Magazine Analysis

1. Magazine Analysis
Amber Jackson

2. Magazine Conventions
They generally only use a maximum of three colours. Different magazines have colours they are
known for. For example;
- Empire uses yellow
- Sight & Sound uses red
Header Title is always in block colour and bold fonts to make it eye catching as all magazine are
competing and each one has to stand out individually.
There is always a list of articles that are inside to entice the audience.
Information regarding the price and a bar code is placed strategically.
A captivating image and headlines that reveals half a story is placed on the front cover. A smaller
sentence following on from the headline, which is a strapline ‘sells’ the magazine, which intrigues the
audience, and they have to buy it to read the rest of the story.
Captivating words are used such as ‘New’, ‘Sensational’ or ‘Exclusive’ this makes the audience
believe that they can only read a story in that one and only magazine, therefor they can not go and
search for it somewhere else, at a lower cost.

3. HEADER TITLE
Compared to many other magazines with the bold, 3D effect header,
Sight & Sound have differentiated their title a lot to stand out. The use of
a bright yellow box contacting and framing the black letters. Followed by
a red sub heading ‘The International Film Magazine’ and balancing out
the look of the box with the red of the ‘&’. This sub title suggests to new
readers that the magazine is well recognised and prestige status, even
though it is an independent magazine.
MAIN IMAGE
The main image is unlike most magazines as it doesn't especially pop
out at you, at first glance. The understated look may work well as it will
stand out on the shelf against other magazines as it is simply different
and the use of lighting is unique because it is so interesting, we are not
used to seeing images this highly edited but it still looking ‘natural’. The
drawback is that potentially it could get drowned out against all the other
magazines bold captivating essences.
HEADLINES
‘Hitchcock’ is a very well established and highly recognised name, which
is why the image can be the way that it is because the title being in red
catches the eye and people automatically want to read it, simply
because of who he is. Above is also a subheading ‘the genius of’ the
word ‘genius’ standing out the most as it is reiterating how great
everyone thinks he is.

4. HEADER TITLE
Empire’s title does not change with each issue published.
This is so readers can easily spot the magazine against
other brands and to stand out for new potential customers.
The lettering is also always hidden behind the image,
creating a 3D effect.
MAIN IMAGE
The image on the front is enlarged and the characters
standing with a bold posture, this automatically draws the
eye to the centre of the image. The characters wearing a
Superman costume, which is well recognizable, which helps
the audience to understand what is being advertised without
having to look or read about what it is. The actor is also
looking straight into the lens which makes it feel as though
he is looking the reader in the eye.
HEADLINES
The word ‘Exclusive’ is mentioned in red to entice the
audience further, and the ‘Man Of Steel’ words have a
glimmer on them represent a metal like finish making the
magazine feel more luxury as there are hints of different
textures.
This is a mainstream magazine brand.

5. HEADER TITLE
Filmmaker is a under-established, independent magazine and the lay
out shows this. The typography for the title goes with traditional types
of font being bold and in capitals. The slight difference is that, in my
personal opinion, it looks more catered towards younger ages as it is
reminds me of what childrens toys use as their lettering font. The
colour also does not help as the light blue represents stuttle and calm,
where as other magazines use bright, bold, in your face, dramatic
colours. The sub title ‘The magazine of independent film’ is also hidden
by the portrait, creating that 3D look, which follows other magazine
conventions.
MAIN IMAGE
The main image is of James Franco, who is well recognized, so the
magazine can base sales on Franco as his audience, fans and backing
will want to buy it. Including Filmmakers audience and as they do not
normally have as famous people on the cover, it is a ‘extra special’
edition.
HEADLINES
Well known names such as ‘James Franco’ and ‘Danny Boyle’ are
strategically placed to entice readers and intriguing strap line with
‘BLACK SWAN’ in bold capitals draws the readers attention to it, it says
‘Darren Aronofsky’s’ (a director) dark seductive black swan’. The
majority of people know what black swan the film is about, therefore it
makes Aronofsky’s secret dramatic, and drama sells.