1. B321 Coursework
Georgia Humphrey
Candidate number: 9094
Sponne School
Centre number: 27258

5. Success Criteria For Magazines
By looking at other examples of student’s magazines covers
and contents pages I was able to recognise the basic criteria
for magazines and identify the positive and negative points
about them. From this I have managed to create my own
success criteria from my research:
Consistent Font
Colour Scheme
House Style
Genre/topic
Background image with a clear focus and related topic to the
magazine
Secondary images
Date
Masthead
Advertisements
Issue Number
Price
Specific Target Audience
Competitions
Barcode
Subtitles
Facts/Statistics
Presentation
Small descriptions of contents/features
Quotations/interviews
Structure

8. For the house style of this magazine you can see that the magazine has
stayed very consistent. This is because they always keep the logo in the
top left hand corner in the same colours red and white. These colours are
very eye-catching so they will catch the reader’s eye straight away as well
as being appealing and contrasting colours so they complement that
magazine and make it look more sophisticated. As well as this the
colours have no set genre making this magazine more appealing to both
sexes.
For the main article of the magazine Q uses a header at the top right
hand side of the page to draw your attention straight towards it. It tells
you of how Florence welch, the main image, feels 'so alone'. This draws
the reader in as they want to find out more and shows the other side of
being famous and how it may not always be so glamorous.
The main image of this magazine is Florence Welch a singer out of an
indie rock band. Her facial expression is not very inviting and she looks
quite insecure and naive, which connects with the article written about
her as the article is slightly solemn and they want her to appear in the
same honest sort of way. However she is looking directly at the camera
which makes her look like she is yearning for guidance. This then makes
the reader feel more involved with the magazine and also want to help
her so she doesn’t feel alone anymore like the article says. As well as this
her body language also shows a similar view as they have brought her
hands up around her face to make her quite closed and shy like she has
been hurt and doesn’t want to be hurt again. It is almost as if she is
protecting herself and feels uncomfortable opening up about how she
really feels. Which then makes the interview even more interesting to
the reader as it may be an exclusive interview and she may not opening
up and express herself again, making it a must read to the reader.
Magazines also use a lot of extra headings to attract the audience
further. The more interesting the headline the bigger and bolder the font
it has to attract the readers eye to it first. This means that have more of a
chance of the reader buying the magazine and it isn’t all based on the
main feature of the magazine or the artist on the front cover.
The main target audience for this music magazine is for the older
generation such as people in their 30's and 40's who still want to
be up to date with music but in a more sophisticated way. You can
see this because in other magazines such as Kerrang they
comment on what the artist is wearing and how to get their 'look'
rather than just focusing on interviewing the artist and
information about their music. However, it can also appeal to the
younger audience range as it does still include promotional gifts
and other interesting features which will appeal to more than the
intentional target audience.

9. For this music magazine the costumes are usually quite extravagant and smart as the
musician is usually playing at a concert. This makes the reader think they are rich and
sophisticated as well as gives a better impression to the audience then wearing a t
shirt and baggy jeans. As well as this it connects to the target audience much better as
the older generation are more likely to buy this magazine as the main people are
dressed in a much older grown up fashion.
All 3 people on the front cover of this magazine have a very comfortable looking smile
which shows confidence in themselves and appeals more to the reader connecting
with them and making them feel more involved with what’s going on in the magazine.
The shot type for this cover page is a medium shot type as it only shows their
shoulders and their head with a simple plain background. This means that all the focus
is on the image and what they're doing rather than what’s going on in the background.
As well as this it makes the magazine look less crowded and messy so even though
there is an overlapping of 3 different images it still has that sophisticated classy look.
Their faces are made up with a medium makeup to give them the glamorous look but
not make them look cheap or tarty. This works well with the magazines target
audience as the older generation when going out will wear more make up then on a
daily visit to the supermarket. Whereas the younger generation wear a lot of makeup
most of the time like most celebrity’s.
They have chosen to use props in this magazine like most magazine covers of theirs as
it shows the audience straight away what the main article is about, so when they are
in a rush, they know exactly what the magazine's main feature is.

10. For the costume of this magazine they have gone for a much more casual relaxed
look which very much contrasts with the magazine classical fm. You can see this
because the main image is of Kelly Clarkson in a basic white t-shirt with a print on
the front. This shows that the celebrity wasn’t as worried about what she was
wearing and gives the audience the impression that the magazine is much more
relaxed feel which relates much more closely to the younger target audience and
makes them connect with the magazine more.
The facial expression is also very calm and peaceful as the Kelly Clarkson is just
wearing a simple smile and looking directly at the camera. This shows she is very
confident in herself and makes the magazine more appealing to the reader as she is
giving you an encouraging smile to read it.
The shot is a medium shot with the head and shoulders being the only part of her
body in the picture. This means that the full attention is on her and not what she is
doing or what she is wearing. However she is not facing the shot straight on, she is
turned to the side looking over her shoulder to the camera so it leads your eye in
more and makes the picture look less staged to support the relaxed feel of the
magazine even more.
The makeup for this image is very basic and simple giving her that natural look that
compliments the magazine and her own attitude. You can see this because
someone like Lady Gaga for example wears a lot more makeup to show her crazy
and outrageous attitude unlike Kelly Clarkson.
For the hair of this image they have gone for a loose wavy natural bed hair look that
most girls hate. This makes her unique and individual and show that she is
comfortable and doesn’t
For this magazine cover there is no use of props.

11. The costume for this magazine cover is black jeans and no shirt. This shows
a more careless, confident and reckless look to the other magazines I have
previously looked at. This is because the genre of music is totally different
so therefore the image has to be very unique and rock/punk like. As well as
this, having his shirt off shows the tattoos covering his chest and arms.
The facial expression also supports this view as the main image is of Chester
Bennington screaming or shouting very loudly. This shows that he is a not a
quiet and peaceful person like other artists but instead a much louder life of
the party sort of guy which relates back again to the music genre of this
magazine.
For the body language of this magazine they have chosen a very rare pose.
This is because the subject is stood normally with the camera being a
medium shot however his hands are behind his head and his back is slightly
arched over. This would usually make the magazine look unbalanced
however they have added a larch heading in the middle to lower half of the
cover making image more balanced. This body language also leads the eye
in well so your eye is straight away lead to him, the main subject and the
main article of the magazine.
For this cover image they have chosen to decorate Bennington with
jewellery such as earrings, a necklace and a sweatband. This makes him
look very individual and recognisable as most men don’t wear jewellery as
they are not as confident and wouldn't pull it off as well in the same way.
However, Chester Bennington still has a slight nerdy and normal look to him
as in the image he is wearing thick framed glasses which makes us think
that he is quite smart and still young.

12. For the contents page of Q magazine you can see that they have
a very similar layout to Mixmag. This is because they both have
images on the right hand side and the text on the left in a long
column. This is very typical of music magazines as they have the
images alongside the magazine to connect to the features and
draw you in. As well as make it easier to read as each magazine
will keep to their layout so the reader knows how to navigate
around the page. However the layouts are slightly different as on
Q magazine they like to overlay images and twist them so the
layout is much more relaxed and casual but still professional.
When looking at Mixmag you can see that they use more than the
usual number of fonts. This is because they want to draw
attention to different parts of the magazine therefore they have
use different colors and fonts to do this. You can see this because
on the subtitles of the features they have used a different color
and font which is more serif and curly where as the actual
features themselves are in a dark bold sans serif font. This works
well as it sections up the text and makes it easier to read and
navigate your way around the page.
For the branding of this magazine Mixmag has decided to put
their name at the top left hand corner of the page in a tiny white
font above the title of the contents page. This is good because it
subtly reminds the reader who the magazine is. As well as this
they have also used it in the bottom right hand corner of the page
as they have added in the website. This then reminds the reader
again who the magazine is without having a massive title.

13. For the contents page of NME magazine you can see that they have a very
unique layout. This is because their page is quite busy with lots of details other
than just the usual features and photographs representing these. You can see
this because instead of having the images on one side of the contents page
they have placed them in the middle. This works well as it means that you are
mostly likely to look at these images first and be interested straight away as
they are close to the center. As well as this they have also use another feature
that is unique to them which is the band index. This is interesting as not only
does NME show you the features involved in the magazine but also what
bands are being featured. Another feature that makes them different from the
others is their use of only one picture to draw the audience in as both Q and
Mixmag have used at least three or four images to draw the reader in. I don’t
think this is such a good idea as it means if the reader isn't interested by the
main feature then they might just put the magazine down and not buy it.
Another feature that isn't very generic is the advertisement they have used on
the contents page as NME have decided to use an advertisement about
subscribing to the magazine. This is unlike other magazines as they mainly use
the magazine for features not advertisement.
When looking at NME you can see that they use a minimal amount of fonts.
This is good because it doesn’t over complicate the page with everything else
going on, on it. As well as this they have also kept to the original color scheme
and used largest to smallest fonts to show what is most important and what is
the least important part of the page. Another choice that the magazine has
also made is to copy the style of the title but using it for the subtitles of the
features. This works well as it ties the whole page together and keeps with the
original format.
For the branding of this magazine NME has used their name in the title of the
contents page. This makes it quite similar to Mixmag however they have not
done it discretely but made it very large and in your face. What also makes It
very eye-catching is the fact that they have decided to put it onto a black
background making your attention be drawn straight towards it first. Because of
this NME doesn’t bother to use it again on the page as they have already used
in a large font at the top so that the reader wont forget or wonder.

14. For the contents page of mixmag magazine you can see that they have a very
similar layout to Q. This is because they both have images on the right hand
side and the text on the left in a long column. This is very typical of music
magazines as they have the picture as the largest and most eye-catching thing
on the page to draw your attention in. AS well as this all three magazine have
also included other photos that are the next most important features to the
magazine. This means that they can draw in a wider audience and show more
features to interest the reader. However there are still some differences as
Mixmag likes to keep their pictures very straight and aligned where as Q
contents page is a bit more free and easy having images slightly slanted.
When looking at Mixmag you can see that they use more than the usual
number of fonts. This is because they want to draw attention to different parts
of the magazine therefore they have use different colors and fonts to do this.
You can see this because on the subtitles of the features they have used a
different color and font which is more serif and curly where as the actual
features themselves are in a dark bold sans serif font. This works well as it
sections up the text and makes it easier to read and navigate your way around
the page.
For the branding of this magazine Mixmag has decided to put their name at the
top left hand corner of the page in a tiny white font above the title of the
contents page. This is good because it subtly reminds the reader who the
magazine is. As well as this they have also used it in the bottom right hand
corner of the page as they have added in the website. This then reminds the
reader again who the magazine is without having a massive title.

15. Like other magazines I have analyzed
NME only uses one large picture for the
double page spread. This shows that
they’re trying to portray one purpose to
the reader and make it obvious who the
artist is.
For NME’s double page spread you can see that they have used a maximum three fonts. The first font that captures your attention
is the one in quotation marks as it is very unique and in your face. This is quite unusual as all the letters are different sizes and in
bold, capital letters on different size black rectangles. This makes the text quite hard to read, however, connects with what the
quote is saying as Lily Allen says ’People think I’m an attention seeker’ and that is exactly what this direct quote is doing, attracting
the attention of the reader.
The other fonts that are used are quite basic and not very important to the appearance of the article. However, when they mention
Lily Allen on the heading the font changes back to the first quote font just in the color red so you link it to her as she is also in red
as well as associating it with her original quote.
Again, this magazine has used a large letter at the start of the interview in the same font to make it clear where the interview starts
and draw the readers attention to it. This is a typical feature of most music magazines
For the branding of NME magazine they have chosen to
repeat the logo at the bottom right and left hand corner
of the page. This is different to the other two magazines I
have looked at as they usually only repeat this once or
not at all. As well as this the logo is not in the same
layout or same size as the cover page. You can see this
because the logo is usually in the top left hand corner of
the magazine, the same as Q. This is usually done so
the main focus is on the article rather than the magazine
itself, however, they still reinstate it on every page so you
know exactly which magazine you got the information
from.
NME’s double page spread uses a very typical structure as the image is on the right and
the text is in columns on the left. However this is quite different from normal interview as
there is usually a page of writing and the image on the opposing page. However for this
magazine they have only used 4 small columns of text for the interview on Lily Allen and
the quote and image of her to take up the rest of the double page spread.
Analysing Double Page Spreads

16. For Q’s double page spread they have decided not to use and
pull out direct quotes. This is very unusual as these quotes
usually pull the reader in if they are not already interested in the
interview. However, I think they have done this as having the
quotes may make the interview look more like a gossip
magazine rather than a music magazine and give a more
unprofessional and childish feel to the magazine making it look
like it is targeting a younger audience.
Surprisingly Q only uses one
large image for the double page
spread of their magazine. This
means that they are trying to
portray one purpose to the reader
and not confuse the reader by
having lots of different images
showing and representing
different ideas that don’t link with
the interview.
Q uses around two to three different fonts for this article. The first one is used to attract your attention straight away to the title of the
artist so you know exactly who the article is about. However, instead of just using one bold font for the artists name they have chosen
to use two different ones. They have done this because the editor wants to imply that there are two sides to lady gaga therefore they
have used two fonts. You can see this because the first word, Lady, is written in a very stylistic font in lower case letters using serif to
create a more sophisticated and elegant approach to her character . Whereas Gaga is written in bold upper case letters to grab your
attention and show her opposite more unique side which is quite in your face. This side of her character is the supported more
thoroughly by the picture on the left showing her more outrageous and wild side.
The other text is for the main interview and is all of a similar size. However they have tried to mix it up a bit and try not to confuse the
reader as much by putting the start of new paragraphs with a larger starting letter as well as adding a large red letter L as the
backdrop of the right page to break up the writing a bit and draw your attention in again as it is quite in your face relating to her and
her personality.
For the branding of this magazine
Q has chosen to put their logo at
the bottom right hand corner of
the page. This is not the same as
the set house style of the cover &
contents page of the magazine as
they usually have it in the right top
hand corner. This has been done
so the branding doesn’t take the
attention away from the interview
and is used to gently remind you
of the magazine you are reading
For the double page spread Q
uses a very simple but effective
technique by having the picture
of the artist interviewed on the
left hand side and have the
interview written on the right.
This means that straight away
the reader knows exactly who
the interview is about and
entices the reader into what the
interview is about. However, they
have used an interesting feature
that is unique to this magazine.
You can see this because they
have chosen to put the columns
of text over a large letter L in red.
This means that this
automatically attracts the readers
attention and breaks up the text
a little more so that the reader
doesn’t just see a page of writing
and not want to read the
magazine.

17. In comparison to other magazines Billboard uses a lot more imagery for the double page spreads as
they have the typical large picture of the artist but they also include a smaller image of him in his day
to day life to break up the text and make the interview seem more relaxed. You can see this because
having all the images taken in the studio wouldn’t relate to the audience as well and make the
interview seem fake and unrealistic. As well as this the magazine is also quite unique compared to
the other two magazines I have analyzed as the main picture of the artist Justin Bieber is a full body
shot rather than being a close head and shoulders shot. This could suggest that he is comfortable
and at ease in this interview as his pose (swinging on a chair) shows that he is quite relaxed and still
slightly young and childish.
Billboard uses a lot more fonts than the other two magazines I
have looked at. This is quite unique as most magazines go with
two or three fonts where as Billboard has chosen to use about
five different fonts but still gives of the professional look.
For the branding of this magazine
Billboard has chosen not to use
their logo on the double page
spread of the magazine. This is
surprising as most magazines like
to reinstate the logo though the
main features of it so the audience
always knows which magazine it is
in the back of their subconscious.
For the double page spread of
Billboard magazine you can see
that they have their layout a little
differently to Q. This is because
they have the image on the right
hand side rather than the left and
pull a direct quote from the
interview to use as the title and
draw people into the magazine
whereas the two other
magazines I have analyzed
haven't used this for their
magazine. However, this is still a
very typical layout as the image
is on one side and then the
text, in columns, is on the other.
It is very rare that in a magazine
the text overlaps the image.
Although it is similar to most
magazine structures it still has
some differences and individual
qualities as they have included
more than one picture and have
used a question and answer
format for the interview. This is
an individual feature because
most magazines combine the
question and answers to make a
full non stop and start interview. I
think this idea works well to
break u the text and make it
easier for the audience to
read, however, I think it gives the
magazine a less professional
look therefore in my own
magazine I don’t think I will use
this layout.
For Q’s double page spread they
have decided not to use and pull
out direct quotes. This is very
unusual as these quotes usually
pull the reader in if they are not
already interested in the interview.
However, I think they have done
this as having the quotes may
make the interview look more like a
gossip magazine rather than a
music magazine and give a more
unprofessional and childish feel to
the magazine making it look like it
is targeting a younger audience.

24. Planning the photo shoot
From my research I can see that the most popular feedback choice for the genre of music for my magazine is pop. Therefore I
have been looking at magazines such as Billboard, Blender and Q to see how they present the artist/band. From this I can see that
most of them have the artist in the middle with a plain coloured background so the main attention is on the artist rather than
what they are standing in front of. So, because of this I have decided to go for a plain cream background and the artist stood top
body with a straight on camera shot. For the shot types of my magazine I have decided to go for a lot of varieties in different
poses but mainly straight on with the camera to make the artist look more confident and happy to be in the lime light. As well as
that I have also decided that I want the artist’s hands in the photo either with them on their hips or plumping up their hair to
make the cover more interesting to the audience.
Another feature that came up in my survey that was very popular was having an orange, black and white colour scheme which
means that the magazine will look much more professional unlike magazines such as ‘We love pop’ which are targeted at a much
younger audience.
For the artist herself I have decided she should be wearing a dress/shorts and a top in either black or white with an added coat
(fur?) to show the time of year of the issue. For the accessories of my artist I have decided she should be wearing a lot of rings at
different lengths on her fingers and a necklace or two in a bronzed gold to compliment the colour scheme of the magazine.
When thinking about the hairstyle of my artist I have decided to go for a more casual look with the artist having natural loose curls
that frame her face. This is because this hairstyle is very in at the minute and is used by a lot of magazines as well as giving her
hair a gentle effortless look. As well as this I have also been thinking about the makeup of the artist and how I want to present
her therefore I have chosen for her to have smoky eyes, blusher and either nude, red or rosy pink lipstick and gloss to make her
look made up like most artists but still look sophisticated rather than cheap. However, if I choose to have a closer up shot of just
the artist’s face I think I would change the colour of the eye shadow so it complements the colour scheme of the magazine. I
could do this by using blue eye shadow that will contrast with the colour scheme (orange) as they are opposite colours on a
complementary wheel.
For the props on the cover photo I have decided that the artist might be wearing sunglasses in the middle of her nose holding the
side of the glasses and looking over the top. However, if I did this I would need a slightly higher view point on the artist which
would change the shot of the artist I have chosen above.

25. Photo shoot

27. Editing

28. Initial idea

29. Final Products

32. Questions

36. What kind of media institution
might distribute your media product
and why?

39. Bauer Media Group
• Bauer Media Group is a multinational media company headquartered in Hamburg, Germany
which operates in 16 countries worldwide.
• The company was founded in 1875
• Worldwide circulation of Bauer Media Group's magazine titles amounts to 38 million
magazines a week.
• Bauer Media is a division of the Bauer Media Group, Europe’s largest privately owned
publishing Group. The Group is a worldwide media empire offering over 300 magazines in 15
countries, as well as online, TV and radio stations.
• Bauer Media joined the Bauer Media Group in January 2008 following purchase of Emap plc’s
consumer and specialist magazines, radio, TV, online and digital businesses. Collectively, the
Group employs some 6,400 people.
• Bauer Media is a multi-platform UK-based media Group consisting of many companies
collected around two main divisions – Magazines and Radio - widely recognised and
rewarded as being industry innovators.
• Our magazine heritage stretches back to 1953 with the launch of Angling Times and the
acquisition in 1956 of Motor Cycle News, both still iconic brands within our portfolio.
• Today, Bauer Media spans over 80 influential brand names covering a diverse range of
interests.
• In 2011 the Bauer Media Group generated EUR 2 billion in sales.

41. When looking for media institutions to distribute my magazine I decided to use the most well
known companies such as Bauer and IPC Media. This is because they are the most successful
institutions distributing millions of copies a week. Both of these institutions would be equally as
good as Bauer is massive institution that operates in 16 countries worldwide. As well as this
Bauer also already distributes magazines already around my audiences age range so I know that
my magazine would be very popular. You can see this because Bauer distributes music magazines;
Kerrang, Q and Mojo. However, this could be seen as a disadvantage as it means that my
magazine would be fighting along with three other magazines who all have a similar target
audience and are all very popular. Although saying this, these magazines target mainly the male
audience by having mainly male artist on the front cover whereas my magazine generally targets
the female audience more therefore it wouldn’t be effected as much by the age of the target
audience as I am also mainly targeting the opposite sex to the three other magazines. This would
then make Bauer much more equal selling both magazines targeting the male and female
audience.

42. Who would be the audience for your
media product?

43. How did you attract/ address your
audience?

45. Looking back at your Preliminary task, what do
you feel you have learnt in the progression from
it to the full product?