devon life deconstruction

1. MAGAZINE
DECONSTRUCTION 1
DEVON LIFE MAGAZINE

2. COVERS

3. Symbolic –
The lighting is natural and the colour is bright white with the snow showing the
cold weather and the time of year, winter. The dark brown Shetland ponies
contrast dramatically with the white snow. The horses are the only thing in the
picture so this could represent the isolation of the area. The setting/location is
clearly in Devon, on the moorland that is a key signifier of country life and of the
regional area. The Shetland ponies themselves are also key signifiers of the area as
they are associated with moorland.
Written –
The masthead, the name of the magazine is largest and the most dominant
wording on the page which follows the conventional ideal of a magazine cover. The
colours of the words are also in-keeping with the theme of the cover. Emphasis has
been put on the most important/ enticing words for this region such as
‘moorlands’ and names of places in Devon such as ‘Honiton’ and ‘Newton abbot’.
This grabs attention of those in the Devon area as they might have a connection
to/ live in or near that particular area.
Technical –
The framing of the image is just the horses heads. The bodies may not have
been important to the meaning of the message. Reducing detail on the face
without adding anything to the image. This contact and close proximity of the
two horses could portray the tight knit community of parish’s in Devon despite
their isolated status.

4. Symbolic –
The lighting is natural (as with almost all nature related regional magazines) and the
colour again has very earthy green colours with strong links to nature. The positioning
of the focus is again, in the middle of the page so that the writing can fit around it
and so that the eyes naturally go this. The setting/location seems to be in a farm, a
common thing in Devon and the country side. The woman appears to be very happy
in her facial expressions adding to the idea that country life is a peaceful and happy
way of life and living in Devon is a good thing. By feeding pigs, this creates a strong
image association of farming which is a key signifier of the countryside and of Devon.
Her clothes aren't trendy or modern but are brightly coloured. This expresses the
simple life and the idea that they live their lives in a time that seems to be older but
they are happy about it.
Written –
The writing is simple except for the use of calligraphy style fonts on the word
‘elegant’ just to emphasise its meaning and on ’special preview’ to add to its
importance and emphasis. ‘The Devon County Show’ is the largest writing apart form
the masthead meaning it is the main story/focus in the magazine and is probably one
of the main talking points in the Devon area.
Technical –
The image is quite far away compared to other covers, this is probably to get
the entire scene in to emphasise the point of the farm and what she is doing.

5. CONTENTS
Technical -
The only technical part to look at is the dominant image which is clearly a
professionally done, studio image. Meaning it the lighting and colours were
thought out to compliment and create a mysterious feel yet still look
professional and an incredible photograph. Its framed slightly to the right so that
the page number and article name fits.
Written –
All the writing on the contents page is of similar simple fonts that only differ
slightly to show difference in information. the headings and sub headings are
spaced-out capital letters making them neat and obvious.
Symbolic -
The page is quite simple with a white background, a contrasting dominant image
and few sub images. This gives it clean cut, neat look that would work well with
the regional area as its not ‘arty’ or modern. The layout is also neat, slit into two
sections and a sub section within one. The first section is the top half of the page
with the image and the second half shows the contents. The contents part is split
into two parts, one words and one pictures. This makes it extremely easy to follow.

6. DOUBLE PAGE
SPREAD
Symbolic -
The lighting and colour is very dark with hits of brown/red
with the hair. The dark nature of the image might
represent the time of year, winter time when its generally
darker. This time of year would also explain her clothes,
wearing a traditional/stereotypical English countryside
jacket and little/no make up. This is extremely traditional
to Devon and to the English country side. She is placed on
one side of the image to make room for the article.
Another key signifier is the chicken, typical to farms and to
the countryside.
Written -
In-keeping with the writing style of the magazine, the
layout is simple. Double page spread image with a white
box on for the writing. The font is simple and clear. No
‘fancy’ or extreme font, a clean neat one to represent the
traditional side of Devon.
Technical -
Medium length shot, eye-level, all to the left hand
side. This is meant to create a portrait of the
woman with the chicken to put across the meaning
of the image and the article simply and clearly.