2. Masthead – this is in a bold font, so it Banner – this is commonly found at the top of the front
stands out against the rest of the text cover page. The multiple images are a preview of what's
on the cover. It makes it clear to the inside the magazine.
reader what the name of the magazine
is. The sans serif font makes the Burst – a shape, usually
masthead easy to read, this is found in the corner of
the page with
important as the audience must know
information in it.
the name of the magazine.
Direct Mode of Address –
the artist Jared Leto has
direct eye contact with the
Menu Bar – these are camera, this directly
generally found down the left addresses the reader and
or right hand side of the makes them feel involved.
cover of the magazine. The
menu bar informs the reader
of what's inside.
Boost – the big sell line ‘
JARED LETO SPEAKS! 30
SECONDS TO MARS’ is used
to increase sales and is the
main story of the magazine.
Colour Scheme – unlike most
magazine that stick to a colour
scheme of three colours.
‘Kerrang’ has not done this
and has in fact used five
colours:
red, black, white, yellow and
Barcode – this is usually in
blue. All of the colours clash
the corner of the page, it is a
and don’t particularly go well
machine-readable code to
together. This tells the Puff – a short snippet of text to
define the price of the
audience that the magazine’s attract the reader quickly and have an
magazine.
purpose isn’t to be glamorous effect of people buying the magazine.
or appealing to the eye.
3. House Style – the familiar Colours – the clashing colours make Font – all of the typography on
typography, imagery and this page appear aggressive, which this contents page uses sans
colours from the front cover reflect the rock style music well. serif font. This is more effective
show continuity. Therefore than serif font as it’s easier to
the house style is carried on read, telling us that this
throughout the magazine. magazines aim is to get it’s
message across and be readable
not to look attractive.
WOB (white on black) –
although some of the colours
are clashing, white font on
black background is used. This
Layout – this contents page
is effective as it’s easy to read.
is very organized; the text
and imagery are all
positioned clearly for the
reader. An organized layout
would seem unconventional
Burst – unconventionally this for a rock magazine,
burst is not in the corner of the however it isn’t as the
page, which is where it would purpose of this magazine is
usually be found. The short to convey a message to the
text ‘win!’ is used to catch the public. Therefore readable
readers eye and interest them. text and imagery is a priority.
Typography – the text that says
‘James’ is written in a handwritten
signature form, which makes this
section of text appear more personal
and light-hearted.
4. Direct Mode of Address – the title is speaking
Title – large, bold and directly to the audience and makes them feel
takes up a quarter of involved. Once again heightening the fact that
the page. This is quite the title is intimidating. In addition to this the
intimidating for the artist has direct eye contact with the reader.
reader and could be
seen as aggressive.
Colour Scheme – three
colours are usually used
to avoid distraction and
make it more appealing
for the reader. The
Costume – the colours that have been
artist is in jeans used on this page are
and a t- bold and in the readers
shirt, this is face, making the text
very casually seem aggressive.
and reflects
what the
readers of this
type of
magazine would
wear. Therefore
the readers can
relate to it.
Moreover the
artists tattoos
give the artist a
rough edge and
make him
appear superior House Style – the bold font and aggressive
to the reader. Hook – this short piece of speech is a
imagery is continued throughout the
snippet of the interview, it draws the
magazine, but the double page spread has
reader in because it’s an important part
different colours, fonts and imagery compared
of the interview.
to the contents and front cover. The house
style of rock is still portrayed, just in different
ways.
5. Conventions
• I think ‘Kerrang’ sticks to typical conventions of a rock magazine because it seems aggressive, negative and anti-social.
• It includes references to drugs, sex, violence, politics and uses offensive language. These features are to make a statement
and cause controversy. This kind of controversy will get the magazine attention and increase sales.
• The design of the ‘Kerrang’ represents it’s purpose, which is to cause controversy. It uses aggressive fonts, colours and
features grimacing bands that are sometime making inappropriate gestures.
• Conventionally the look of the magazine is not a priority, so Rock magazines aren’t glamorous or appealing to the eye.
‘Kerrang’ clearly shows that appearance isn’t important as clashing colours are used throughout. In addition to this music
included in the magazine is loud and in the readers face.
• The purpose of rock magazines, such as ‘Kerrang’ is to express feelings of the artist, not to look pretty and entertain.
