detract from this. The logo
is presented in it’s usual
format, making the cover
very recognisable for avid
fans and NME lovers.
COLOURS
From looking at the page
as a whole, the range of
colours used is large. The
image is quite visceral due
to the different shades of
skin colour dominating the
page. This is
demonstrating a physical
connection and intimacy
between the duo that are
located in the audience. As
said previously, the NME
logo contributes to the
range in colours used. The
red stands out well against
the darkness.
19. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
MAIN IMAGE +MIS-
EN-SEN
The camera work shown
has caught an action shot
of the Slaves with their
crowd of fans. The main
focus of the image is the
duo that are centred in the
middle of the page.
Stereotypically, society
would attach certain
connotations to the sight
of tattoos and bare skin,
suggesting that they are
intimidating. However, this
picture doesn’t support
this idea. The close
proxemics between the
duo and the public implies
there is a connection
formulated by the sharing
of their music.
MAIN IMAGE +MIS-
EN-SEN
The manner in which the
artist is crowd surfing is
very boisterous and his
companion is also showing
this when looking at the
closeness in proxemics to
all the others around
them. This portrays a
masculine quality of both
the Slaves members.
20. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
COVER LINE+FONTS
Whilst there is no formal
Cover Line, it would be
suggested that the text
reading, “SLAVES gonna
make you sweat” would
be its equivalent. In
keeping with the non
traditional front cover
style, it is located
randomly at the bottom
left of the page,
accompanied with a
jumbled sans serif
typography. This use of
font is very modern
supporting the idea that
the Slaves are a
contemporary band that
are new to the music
industry. If you compare
the fonts used to display
bands such as Green Day
COVER LINE+FONTS
(serif) to the typography
used to title the Slaves, we
can see that the publishers
choose their fonts in
attempt to reflect the
generation in which the
bands are most suited to.
In addition to this, another
cover line has been
incorporated but it has not
been displayed in the
traditional format. The
yellow circle reading,
“MUSIC, FILM, STYLE”
informs the reader what
topics the magazine
contains but in the form of
a plug. The purpose of this
is to draw attention to the
text. The colour choice of
yellow aids this attraction.
21. Analysing
Magazine-
Contents Page
MASTHEAD
The masthead chosen to
title the contents page,
replicates the masthead
used on the front cover,
creating consistency
which is aesthetically
pleasing for the NME
readers. The format in
which the masthead has
been displayed, mimics
the freedom that NME’s
target audience will have
just embarked on:, the
beginning of adulthood.
The publishers of the
magazine, Time Inc, are
challenging the
conventional look and
layout of traditional
music magazines in
attempt to rebrand NME.
MAIN IMAGE +
MIS-EN-SEN
From looking at the
image used for this
particular issue, the
camera work
demonstrated is a two
shot. In terms of mis-en-
sen, the female on the
right, closest to the
audience, has a very
powerful expression on
her face portraying an
attitude which is often
reflected in certain
music styles. The woman
on the left of the picture,
holds a very confident
stance also highlighting
a female dominance.
The lack of available eye
contact is almost
intimidating which is not
usually the connotation
used to describe women.
Often they are portrayed
as inferior or used as a
sex icon by the media,
however, this photo
does not follow this
convention.
22. Analysing
Magazine-
Contents Page
TEXT + LAYOUT
The layout of the page
challenges convention in
terms of where the
features are located. Often
you notice that the pages
are split into thirds when
studying media text,
although in this instance,
it only presents one
column. The use of this, is
to compliment the way in
which we read and
navigate around a page
with both images and text.
We could say that this
contents page is a little
text heavy in terms of the
block columns and
sections of text, however
the way in which it has
been designed,
incorporates a large splash
image which works
COLOURS
A variation of colours has
been used to add
dimension and interest to
the page but the white
background has been
selected in order for these
colours to operate as
features but not to
subjugate the small
details. Also it facilitates
easy reading of the text
due to the background and
the text significantly
contrasting in colour. The
NME logo has been
consistently applied on
this page like the front
cover, maintaining a
specific scrapbook style
and shade of red which
illustrates passion,
evidently reflecting the
shared love for music they
are trying to portray. In
addition to this, this colour
already holds the
recognition of NME for the
public.
TEXT + LAYOUT
…As the main focal point.
23. Analysing
Magazine-
Contents Page
ADVERTS
When looking at this
issue’s contents page, an
advert is situated in the
bottom third. It is also a
main focus point due to
the big differentiation of
colour, the majority of the
page being white and the
advert being the opposite,
black. Likewise the
contrast of the background
and the lightly coloured
typography makes a very
bold statement in
comparison to some other
parts of the page. Two
copies of the same image
have been used, in
symmetry with one
another and both have
been edited very similarly.
The non realistic edit and
the duplication is eye
capturing. The purpose of
having a defined advert is
in attempt to appeal to the
specific target audience, in
this case young adults,
enticing them to purchase
the magazine.
CONTENTS
(FONTS)
The contents in which the
magazine includes, is
displayed as an overlay of
the main image. They are
presented in different
styles, fonts and colours
which reflects the
alternative genre of
music NME advertises. In
further detail, the fonts
used are sans serif
implying a modern nature
mimicking the
contemporary character
that the publishers intend
to represent. The tones
incorporated are mostly
vibrant demonstrating a
young and enthusiastic
vibe and specifically the
yellows, reds, blues and
greens reflect this mood.
24. Analysing
Magazine-
Double page
MAIN IMAGE + MIS-EN-SEN
The image above that has been used in a NME double page spread, portrays a very
masculine idea and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, it is evident that the
picture taken is a medium long two shot, allowing the reader engage with the mood
demonstrated. This is shown by the duo’s facial expressions and their body language
which is offering a very aggressive tone. The close proxemics of the pair suggests they
are a team and their simultaneous glare is very intimidating. Stereotypically, the view of
tattoos constructs an opinion that they are dangerous and rebellious. All of these
factors tie in with the genre of music that the slaves produce, Punk music which is often
described as, ‘British punk with harsh bluesy garage riffs’.
HEADER
When studying this image we can
see that the header is located on
the right, dominating the right side
of the double page. It must be
noted that the colours used in the
image are also reflected in the
header. This keeps the page
themed and visually pleasing for
the reader. In terms of the
language that has been chosen for
this header, it is known to be a
song called, ‘Fight for your rights’
by the Beastie Boys. The shape and
design of the header also mimics
their first album cover. The slaves,
the duo in the photo, have been
accompanied with this pun to
demonstrate that they too
represent rebellion like the Beastie
boys once did.
25. Analysing
Magazine-
Double page
COLOUR
As mentioned previously, the publishers of the NME magazine have cleverly crafted
each section of the magazine so that there are consistent themes kept throughout
and this is particularly noticeable with the colour schemes chosen across the two
separate double page spreads I am analysing. The colour red has several
connotations attached to it, each expressing different moods. The tones of red used
in this circumstance illustrate extreme passion which would highlight their love for
music and the possibly anger which is a reflection of the genre of music the Slaves
produce. However the less dominant colour shown, blue, has contradicting
connotations. It is quite a contemporary, unisex shade which is most likely used to
appeal to large target audience in aim to increase their circulation and readership.
TEXT
The text is not the main focus of this
page however, it still holds it’s value
and purpose amongst the image
and the header. The font is small
and simplistic suggesting that the
text that has been written, does not
hold any specific significance. It’s
purpose is to inform the reader
who the artists are in the photo and
what they are currently doing in
their music career. The fact that the
font is black on a white background,
gives the text substance and attracts
the reader’s eye due to the
prominent contrast. They have used
quotations and numerical figures
which makes the block of text look
irregular and less formal. This is a
desirable feature when attempting
to target the audience of
adolescents.
26. Analysing
Magazine-
Double page
STYLE
While this double page spread is
still clearly a follow on from the
previous one and it is still
maintaining a constant theme,
we could argue that these two
pages are complete opposites to
the ones anaylised on the slides
prior. The publishers have
continued with a relaxed scrap
book effect which is evident with
strips of colour we can see in this
image. The purpose of this is to
add vibrancy and personality
which contrasts the block column
text. The overall goal of this it
entice their high demanding
target audience of teenagers and
young adults. It is more visually
pleasing and manageable for
readers who want quick and easy
information to read.
COLOUR
The designers of this magazine article, have
limited the range of colours used to make it
look clean and not overly busy which would
deactivate the reader’s focus and attention
and reduce the chance they will proceed
with reading the page. The pastel shades of
red, blue and yellow are non invasive and
don’t provoke many strong emotions which
would detract from the article.
LAYOUT
The layout of this article is organized, but
as previously discussed, the stylistic
features add interest. The column plan
gives the article an element of formality
and structure suggesting that the band,
Slaves, are well respected in the music
industry and the amount of text that has
been published about them, implies that
they are also very successful.
27. Analysing
Magazine-
Double page
IMAGES + CAPTIONS
(MIS-EN-SEN)
Firstly, the image in the top right
third of the left-hand page is a
two shot of the Slaves’ duo. From
this photo, a comfortable
demeanor is expressed from the
natural body language portrayed,
which is welcoming to the reader.
We can see their ‘indie’ sense of
style in clothing which is not
dissimilar between the two
artists. This sense of unity
accompanied by the fitting
caption, reading “We’re like
brothers. There is no other way
to describe it”, suggests that they
are not only close in proxemics
shown in both of the photos
discussed so far, but it also
signifies that they are very close
in terms of friendship.
IMAGES + CAPTIONS
(MIS-EN-SEN)
Collectively, the images scattered on the right third of the right page, are very different.
The pictures captured are predominantly medium long shots of the Slaves in action,
providing a highly energised mood for the reader to engage with, especially if they fans.
The colours however are very dark due to it being a night time event, but some would
argue that this compliments there inner selves and definitely their preferred music taste.
The caption next to it reads, “We are still us on stage, but channeling a different
personality.” This is very well crafted because on one side of the article the readers are
exposed to what the duo are like on a day to day basis, however on the other side of the
page they are shown the artists when they come alive and “channel their personalities”.
28. Analysing
Magazine-
Double page
DROP CAPS
There are three of these that are
distributed across the double page
spread. The purpose of these are
to break up the orderly text and
highlight the areas where the
article starts a new chapter.
PUNCTUATION
(ELLIPSIS)
On the bottom of the right third of
the page, an ellipsis is used to
show that the story is to be
continued. If you take notice of the
page numbers, they read 23 then
25. This is because the magazine
chose to incorporate an advert on
page 24 in order to earn NME
money to continue publishing the
magazine. This is due to it recently
becoming free of charge.
29. DEVELOPMENT
HELL
UK
They used to
publish both
Mixmag and
Word, however,
the Word
magazine does
not exist now.
Although, they
do have a
listings website
called, ‘Don’t
stay in’ which
lists up and
coming music
events .
30. UK
Magazine
Circulation
In 2011, in between the months
January to December, there were
20,053 copies bought across the
ABC categories. This mean that
the buyers of the magazine
almost certainly range from
working a very well paid job, to
working a job providing the
average wage of the population.
The reason for this is because the
MIXMAG magazine costs, so it
requires an individual or family to
have a disposable income in order
to purchase this luxury.
31. UK
Magazine
Reader Profile
Here is a chart they have drawn to show
what the average Mixmag reader is like.
But it must be added that:
“Mixmag readers are the opinion-formers
and leaders in clubbing. They are the first
to recommend anew tune and the first on
the fashion trend. They have a high
disposable income to spend on nights
out, clothes, music and latest technology.
Nearly 80% do not read another
magazine and spend little time watching
TV”
Social Demographic
According to Mixmag themselves their,
“demographic spans young, budding
bedroom DJs through to accomplished
producers..”
33. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
MASTHEAD
(FONTS)
The masthead of the
Mixmag magazine is
consistent in every issue,
always located at the top
of the page however,
varying in colours. Lower
case has been used as a
design feature to attract
the target audience of
young adults. The sans
serif typography initiates a
fun and modern nature
that will be reflected
throughout the magazine.
The black font is very bold
against the lilac
background and it is in
keeping with the dark
shades worn by the group
in the shot.
COVER LINE
(FONTS)
When looking at the front
page of this music
magazine, the cover line is
presented in a very linear
manner, beneath the title.
It is staggered, separating
the text into single words
using carriage returns and
indentations. The purpose
of this is to apply emphasis
on each individual word in
aim to portray that
technology is a significant
topic discussed in the
magazine. The white text
colour stands out against
the chosen background
but it remains inferior to
the Masthead which
dominates the cover. In
addition to this, the style
of this aspect is very
simplistic, with a small
amount of outlined detail
to separate it from the rest
of the page, highlighting
it’s importance.
34. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
COLOURS
There are few colours that
have been selected and
personally I would say that
the small range in colours
used, is more aesthetically
pleasing for the eye. The
shades of lilacs and pinks
alongside the strong
blacks, implies a large level
of sophistication. The
blacks and whites used
because they consistently
in fashion and it could be
said that the dark shades
reflect the genre and style
of music that the group
produce.
LAYOUT
It must be said that the
issue is quite traditional in
it’s format, in sense that
there is a masthead,
followed by a cover line and
then an image that covers
the entirety of the page.
However some could argue
that not all aspects of this
cover are conventional. For
example there are a lack of
extra features, no plugs,
adverts or buzz words and
there is text that is
positioned randomly on
page over image. This
creates a very simplistic
view for the audience,
allowing them to focus on
the small but significant
details illustrated.
TEXT
To compliment the clean-cut,
minimalistic design, all
additional text used is sans
serif and noticeably written in
a very small font. There is no
particular purpose of this,
other than making it
aesthetically trendy.
35. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
MAIN IMAGE + MIS-EN-SEN
When looking at the Mis-en-sen of
this image, the different directions in
which the individuals are facing,
reflects a dynamic diversity amongst
the group. In contrast to this, the fact
that all members are wearing black
provides a sense of unison. Together,
this suggests that each band member
is individual yet they all share some
similar qualities. As said previously,
the blacks used have certain
connotations attached to them. Often
they demonstrate a darkness which
could possibly be reflected in the
style of music.
36. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
MASTHEAD
This issue’s contents page
has a very minimalist
approach and this is
reflected clearly by the
simplistic masthead used to
title this page. The text
reading “contents”, is written
in a lower case which
provides a sense of
informality which is
appealing to the target
audience of the younger
generation. The typography
is particularly plain with a
sans serif style and a dust
white colour. This is fairly
bold against the dark, grey
background. The outline
detail also segregates the
masthead from the rest of
the page, engaging the
readers attention even more
so.
IMAGE MIS-EN-SEN
An image has been
positioned in the top of the
right third and as is it quite
large and the only
photograph used on he
page, it is a main focus
point. The two shot is of
two females that are both
comfortably sat down in a
informal manner, close in
proxemics illustrating their
unity as a pair. In terms of
colours, there is quite a
range of colours some of
which are of a controversial
nature; for example the
bright green short hair on
the lady nearest to us,
implies that she is possibly
an alternative character.
This is supported by the
luminous leggings and t-
shirt worn. Looking at
costume and props, the
sports jacket that is worn by
the other figure in the
picture and the ball that is
held by the other subject
suggests that they have
enthusiastic and energetic
qualitities..
37. Analysing
Magazine-
Front Cover
COLOURS
From looking at the contents
page, the background is
especially dark and of very
urban style. The wash out
grey compliments the yellow
wash that has been chosen as
an effect on the image. These
shades are very modern
industrial which is a common
trend in furniture and clothes
currently. The white is deeply
contrasting with both of these
colours making the text very
eye catching and easy for the
readers to read.
IMAGE MIS-EN-SEN
… which is maybe reflected
in their genre of music.
Linking back to their
obscure style, the hand
held face mask, is very
thought provoking.
TEXT
All the text that is present
on the page is all very
similar. All white in colour,
which doesn’t devise the
page into sections and it
is all fairly small in font
size which too, has the
same effect. However, we
could suggest that the
two thin text outlines
that have been used does
highlights the important
features, eg. Title and the
Technology Specials
listed. In terms of
language used in
magazines, we are
familiar with the word
‘special’, usually referring
to feature that is
additional or not common
for the issue, possibly
specific to a specific
magazine release. The
typography is duplicated
from the title throughout,
consistently in keeping
with the urban retro
appearance by using a
sans serif font.
38. Analysing
Magazine-
Double page
MAIN IMAGE + MIS-EN-SEN
…gives us a vintage feel that I discussed earlier. The figure that is dressed in
black is very prominent in such a large space and the extreme long shot allows
us to see that. The fact that he is alone implies that he is a solo music artist. In
terms of setting, the lack of furniture and props allows the reader to focus on
the figure and it’s surroundings. The setting is very simplistic and therefore
quite industrial. It doesn’t provoke many emotions. The costume of the subject
is all black, wearing a sports cap and trainers which is modern contrasting the
style shown on the rest of the page. This in fashion look, possibly reflects the
style of music that this artist produces.
HEADER
The header that titles this page makes a
bold statement compared to the classic
black and white, understated background,
image and text. The capitalisation and
large font contributes to making the
header stand out and the positioning of it
is not conventional for a double page
spread. The designers have chosen a
magenta to use as the colour for the
header and it provides a sense of vivacity
and enthusiasm. Some could argue that
the purpose of this is to add some life to
the page as it quite formal in the rest of
the colours it holds.
MAIN IMAGE + MIS-EN-SEN
When analysing the double page spread,
it is clear that the photograph that has
been used, has been very cleverly crafted.
The most obvious thing to point out would
be that the image has been taken with
black and white or sepia effect in which it..
39. Analysing
Magazine-
Double page
LAYOUT
When studying this issues contents’
page, it is evident that the distribution
of the design features across the two
pages is not equal and the purpose of
this is to avoid following the traditional
and conventional layout of any
magazine article. The left page is very
easy on the eye, only incorporating a
large font title and the majority of the
photograph Whereas the right-hand
page of the spread is very heavily
worded which can be off putting for
some readers, especially readers of the
younger generation who prefer a more
interactive and small sectioned layout.
The use of columns is symbolic of a
typical newspaper which is designed in
a formal format. For some people it is
preferred to have a strongly structured
article, for others this is not the case.
TEXT
Now at the end of MIXMAG’s analysis, it is evident to argue that they have kept
consistency in their approach in presenting the text that has been illustrated on
all the pages of this issue I have studied. The font is again quite small, with a sans
serif typography, reinforcing it’s hip, modern nature. In terms of colour, the black
is contrasting the pale background making it easily readable for the reader. The
sub-header that is above the article itself on the right page, is underlined to
ensure that the title is dominant to the article which is conventional for most
articles. In order to make significant words or phrases stand out against the rest
of the text, the designers have used the conventional bold tool to make it clear
to the reader that they are important.
