a deconstruction of auxiliary magazine

1. Masthead/title- is placed at the top of
the page, and is yellow which has
connotations of optimism, of
enlightenment and creativity. This
suggests that the magazine is
innovative and will make readers happy
in giving them new information. The
title also contrasts with the main image
and makes it more prominent on the
page.
Issue date ‘AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014’ is placed at the
bottom of the page. Shows when the magazine issue was
released. Also, this is the crossover period between the
end of summer and autumn, which subtly communicates
to the reader that the magazine may contain information
that is specifically tailored to the season, weather etc. Also,
the typography is actually capitalised which contrasts with
the surrounding text on the front cover.
No barcode or price
Flash- ‘The fashion issue’ is pale pink which
accentuates the cerise colours seen in the
model’s clothing, but also helps it to stand out
against the background that is quite dark,
although colourful. The word ‘fashion’ is the
boldest text in the circle, which signifies that this
is the main theme of the content in this
particular issue, and leads the reader to think
that it is a special/limited edition of the
magazine- enticing the reader to purchase it.
Also, if the reader has an interest in fashion,
then this issue of the magazine will most appeal
to them.
Main coverline -‘celldweller’ gives
readers an insight of the content that
will be in the magazine. It is in yellow
which makes it stand out when it is
placed over the main image, it also
matches the masthead and the other
subheadings/sell lines ‘candydrip’ &
‘miss miranda’ on the page.
Main image- Features a mid shot of the model, there has been no
use of direct address, however the model is positioned in quite a
sultry way which still gives an inviting look. This could relate to
Mulvey’s ‘Male Gaze’ theory, which is reiterated by the use of the
model’s red lips. This use of the red colour draws the reader to look
at the lips, and hints at sexuality. It also co-ordinates with the
clothing, and the background print. Blue lighting has been used, to
light the model image, which gives an otherworldly/ethereal look
to the model. This shows that the magazine focuses on quirky and
creative things, and isn’t afraid to look different.
Background- Red and teal Moroccan
style wallpaper background- mirrors
the same colours worn by the
model. It is quite a busy and
decorative pattern which stands out
to the reader, and is visually
stimulating.
Lower case typography- looks unusual , and
shows that the magazine doesn’t follow the
general magazine convention of using
sentence case for masthead and subheadings.
Sell-line ‘miss miranda’ most likely
relates to the main image of the
model, and implies to readers that
the main article of the issue will be
based on her.
Alliteration ‘runway review’
makes the sell-line appear
catchy to readers, and they
will remember it when
looking for the article
inside.
Colour scheme- mainly
uses yellow, red, teal and
purple. These are quite
bold, vibrant, and
outlandish colours which
implies that the magazine
is for those who are
creative and want to stand
out. It also suggests that
the magazine’s content will
be exciting, attention
grabbing, eccentric, and
will be unique.

2. Caption- ‘with dramatic
makeup and voluminous
curls, dolls may seem like
sweet wallflowers but it takes
confidence to be this bold’.
This provides the reader with
extra information
surrounding the main image,
and encourages the reader to
read the article about it.
Credit- provides details
of when the
photograph was taken,
and credits the
photographer and
makeup stylist.
Issue date- tells the
reader of when the
magazine issue was
released.
Magazine name-
reiterates that this is a
copy of ‘Auxiliary’
magazine.
Flash- is yellow, which co-
ordinates with the subheadings
on the left side of the contents
spread. It also stands out against
the grey colouring of the main
image. It tells readers that they
can purchase issues on the
magazine’s website too.
Masthead/heading ‘Contents’ is bold, and is
placed at the top of the page, making it stand
out. It also informs readers that this page will
give them a greater insight of what the
magazine issue contains, and where they can
find particular areas of information.
Small image preview
of front cover, placed
beside this is a
caption and credits of
who designed it.
Header box – divides the page up, and is
black which makes the white text stand
out. Also it contains information in
regards to the sell lines that were on the
front cover, and specifies the page details
of these featured articles.
Key anchorage text ‘Doll
face’ relates to the main
image, it is in a contrasting
colour which makes it
attention grabbing.
Subheadings are yellow like the masthead on the
front cover. The font is also bigger than the text
underneath them, which makes them more eye-
catching. The subheadings ‘beauty’, ‘lifestyle’,
‘music’ etc., helps to catergorise the information on
stories and articles in the magazine into clear
sections.
The body text of information on the
stories in the magazine is separated
into two columns, which makes them
clearer to read.
Main image – features a mid shot of a model.
The image itself looks quite gothic and dark,
which would convey that the magazine has
alternative and gothic themes. Also the
model’s makeup is dark and doll like which
relates to the line ‘doll face’.
Background- is white which makes the
text and main image stand out on the
page.
Colour scheme- predominantly uses the
colours white, grey, black, and yellow. This is
quite a neutral colour scheme, where yellow
is the boldest and stands out the most. This
could symbolically show that the magazine is
individual and will stand out against
competition. Also it does not appear too
busy, or over facing, which means readers
will not be discouraged from looking at it.

3. Magazine name-
reiterates that this is a
copy of ‘Auxiliary’
magazine.
Issue date- tells the
reader of when the
magazine issue was
released.
Credit- provides details
of when the
photograph was taken,
and credits the
photographer and
makeup stylist, editor
etc.
Website link- synergy allows readers to
further engage with brand, product, and
find out more about the magazine. Issues
can also be purchased on this website,
which helps the magazine to target a
broader audience.
Main image – features a long shot of a
model. The image itself looks quite gothic
and dark, which would convey that the
magazine has alternative and gothic themes.
The image is candidly posed showing that the
magazine is realistic and down to earth in it’s
approach. The natural landscape
environment the main image is taken in, also
helps to show this, and the stormy skies
indicates that darkness again.
Background- is white which makes the
text and main image stand out on the
page.
Key anchorage text
‘Gloomth’ relates to the main
image, it is in a contrasting
white colour which makes it
attention grabbing.It also
uses a calligraphy like
typography, which helps the
magazine relate to the gothic
genre.
Heading- ‘Designer spotlight’ is white, capitalised and placed in a
black strip which makes it stand out. It introduces the article, and
gives the impression that the main image displays this ‘designer’
and that the interview will be with and about them.
‘Auxiliary FASHION’ is placed next to the heading,
meaning the readers eyes will naturally move to it. Th
fact that ‘fashion’ is capitalised shows that this article
belongs to a particular section that is purely based on
fashion; much like how the newspaper has a show biz
and entertainment section. It helps to catergorise
and give context to the article, so readers who like
fashion will know how to easily find this article.
Main body text/article- is in an
interview format. So it keeps to the
conventional setup of a magazine
article, however it is only in one
column of text and not multiple
which is where it defies convention.
It helps to provide a focal point to
the article.
Feature images – show the same model, in
candid and quirky poses which connotes that
she will be fun and unique, and that the article
is about her. It also adds more visual interest to
the article page.
Colour scheme- predominantly uses black, white,
and a beige/grey shades, which is quite a gloomy
look, that again relates to the gothic aesthetic and
the ‘gloomth’ line., But it introduces an element of
sophistication, and ruralness – indicating that the
magazine is natural in its style.