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1. AS MEDIA
AS UNIT G321
FOUNDATION PORTFOLIO IN MEDIA
RESEARCH AND PLANNING
Candidate Name
Candidate Number
Centre Name
Centre Number
Georgina Eleftheriou
4055
The Leigh Academy
61101

2. YOUR ASSESSMENT MATERIALS
Copy and paste these e-stickers onto your
work when instructed to do so by your
teacher.

3. Using, developing and challenging
conventionsThis cover ‘Vibe’ uses the typical magazine convention of a colour scheme as the colours are limited and
match. For example, Kanye West’s collar is blue and so is the title of the cover. Adding on to that, the
typical convention of a medium close up has been used as we can only see his head and shoulders. Unlike
some other magazine covers, the designer has chosen to add some shadow to the plain background in
order to emphasise that the main focus is Kanye.
The designer has developed the convention of text placement when looking at this cover. Many designers
do not hesitate to overlap text on to the main image yet this cover has no sign of text over the image used.
Everything is placed around the shot in order to fit in. This further emphasises what is the main attraction
within this magazine.
On the other hand, this cover has not got the typical skyline. Normally, a skyline would only consist of one
colour however, this skyline has three different colours: pink, blue and black. Thus, this magazine has
challenged what a normal skyline would look like by using three colours. In fact, the three colours are used
again for the main cover line and each of the other cover lines. Black text may have been used in order to
break it up a bit as the blue and pink theme are fairly vibrant colours so,this could be why the designer has
chosen to challenge this typical convention.
This magazine uses the convention of a barcode just so that when the magazine is being purchased
it can be scanned. It’s placement is vertical and on the right hand side. Quite a few magazines
place barcodes like this as it doesn’t distract the audience from what the real attraction is.
This magazine cover develops the the convention of images as rather than there being one main
image, there are three in total. 2 smaller images are over lapping the main image and have been
placed at particular angles. If magazine covers do have more images to them it would usually be
two. Consequently, this designer has developed the convention of using images by using a few
more than you’d usually do. This could be to attract the audience more as people tend to notice
images before reading the text.
This ‘NME’ magazine cover challenges the typical convention of the proportion of text compared to
the image. This magazine’s masthead is a lot smaller compared to other magazines. On other
magazines the title is normally across the top from both ends however, this masthead is placed on
the far left. Furthermore, the main image is a medium shot whereas, other magazines typically
would use a closer shot therefore, it challenges the typical amount of image proportion other
magazines have on their covers.

4. Social groups by Occupation
Group A:
People who come under this
group often have high end jobs
such as: Bankers, Lawyers,
Doctors and surgeons. These
are the type of people who
can afford expensive holidays,
designer clothing and other
luxuries. They are less likely to
engage in social media, music
and film due to their very busy
lifestyles.
Group B:
People who qualify for this job
have occupations such as
teachers, or they’re fairly paid
professionals. They have a
mortgage, reliable cars and are
able to invest in private
education for their children.
These people wear known high
street brands, go on packaged
holidays and most likely don’t
have time for social media, film
and music (similar to group A).
Group C1:
This group consist of those who are nurses,
white collar professionals or in Junior
management. They receive working tax
credits from the Government and invest
their leisure in things such as: fitness,
attending shows, cinema and holidays.
They own a car per household and they are
the type to shop for a discounted package
holiday. They have high street clothing, yet
not the expensive kind and spend 2-3 hours
per day with something involving media.
They may read things like The Guardian or
fitness magazines.
Group C2:
People who qualify for this type of
group work as electricians, plumbers
or blue collar professionals. These
people live in rented property and
their cars doubles up as a work
vehicle. They purchase DVD’s, CD’s
and shop for discounted brands
online. 4-5 hours is the approximate
time they spend on media and they
read things like The sun or Daily Mirror.
Furthermore, they spend their leisure
visiting local attractions or the
seaside.
Group D:
This group consists of drivers, post
sorters and warehouse pickers.
Living on a tight budget, they live
on rented property and shop in
places such as Poundland, Lidl and
Primark. They have no preference
on fashion or cars and they often
have second hand cars. 6-7 hours
of their day is spent watching TV or
on social media. They shop for
bargains online and read tabloids.
This group are more likely to enjoy
mainstream things.
Group E:
These people do not have an
occupation. They're either students,
unemployed or pensioners. They live
on state welfare and benefits. They do
not have any predefined spending's
habits as they don’t have a specific
income flow. They shop for bargains
and discounts. This group are likely to
read free media such as metro or
material on public transport. Similar to
group D, this group are also likely to
enjoy mainstream things such as pop
music.

5. Although you can’t see the full title of the masthead, it is bold and has an interesting font to it
emphasising this magazine is quirky and doesn’t lack style To elaborate the font chosen still
ha sa certain degree of maturity to it thus, still engaging an older audience. It also consists of
one colour and matches with the colour theme. More on the colour theme, it mainly consists
of black red white and grey. The choice of colours also implies that this magazine is aimed for
an older audience as vibrant range of colours hasn’t been used yet they still go well together
giving that professional look. Things like the layout and organisation of the cover will attract an
older audience more as having to much colour could make the cover look ‘tacky’.
Consequently, sticking with 4 well paired colours is effective as it shows that this magazine is
well put together which would be something an older audience would look for rather than a
younger audience who may not care as much if the colours looked good together.
The barcode is located in a sensible area therefore, making it easy to find
when the magazine is being scanned. Furthermore, the barcode being
placed in a subtle area could represent that the magazine wants the most
important things to be seen. As the magazine is quite busy full of cover lines,
the barcode is not a main thing that needs to be seen in order to get the
audiences attention. So, the area it has been placed isn’t too noticeable nor
does it clutter the magazine. Most importantly, it doesn’t distract the target
audience.The magazine has many different cover lines placed in various part of the
cover. They have been distributed well in order to keep the audience
engaged with what this magazine includes. Also, on the far right there are a
list of cover lines in different font size. This could suggest to the readers which
articles are more important than others which will be helpful to them.
The main cover line is very eye-catching especially because it is one of
the biggest, boldest pieces of texts displayed on the cover. This infers to
the target audience that this piece of text has a high level of importance.
Furthermore, the anchorage text is also a bold piece of text that is fairly
large which suggests to the readers that this piece of text is also important
as it goes with the main image.
Many magazines that have a younger target audience often have a skyline.
Therefore, the fact that this magazine doesn't’t have one suggests that this
magazine has an older target audience. Not including a skyline within the
cover adds a mature atmosphere to it which will engage the correct target
audience that this magazine is aimed at. Furthermore, skylines can be used to
frame the cover yet the placement of the cover lines frames the main image
which could be another reason as to why no skyline was involved within this
design.
Masthead and colour theme
Main cover line and anchorage text
Cover lines
Skyline
Mis-en-scene
Barcode
Main image
The fact that the masthead is not completely visible could show to the readers
that Amy Whinehouse is the most important attraction within this magazine.
The medium shot used of the star partially overlaps the masthead making it
clear that she is more necessary than the masthead. Amy matches the theme
of the cover as she is wearing a black white and red dress. This could infer to
the audience that this magazine is of a professional level as the matching
outfit brings the cover together and avoids any clash of colours or the
impression that this cover is ‘childish’.
The mis-en-scene of this cover over all works well as everything compliments
each other. For example, Amy’s makeup (pale face with a red lip) works well
with the lighting as her face doesn’t look to harsh under the light. Also, the
subtle background used (a grey tone which progressively gets lighter)
doesn’t overpower the main image or clash with the bold red tone on Amy’s
dress.
Furthermore, the props used (which involves a cigarette) match well together
with the rock and roll genre and Amy’s outfit which has a 50’s vibe to it.
Conclusively, nothing ‘ruins’ another convention or part of the mise-en-scene
of the cover. This represents this magazine as stylish, mature, sophisticated
and highly likely to engage adults as they are more likely to possess these
qualities. This design of this magazine could even be described as to having a
vintage theme to it which would appeal to an older target audience as
teenagers tend to like things that are ‘current’ and ‘on trend’.
Magazine cover
analysis

6. Representing and appealing to social
groups
The mise-en-scene of this magazine cover is incredibly busy. This cover consists of a
strapline, puffs and many cover lines all dotted around in various places. Furthermore,
even the model is is not placed in the center like many covers normally do which
could capture extra attention from the audience. As the cover is mostly occupied, it
would be highly engaging to a younger audience in particular as the more that is
going on the better. Teenagers tend to like a magazine with lots going on or they may
not even give it a read at all. Thus, this type of placement would most likely be aimed
at the social group E (teenagers/students rather than pensioners).
As for the lighting, everything that is on the cover is vibrant therefore, it is clear that a
high level of light was used. If the cover consisted of gloomy dark colours and had dull
lighting to it, then this wouldn’t necessarily attract the teenagers. A younger audience
often likes things with more colour as they tend to be less mature than the magazines
such as ‘Good Housekeeping’. Also, for people of a younger age, the
brighter/colourful it is, the higher chance that it would catch a younger persons eye.
The body language of the model is very laid-back and relaxed. She is laying back in a
rounded chair with one of her legs crossed over. This infers that this magazine
shouldn’t be taken to seriously and gives the message that it is fun. This would
particularly appeal to the younger generations as they like things to be light-hearted
and casual.
The use of language within this cover is informal as cover lines such as ‘Get an insane
body’ is used. For an older audience, sophisticated formal language would be used
to accommodate the adult readers. Consequently, this magazine has
accommodated to the type of language younger people would use such as ‘hot’.
Adding on to that, social group E are often students who are likely to be unemployed
therefore, this magazine would attract them as the main cover line reads ‘Free
makeup’. This social group shops for bargains and discounts so the make-up would be
a great bonus for them. Also, the cover line that claims you can ‘make your own room
for no $’ would especially attract younger readers as they don’t have a flowing
income.
A magazine aimed at social
group E

7. Magazine Institutions and
Distribution
Distributed by: Thrust publishing
Produced by: Ben Murphy
Distributed by: IPC Media

8. Technology and Processes
Physical Technology
Photographical cameras are used to take images of any
models that feature in the magazine and the studio is for
the lighting and the backdrop.
Digital Technology
This involves technology such as computer hardware. It is
important that a suitable computer is used with a HD
screen in order to see the magazine cover clearly. Also a
computer with lots of storage would be highly necessary
as many things would need to be saved.
Software
A software program such as Photoshop would be used in
order to alter, edit/adjust any images especially the
images taken of the models.
Promotion software, electronic billboards and app
advertisements are all forms of advertising.
Printing
The printer is the last process that actually prints the
magazine off. As it is printed in mass of production the
printing press is used.
Printer hardware is the computer that goes with the
printing press. The file is uploaded to the computer then
the printing press prints it off.

9. Researching my preliminary exercise
Main image
This school magazine portrays a medium close up image like most magazines yet it
develops this convention as it is at a lower angle. The typical magazine cover
would have an eye level shot for the main image. Furthermore, this convention is
further developed as the image used is slanted. Most magazines stick with a
portrait shot so it looks as though the person who features on the cover Is looking
directly at you. So, the designer may have chosen to develop the images angles to
make the cover appear ‘different’ which should entice a young audience as
anything that appears to be ‘breaking the rules’ will appeal to them.
Within this magazine cover two straplines have been used. Having
seen other magazines, most only feature one thus, this cover has
developed the typical convention of straplines. The designer may
have chosen to do this as it adds a frame to the cover, it makes it
looks tidier and brings everything together rather than parts of the
magazine cover being dotted around the main image.
The main cover line is the boldest piece of text to feature on the magazine cover. This
insinuates that this is the main article and that it is a vital part of what will attract the
audience to read this magazine. The size also indicates this as other cover lines appear to
be much smaller on the cover. Adding on to that, the bold font will ensure that the readers
notice the anchorage text below which explains what the meaning of the main cover line
is. A criticism of this cover’s main cover line would be the fact that although the font is fun
and upbeat, it gives the magazine an unprofessional look. In the attempt to grab the
audiences attention by using another font, it creates an unorganised aesthetic as most
designers tend to use two fonts. If to many are used the audience may not be attracted as
they may go on to think that the contents of the magazine is ‘unprofessional’. Thus, I will
ensure that when creating my magazine cover, I will stick with two type of fonts (one for the
masthead/logo and another for the cover lines, anchorage text, puff text etc.) In order to
still make certain pieces of text stand out more I will increase the text size and boldness
depending on it’s importance.
The colour theme of this cover is white orange blue, black and
white. Most magazines stick with three to four colours yet this
cover has developed the convention of a colour theme as there
are five colours used. The designer may have chosen to do this as
colour is a key concept of engaging an audience, especially a
young one. The colour orange may have been chosen because
it is a fairly vibrant colour which will automatically appeal to the
target audience. Adding on to that it is seen as ‘unisex’ colour
which could imply that the designer wants a mixed gender
audience. Furthermore, the dark blue logo may have been
chosen to make it stand out from the rest of the cover. Logo’s are
quite important when it comes to designing a magazine due to
the fact that, designers want the audience to remember their
logo so if someone enjoys the magazine it will be easy for them to
spot out the next issue. It is like a form of advertisement.
Masthead
The font used for this masthead is very quirky and unique. It’s a large readable size and
appears to be fairly bold. All of these things about the masthead will be effective to the
audience as it stands out on the magazine cover making it easy to notice. Conclusively,
the designer of this cover has used this convention well as it is clear to the audience as to
what the magazine is called, it’s a good size and has an eye appealing font.
Main cover line and anchorage
text
Cover lines
The cover lines that are seen on this magazine cover all have a heading above them then
text below which explains the heading. For example one heading reads ‘Exclusive interview’
then below that is text explaining who and what is mentioned. Therefore, this designer has
developed the typical convention of cover lines as they have been used but it’s like they
have anchorage text for each cover line when that’s only really used for the main cover line.
In one sense this is useful to the readers as it is clear what will feature in the magazine yet
most magazines don’t give too much content away otherwise readers can decide quickly if
they're uninterested. Adding on to that, it creates the cover to look more like a poster rather
than a magazine cover. Moving on from that, one cover line features a cut out of a small
image. This a development of the cover line convention as only some magazines do this
such as ‘NME’. This is an effective way to grab the audience’s attention as people generally
prefer to look at things than read (especially if the audience is young).
Colour theme
Straplines
Mise-en-scene
The general look of this magazine cover doesn’t resemble a
typical magazine cover giving it a slightly unrealistic look. The
placement of things add a little bit of realism to the look but the
number of different fonts used eats away at that. As for the
image, it’s quite peculiar angle yet the face is still in the center
which is where most magazines place the subject. In a way the
‘unique’ look could attract more attention to the audience as it’s
something different and young people don’t tend to like the
usual things.

10. Researching my preliminary exerciseMasthead
This magazine cover displays a vibrant quirky masthead with a slogan below it. The
typical convention of a masthead has been developed as most covers have theirs
across the top completely whereas this one nearly reaches half way across the top.
Adding on to that the slogan is also a development as only some magazines
actually feature them. The bright colours used for the masthead will engage the
audience as it stands out against the main image (the background) and the slogan
is easy to remember. The slogan created for this cover gives the impression that this
magazine is made for you (the students who this magazine is aimed for) which will
definitely engage the audience as it is like the magazine is ‘talking’ to you.
Main cover line and anchorage text
it to stand out. This is because the attention from the audience is already there due
to the main cover line’s aesthetics. Keeping the anchorage text less bold and
smaller in size is effective or it won’t be clear to the audience what that piece of
texts purpose is. If it to bold then people could mistake it for being part of the cover
line and quickly lose interest as it will look to long. Most magazines have a bolder
bigger (and short enough) main cover line with smaller text below for the
anchorage text just like this magazine cover does.
Main image
The main image used for the magazine cover wouldn’t come under the typical
type. Firstly, the girl that features in this image is not placed directly in the center.
Most typical magazines usually place the model/celebrity (etc.) in the middle
and place the masthead, cover lines and other pieces of text around
him/her/them. With this main image, the designer has chosen to place the girl on
the far right so that the background of the image can be seen (which is the
school where you can also see the majority of its name). Thus, this was done for
effect and to add to the appearance of the cover. This should engage the
audience as it is not a typical image. Instead, the image has an interesting
background whilst also making it clear which school this magazine is for.
Cover lines
On this magazine the cover lines are only on one half. This is effective due to the fact that the
target audience will still be able to see the important part of the main image (the student
which is placed on the right hand side). This should engage the audience as a young target
audience are more likely to give attention to large images. Keeping the cover lines on the left
would make sense as the audience wouldn’t be able to see the text if it was placed anywhere
else. Therefore, the designer has taken in consideration of the audience and thought ‘where
are the best options to place the cover lines?’ in order to still make them readable. Adding on
to that, the designer using mildly see through boxes to place the cover lines inside is more
convenient for the audience. It increases the ease to read the cover lines. One downside
would be that the bright yellow text slightly blends in with the green boxes’ however it is still
readable. More on to the boxes, they create a tidy look for the cover as it gives each cover
line a frame. This should engage the audience as the cover looks relatively professional
meaning they are more likely to read the magazine.
.
Colour theme
The designer has stuck developed the typical convention when it comes to colour
themes. 5 colours have been used on the cover (most magazines use about three
to four colours) which are luminous green, yellow, pink black and white. The green
and the yellow compliment each other well and are both vibrant which should
engage the audience as the colour theme is key for appearance. Furthermore,
these two colours in particular were a good choice as neither of them lean more
towards a females taste nor do they lean more towards a males taste. This is
effective as it will ensure that both sexes are attracted to the magazine and it shows
that the designer wants the audience to be female and male.
Strapline
One luminous green strapline has been placed on the bottom of the cover
which is a typical convention on a cover of a magazine therefore, it adds realism
to the look. The placement of the strapline is effective as the main cover line and
anchorage text is right above it so the audience will spot it quickly which is key as
it withholds important information. If the designer had placed it up the top, then
it jeopardizes it’s chances of being read whereas having it down the bottom is
more reassuring that it will get noticed as the main attractions are further down
on the cover.
placed further down on the magazine and is the boldest piece of text to be
displayed on the cover. Adding on to that the font is different from all the other text
that is shown on the cover which could indicate it’s importance. Having a different
font for the main cover line means that the audience are more likely to notice that
piece of text first compared to the other cover lines etc. which is what the designer
most probably intended. Thus, making the main cover line look different to the rest
of the cover lines is effective as it guides the audience to the main attraction first.
Furthermore, it is effective as the audience should then naturally read the
anchorage text that is directly below the main cover line. The anchorage text is in a
smaller more casual font compared to the main cover line as it is not necessary for
Mise-en-scène
The general mise-en-scène of this cover is very
good. For example the placement of text,
straplines etc. has been done well. The designer
has thought about what they want the
audience to be attracted to first then second
and so on and this has been done by
placement. The boldness, brightness and size of
text has also played a part. The designer has
made the pieces of text look bigger or bolder
etc where it is needed. As for the main image
the lighting is not to bad. The image is clear and
of decent quality but there is one down side.
The left part of the image is a bit brighter which
is why it is a little difficult to see the yellow cover
line even with the green box to help it stand out.
The designer could’ve made that section a little
darker and maybe even added some light to
the other half of the image where the student is
in order to keep the attention there. More on
the student herself who features on this cover,
the props and clothing choice are suitable for
the type of magazine and make the cover look
realistic.

11. Researching my preliminary exercise
This contents page displays an image of a student in front of a brick wall to the right of the frame. This
was a good choice of image as this magazine is aimed at students thus matching the subjects age
with the target audience will be appealing to the target audience. To elaborate if the image was of a
much older person the audience may be thrown off and become uninterested as they may feel the
article will be irrelevant to them. As for the brick wall, it is a simple background which does not take
any attention away from the subject which is important as you want to ensure that your audience are
not focusing on the insignificant things.
Moving on there is some text overlapping the image in a purple rectangular box. A page number and
some information is displayed in the box. This is useful because instead of the page title along with the
page number being listed on the left, the designer has chosen to put it on top of the image. Therefore,
it makes it easy to know that this image is related to that particular article title.
More about the text, the rest of the page numbers and text beside them are lined up on the left of the
frame in order. This is effective to the audience as it will be easy to read and the neat aesthetic makes
it look more eye appealing. The page numbers are a lot bolder than the text placed beside it which is
useful as it it will be quick for the audience to see which page they need to find.
Further down the page there is some segregation. Another purple rectangular box has been placed
below the main image and titles of the articles. A page number with the words ‘TOP STORY OF THE
MONTH’ is displayed in the purple box. This is useful as it tells the audience that this is another key story
within the magazine. Below the purple box another image is displayed on the left of the frame and a
paragraph is on the right. So rather than have text on the left and the image on the right, the
placement of image and text has been swapped around for the bottom half of the contents page.
This will be eye catching to the audience due to the fact that, the look is changed up and has
avoided a basic look. Also having that extra image further down the page breaks things up nicely as a
lot of text is displayed considering that it is just a contents page. Consequently, due to the uncommon
placement of text and images, the mise-en-scene of this contents page is interesting to look at. The
designer has successfully managed to change things up a little bit without over complicating the
appearance of the page. If the contents page is to complicated then the target audience may not
want to read any further in to the magazine.
More on the mise-en-scene, the subjects colour of clothing in the top right image matches well with
the colour theme. The colour theme for this contents page appears to be white purple and black
which is are the colours the subject is wearing within the image (minus the black). This is effective as if
random colours were thrown in it could create a messy/tacky look for the page which would deter the
audience to read the magazine.
Overall, this contents page is of a good standard. The colour theme is well maintained, the distribution
of text and images are fairly balanced and the layout is different yet not to abstract that it ruins the
look entirely.

12. For the masthead I will use the title
‘The Leigh’s spark mag’. Although it
is longer than most mastheads, the
name is not to complicated that
the readers.
The skyline is at the
top of the magazine
cover based on a
competition included a
skyline so extra
important information
could be displayed.
Adding on to that it
improves the
appearance of the
cover as it frames the
image nicely.
A puff will feature on this magazine cover
reading ‘Exclusive’ then below that text will
read ‘Cornwall pics -2015’. Using a puff is
necessary because it fills gaps within the
cover and is a key convention of magazine
covers as they have important information in
them. I will use a polygon outline for my puff
so it catches the audience eye as it is not the
usual kind of puff people see.
I will not be using a logo as that ties in
with the masthead. Most magazines
masthead is there logo as well so this
won’t jeopardies the look of my
magazine.
The main cover line will be about
textiles coming back as an option for
A-level students. Bold text will be used
as it is the main article in my
magazine. It has to be larger than the
rest of the cover lines to to ensure this
main cover line gets noticed first. The
size and width of the text should
display the importance of this article
as well.
The cover lines will include GCSE results,
articles based on the new students who
joined sixth form this year and tips for
studying. Choosing to have cover lines on my
school magazine will attract my audience
and influence who will purchase it as it gives
them a taster as to what I will include within
my magazine. I have kept the titles short and
simple which should make my target market
interested and wanting to read more.
A barcode and issue number will feature on the
bottom right hand side and will be vertically
placed. This features on my cover so that the
magazine can easily be scanned when being
purchased. Furthermore, placing it in a subtle
place will ensure that my audience won’t be
distracted from what the main attraction is and
the appearance of the cover is not ruined.
A medium shot of a female student in front
of the Leigh Academy sign will be used for
this cover. This image will be further edited
on Photoshop to enhance lighting/colour
and to edit any other corrections needed. I
will need to crop the image to so that it is
the correct size of a magazine cover. The
main image used is the first step to
attracting the audience so it must be clear
of what the image is portraying and must
be visible from a distance. Therefore, I will
use a high quality camera to capture my
image and as the image will be shot
outside I must check the weather before
hand.
Masthead
Main cover line
Logo
Main image
Cover lines
Barcode
SkylinePuffs
The colour theme will be
white and navy due to
the main image. This
ensures that everything
will match together
which is more likely to
appeal to the audience
than if I used multiple
colours which would
add an unprofessional,
amateur look to the
cover.
Colour
theme
Plan

13. Researching your main task
The text placement is all to one side which nicely frames the main image. The designer also may have decided to place
the text to one side in order to keep the attention on the main image. Adding on to that, keeping all the text (apart
from one little piece in the top right corner) keeps the page looking neat and tidy. The text on the top right side
mentions who the photography is by. The designer may have decided to keep this separate as it is not linked to the
actual content of the magazine and this piece doesn’t have the same level of ‘importance’ as the list of text on the left.
So, the designer may have placed it in a more subtle area as they don’t want the audience to be attracted to that
piece of information before the contents list.
A masthead features at the top of this page which clearly states that it is the ‘contents’ and tells us the date
and issue number along with the logo on the left hand side. The designer may have chosen to use bold text
right at the top of the page to make it direct to the readers what is on this page. Unlike the typical magazine,
a strapline for the bottom of the contents page is also used. This page develops the typical convention of a
strapline as they usually contain important information (like the top strapline showing the title of the page etc.)
On the other hand, rather than this strapline feature ‘important’ information, a quote is used from the main
article. It reads ‘I fart in your direction’. This text may intrigue readers to go read this article which could explain
why the designer has put the page number next it. This particular quote from the main article was most likely
chosen to also shock the readers thus making them want to read to the article even more. Adding on to that,
two straplines may have been used as it also gives the image a frame.
Main image and colour theme
This contents page features a medium close up of a celebrity. The designer may have chosen to use this
particular type of shot as it is dramatic and keeps the attention on the main attraction of the magazine. This
could also explain why the designer has only used one image rather than multiple images. More on the
image itself, the clothing that the celebrity is wearing matches well with the colour theme of the contents
page which is(grey white and red). This ensures that the page is well put together. Furthermore, the colour
coordinating makes it easier to identify who the target audience would be (the average age of people who
read Q is 29). This is because if the magazine had an audience for social group E (teenagers) then a lot more
colours may have been involved within the page. However, with this page, the range of colours isn’t to broad
yet the red causes it to still be eye appealing. Although 29 may seem fairly mature, technically it is still classed
as a reasonably young age in our society. Thus, this could explain the designers colour choices as the grey
and white gives the mature effect to the page whilst the red indicates that it is not all ‘serious’. This is a perfect
balance for a 29 year old.
This page has the contents list placed on the left hand side which could also add to the frame of the main
image. The title ‘Features’ is placed in a black box with a red box underneath that is filled with some of the
‘100 Greatest Albums Ever’. The fact that there is a puff (the red box) shows that ‘100 Greatest Albums Ever’
is a key article in this magazine. The vibrant colour emphasizes it’s importance as well as it being the most
eye catching colour used. Lastly, it is placed at the top so the designer clearly wants the readers to look at
that section first of the contents page.
Strapline and Masthead
Puff
The logo of the magazine has
been placed in the top left
corner of the contents page.
This is just a design choice and
is used throughout the
magazine as it is such a strong
brand logo. For example when
Q do reviews they reuse their
logo and for other various
points in the magazine as well.
Text placement
Logo
Contents
page

14. Researching your main task
A medium shot of a celebrity has been used within this contents page which infers who the main article is about. The shot has very
dramatic lighting to it which adds attention and keeps the focus on the image. The designer may have chosen to stick with one
image in order to maintain the dramatic effect rather then having multiple images which can look a little messy on the page.
More on to the subject of the image, the clothing choice is dark thus ensuring the attention stays on the subjects face. Moving on,
the pose is very stern that the subject is portraying. It matches well with the dramatic lighting and keeps the ‘serious’ mood it gives
off. The designer has created a shadow on one side of the subjects face which creates more light on the front of his face where
his features are. This is effective because it ‘guides’ the audiences’ eyes to that particular part of the subjects face as it is
brighter/more noticeable. The eye level shot engages the audience as well due to the fact the subject is making ‘eye contact’
with the audience as he is looking straight into the camera.
This just makes the image more personal and creates a connection the subject of the photo and the reader.
.
Contents page
As for the colour theme, it involves darker colours when it comes to the actual image
(mainly black and brown minus the white stripes on the subjects tie). This creates a
modest appearance which again ensures the focus is strictly on the celebrity. As for
the text, the colours consist of white and yellow. Also, the designer has developed the
use of text on this contents page. This is because even though 2 colours are strictly
used, the use of each colour is heavily unbalanced. The designer has used a lot more
white text over yellow text to segregate the sections of the magazine which will be
useful to the readers. The white text that follows makes it understandable to the
readers what is in each section of the magazine also. Thus, the designers choice of
making the colours heavily unbalanced is effective as it helps the readers when they
want to find where to find a particular article they’re interested in. Lastly, the text is
placed on the right giving the image a frame on the left making the page look tidy
thus that little bit more appealing.
Main image & mise-en-scene
Colour theme & text placement

15. Researching your main task
This double page spread has very different layouts for each page.
Although the left page features some text, the main attraction is the medium
close shot. The designer has developed the convention of text placement due to
the fact that text has been placed over the main image. With other magazines,
when there is a double page spread with one side only presenting an image, it is
normally left plain. Although the designer has developed the convention of text
placement, he/she has also done the typical thing as well. Most double page
spreads pair the main image with a key quote on the same page (from the artist)
which is what is displayed on this double page spread. Designers do this as it
intrigues the audience to read the article in the first place as for some, it may be
off putting to read a double page spread because a lot of text is involved. Thus,
the quote that is placed on the main image is like a ‘teaser' of the article.
The colours used for the main image have been challenged by the designer.
There is a visible line in the image where two thirds of it is a tinted red whereas
the third left over is a a pale green/turquoise. The designer may have done this
to match the theme of a current album the signer had at that time or possibly for
an upcoming album. If not, it could have just been to match up with the cover
as the celebrity was likely to feature on the front cover as well as he is the main
article.
Moving on to the pose of the image, it is very serious. The designer may have
decided to keep the pose of the subject very serious due to the fact that, the
article may be modest and in depth with the subjects feelings. Thus, the designer
may have thought it would be best to match the subject’s mood portrayed in
the image with the kind of article it is.
On the other side of the double page spread, lots of small text has been used as this
page is for the actual article. As one whole side of the double spread is taken up by
an image (and little text) this could explain why the font is quite small. A large ‘J’ has
been placed in the center overlapping the small text. The designer has challenged
the typical convention of text placement as it is very rare for a big letter to be
placed on top of the main text. However, the red J compliments the image of the
celebrity and the colour matches the theme too. The designer may have decided to
place a large letter on the text just to add some visual appeal for the audience. On
the other hand, it could've just been to have a unique layout as it is like this particular
magazines ‘signature’ to place the first letter of the celebrity's name which the main
article is about on top of the text.
Lastly, at the top is a title for the article which has
been developed by the designer. It is not as ‘bold’ as
other titles would normally be and isn’t to large in text.
It also has a border around it with two lines on each
side where a strapline could be placed. On the other
hand, the designer has decided to use two colours for
the title like normal magazines would do. ‘JAY-Z’ is in a
red text while the rest is in black. This could be
because the main focus of the article is Jay-Z. As for
the border, the designer may have decided to add
that to the page as lines up nicely with the big J thus
the border may just be there to improve the
appearance of the page.
Double page spread

16. Researching your main task
The designer has also chosen a casual pose for the image as it ties in with the title
of the article ‘Do I ever have a casual Friday? Absolutely!’
More on to the actual title, the designer has used a typical design for this
convention. It is common for designers to have a key quote as the title which could
be a way of giving the readers a teaser as to what is included in the article.
Another thing is that the title is at an angle and fairly large so part of it overlaps on
to the left side of the spread. Thus the designer has developed the convention of
text as he/she hasn’t made the text smaller in order for the text to stay on one half
of the spread. They may have decided to do this in order to emphasise that
particular word (which in this case is ‘Absolutely’) which overlaps on the other
page. This shows it’s importance and the implies that the designer wants the
readers to notice that certain word first. Smaller yet still angled text is placed
underneath. Like the title, the text comes in two colours. This could again be to
show which words are more ‘important’/which the designer wants the readers to
focus on more. The text below, which is the actual article (an interview) also comes
in two colours. The designer has chosen to do this to display which is the question
and which is the answer. This allows the audience to understand the concept of
the article and avoid confusion.
Puff
A puff has been placed in the left hand corner also. The designer has challenged
this convention as most double page spreads wouldn’t include a puff. Instead they
are more include a cut out image or have a quote on the spread.
Double page spread
Main image
One side of this double page spread portrays a medium shot of the subject who is related to the article on the other side of the
page. This is quite common for double page spreads thus the designer has gone for a typical layout. The designer has matched the
subjects clothing with the colour theme (which is typically four colours: black, white, grey and pink). The designer may have
decided to do this as it is more appealing to the audience. It wouldn’t make sense to have the subject wear completely different
colours to the colour theme of the spread or the page would look messy/to busy. Also this could possibly put the readers off of
reading the actual article.
Pose, title and text
Border
The designer has challenged the
appearance of a typical double spread
as he/she has chosen to have a border
around the spread which is very rare. The
designer may have chosen to do this due
to the fact it frames the spread as whole
nicely. Also it just adds some visual appeal
for the readers.