OCR AS Media 'Q' Magazine Analysis

1. ‘Q’ MAGAZINE ANALYSIS

2. Language
The colloquial nature of
referring to the artist as their
first name suggests that the
target audience are very
interested in music,
specifically the genre ‘Q’ are
promoting.
Sub-Image
The sub-image relates to the
puff ‘explode’; this shows good
synergy of the product. This is
also shown by house style and
the colour scheme are appealing
to the reader as it gives the
product a professional look that
is not chaotic, but is unique in
its’ layout.
Main Image
The positioning of the main image is
unusual as magazines are usually split
into thirds, with text and title usually on
the left third as this is how people’s eyes
are naturally drawn as they read from left
to right. Images are split into thirds as
this fits with the rules of composition.
The rules of composition are guidelines
on how to take an effect image with a
good end result.
Bar Code
This magazine cover is also
unusual as there is no bar code or
price featured on it. This is a
convention that most magazines
have to make it easier for the
consumer to learn the essential
information quickly.
Colour
The cover sticks to a simple
colour scheme of red, blue and
white. These colours are often
grouped together as they are
visually appealing- it is quite a
common colour scheme, and not
just for magazines. This may
make the product more
appealing as the colours fit well
together, making the final
product more professional
looking.
Headline
The headline over-lapping the
masthead is very unusual, and
is not a regular feature in most
magazines. However, I believe
it works on this occasion as it
is a rock magazine, and rock is
usually synonymous with a
carefree, laid back attitude.

3. Main Image
The main image is the largest
feature on the page, making it stand
out to the reader. A large proportion
of the page is taken up by the
image, as the company want people
to read the article as it is that
week’s main feature as in 2008
(when this issue was first published)
Adele was gaining popularity.
Page Numbers
There are page numbers next to
each photo and article to indicate to
the reader which page the feature is
on. There are also short summaries
of each feature next to the number
to help the consumer decided if they
want to read the article or not.
Layout
The page is split into three
sections; one being the main
image, another being a ‘features’
section and the third being a
‘review’ section. This is to help the
audience discover the articles and
features they want to read quickly.
It is also visually appealing as it
makes the magazine look less
chaotic and gives off a profession
feel which I hope to emulate in my
product.
Features
The ‘every month’ feature is there
for dedicated readers to find their
regular favourites. This also helps
consumers by showing them what
regular issues of the product
contain.
Sub-Image
There is only one sub-image on
the page, which is quite unusual
for the ‘rock’ genre of magazines.
The normal convention is that
there are multiple images on the
page so readers can quickly see
the contents at a glance without
reading all the headings.
Date/Issue Number
The date and issue number are
there to help the reader know if
the issue is recent, and it could
also help collectors order their
magazines.

4. Drop-cap
The drop-cap is a regular
convention of magazines,
but ‘Q’ especially use a
very large drop-cap that
fills the page.
Main Image
The image is very striking as
it fills an entire page. The
black and white effect makes
the image appear classy,
despite the artist being
partially nude in the image.
The model in the image is
using direct mode of address
and is looking directly at the
reader. This is striking as it
feels more personal to the
reader as the artist is looking
at them.
Text
The text on the right
page is in a very large
block and is in very
small print. This could
be off-putting to some
readers as there are no
breaks in the text so
casual readers may skip
the article as it looks like
a quite time-consuming
read.
Masthead
The masthead and the
page number are a
regular convention of
most, if not all
magazines. This is for
ease of use for the
reader.
Male Gaze
The model in the image is
wearing chains which
suggest captivity or
possession, which
contrasts her nudity which
could suggest freedom.
Nudity can also appeal to
males using male gaze.
Male gaze is the way that
the media depict women
from a masculine point of
view to cater towards
men's attitudes