2. Q MAGAZINE AND
NME MAGAZINE.
Circulation Circulation
64,596 23,924
Readership Readership
371,000 289,000
Gender Ratio Gender Ratio
67% Male Unknown
33% Female
Mission statement Mission statement
We draw together the most To Provide up to date and new
exciting phenomena, the new information, reviews and listings
artists that matter to create an of the best new music. Their
unmissable widescreen picture slogan is "first for music news”
of what‟s really happening in
rock and roll right now.
3. Q MAGAZINE
READER PROFILE.
Chris is 29 years old and lives in Leeds. Music is more important to him than anything
else. It‟s at the centre of his social life. It soundtracks all the best moments in his life. It‟s
his identity, his social currency and his world.
Chris lives for gigs, festivals, and those electrifying moments of togetherness that only
music can provide. He is the one who sorts out gig tickets for his friends, turns them on
to new bands and sets up the big festival weekend. His tastes are “mainstream eclectic”
– the big stadium acts like Muse or Noel Gallagher mixed with the best of genres
spanning rock and electronica, plus the finest discoveries from music‟s past.
Chris works in a professional job and finally has the money and time to indulge his music
habit to the full. He lives with a partner (no kids yet) who is similarly music- mad. He is
“discovering quality” in all areas, from sound systems to deluxe reissues to cars, travel
and clothes.
Chris loves technology – he was first with the iPod, iPhone, iPad and now streaming
music services. He downloads music but still prefers to own CDs. And he spends more
on music than anything else: a big-ticket gig every week or so, six albums a month plus
a Spotify subscription and countless on-the-go downloads.
4. NME MAGAZINE
READER PROFILE.
Going out and spending is all part of the new music scene.
They spend a lot of money on clothes – 45%
Its important to be well informed about things – 92%
Its worth paying for extra quality goods – 71%
They like to try new drinks – 75%
Its important to them to look well dressed – 71%
NME readers spend £152 on footwear per year
£532 on clothes per year
£1229 on audio equipment per year
52% own a digital camera £170 on digital cameras per year
Buy an average of 5 DVDs per year
Spend £66 on DVDs per year
94% use the Internet
76% have Broadband
£197 spent on consoles in the past
£108 spent on games
84% receive digital TV or satellite channels
5. ABOUT THE
PUBLISHERS.
Bauer Media
IPC Publishing
Bauer Media is a division of the With more than 60 iconic media
Bauer Media Group, Europe‟s brands, IPC creates content for
largest privately owned multiple platforms, across print,
publishing Group. The Group is online, mobile, tablets and
a worldwide media empire events. As the UK's leading
offering over 300 magazines in consumer magazine publisher
15 countries, as well as online, we engage with 26m UK adults
TV and radio stations. - almost two thirds of UK
women and 42% of UK men.
Bauer Media joined the IPC Media is committed to
Bauer Media Group in January working in partnership with its
2008 following acquisition of consumers, advertisers,
Emap plc‟s consumer and business partners and
specialist magazines, radio, TV, employees to deliver
online and digital businesses. exceptional value, service,
Collectively, the Group employs innovation and creativity.
some 6,400 people.
6. Q MAGAZINE
FRONT COVER. ISSUE MARCH 2012
Colour
The colours used on this particular front cover are
copper, a sky blue and white. The extensive use
of copper and sky blue would have been used as
they contrast well against each other. The white
and blue are used mainly for the cover lines and
inserts included on the front cover. The white has
been used because it symbolizes cleanliness,
purity and innocence. Sky blue would have been
used as it represents peace, calm, freedom and
serenity. These two colours would have been
used as a contrast to her apparent mental state; „I
feel so alone‟ and „A woman on the edge.‟ White
and blue may also have been used as this is the
image Florence and the Machine portrays to her fans through her music which
would be a contrast to how she really feels. The main colour of the front cover is
copper. The colour copper symbolizes wealth and fieriness which would have
been used to represent her success as a singer and her vibrant personality.
7. Q MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS.
Layout and design
The main image featured on the front cover is directly in the centre
of the page which suggests that this is what they want you to notice
and look at first. The cover lines have been placed around the edge
of the page ensuring that no text or inserts are covering her skin.
This also emphasizes that she is the centre of attention and is seen
as the most important feature on the page. I feel that the words and
images fit well together as the shape of the inserts and text seem to
match the shape of certain features on her. For example the circle
insert is positioned where a circular shape formed in her hair.
All font used is a sans-serif font, very simple and basic with a
rounded affect to it which makes it feel more feminine. The only
use of a serif font is on a quote which she herself has said. The
masthead of the magazine is positioned in front of the image of
her which suggest that the title of the magazine is more
important than the main image as it identifies the magazine.
However the title is positioned in front of the main image for
each issue of Q magazine and is part of their house style.
8. Q MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS.
Images
The main image is a medium close up of Florence and the
Machine, a current artist featured highly in the charts. As the
target audience for Q magazine is Males aged 15 to 24, the main
image would have been used to attract the male readers. In 1975,
Laura Mulvey stated that women were only used in media
products to be looked at by males. This is known as the male
gaze. I agree with this theory to some extent as the image of
Florence would have been used to attract the male readers of Q
magazine, however, I feel that nowadays females would also be
attracted to this magazine because of the image as they would
aspire to be like Florence, therefore wanting to purchase the
magazine to read the double page spread article about her. As a
majority of Florence and the Machine fans are female, I feel that
by featuring her on the front cover, even her fans who do not read
Q magazine would be tempted to by this particular issue as she is
seen as an inspirational artist.
9. Q MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS.
The poses featured in these images suggest that she is
defensive of herself. This is symbolized by her having
her arms almost cross across her body and her hands
placed up to her chin. In one image she is seen as
having quite bright vibrant make-up for example the
metallic blue eyeliner with heavy mascara suggests
that she is a vibrant and outgoing person. This is
backed up by her bright, bold volumized hair which also
is a contrast in colour to her make up and skin tone
which is very pale. However, the image of her on the
contents page is very different. She has very
minimalistic make-up on, a very small amount of eye
make-up is worn with a natural skin tone. She has very
tamed simple hair which is tied back to show her face
more clearly. This represents her innocence and purity
which is reinforced by the use of white text on the front
cover. However, her outfit in the image is quite vibrant
and bold; the gold represents her wealth which again
reinforces her success. For each image, there is no
background which again supports that she is the centre
10. Q MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS.
Written codes
The cover lines tend to leave the reader questioning or wondering
about something, for example, „meet the new Simon Cowell‟ will
leave the reader wondering who this person is. The cover lines
give very little away about what is inside the magazine, often only
revealing who is featured or a summary of what will be covered
e.g. „Gig blow out‟ only tells the reader that there will be
something about gig included. I feel that or this particular issue,
the cover lines don‟t fit in with the genre of the magazine which is
indie. The inclusion of Simon Cowell and Skrillex, a drum and
bass artist wouldn‟t be in the interests of indie rock fans. The
cover lines I feel are readable from a distance and can clearly be
seen due to the contrast in colours used against the background.
The use of the blue will make the magazine stand out against
others on a shelf as I feel it isn‟t a common colour to be used on a
front cover. Also the size of the Q magazine logo will also be a
key feature that will enable the magazine to stand out on a shelf.
11. Q MAGAZINE
CONTENTS PAGE
The contents page has a very simple colour
scheme or red and white which is sued as it
relates to the Q logo. The main source of colours
outside of red and white comes from the images,
however these are very minimalistic as well. The
contents page doesn‟t give much away as to what
is included in the magazine due to the few
features mentioned only having a basic summary
of what they include. The basic layout and colour
scheme I feel works to their advantage as it
ensures that the main features stand out and can
easily be read. I feel this page doesn‟t include eye
grabbing features except the images and bright
red page numbers. The language used on this
page is simple and basic sentences. This is so
that the magazine can be understood by the
lowest common denominator to maximize its
appeal to all members of the target audience.
12. Q MAGAZINE
DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD
The double page spread is about a day in
that Florence spent in New York whilst on
her world tour. The article is linked to the
headline and quote featured on the front
cover; „I feel so alone‟ and „woman on the
edge‟ as it explains why she is feeling the
way she does. The article is written in third
person and in the style of a ghost written
biography account. The language used it
quite complex compared to the contents
page and front cover due to the use of long
sentences and some words that some readers may not understand. In this case, this
article is not understandable by the lowest common denominator. I feel that the title
and the over-sized „T‟ mid way through the article attracts the readers attention well,
and fits with the genre of both the magazine and the artist at the font used is
minimalistic. Overall I feel that as a Florence and the machine fan, I would be
disappointed with this double page spread; not due to the complexity of it, but due to
the content of it. I feel that the image should be different to the main image used on the
front cover to provide a variety to keep the reader interested. I feel that article was
based on a topic that wouldn‟t appeal to the target audience as it felt more of a
biography or fictional book aimed at young adult females.
13. Q MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS.
Overall I feel that this magazine is effective as a whole. The front cover of the
magazine is constructed well and achieves its purpose of attracting potential
readers to the magazine. I feel that the colours used for the front cover are
unusual and therefore are partly why the front cover stands out as much as it
does. I feel that the contents page is effective, however the page needs
something that will help grabs the readers attention to certain things such as the
main articles and corresponding pages as the page as a whole looks rather
bland and empty. The double page spread I feel works well in terms of layout
and appearance, however I feel that the article that was included wasn‟t suited
to the target audience.
In my magazine, I will include a similar font style and size as I feel that it is sleek
and modern as well as being easy to read. I feel that the enlarged font for a title
on the double page spread has an affective overall appearance and works well
with the rest of the page. I will also include high contrasted images as they grab
the readers attention and stand out from the other features on the page.
14. NME
FRONT COVER. ISSUE AUGUST 2011.
Colour
The main colours used on this particular front
cover are grey, yellow and white with red as a
feature colour. The use of white red and yellow has
been used as they contrast highly with the grey
background. Grey would have been used as it
represents wisdom, cool, and conservative. In
relation to Muse, this colour may have been used
to show that they has wisdom within the music
industry as they are a respected and well known
band. Yellow would have been chosen as the main
contrast to grey as It's associated with joy,
happiness, intellect, and energy which again
suggests that they have intellect in terms of the music business and have great
passion and energy when performing or recording. I feel that the colours work well
together; its and unusual combination which will therefore attract potential readers
due to unusual colour scheme. However, I feel that NME should be in a bolder or
brighter colour to stand out from the rest of the page.
15. NME MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS,
Layout and design
The main image on the front cover is positioned to the
right to allow adequate space for the cover lines. I feel
that this positioning is better than having the image
positioned in the centre as the cover lines aren't
covering the image, and therefore can be read easier
due to the higher contrast between colours. I feel that
the strapline is in a good position; it can easily be
read from afar due to its size and colour which
contrast against his black top. I feel that the image
and text work well together in terms of space. The
cover lines have clearly been placed around the main
image to insure that they don‟t overlap his face which
suggests that they want him to be the centre of
attention in terms of features. The title has been
paced over the top of him which shows that NME
consider their title to be more important that his
image, however I feel that this should be in a bolder
or brighter colour to have a better affect.
16. NME MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS.
Images
I main image on the front cover is a medium close up of
Matthew Bellamy; the lead singer and guitarist of Muse, a
band which fits the genre of NME magazine. As the target
audience of NME magazine is 23 year old males, the
image applies to the updated version of „The Male Gaze‟
which suggests that nowadays, by using a male in a media
product, It will allow for the same sex to aspire to be like
the male featured. In this case, male readers will aspire to
be a member of a successful band known worldwide. I feel
that NME have used images better on their double page
spread than Q magazine did as they have an alternative
image to the front cover which almost shows a different
side to Matthew Bellamy as well as including smaller
images which look like polaroid images to show snippets
of previous gigs and experiences. The allows the reader to
have a better overall feel about the band and their gigs.
The images on the double page spread are more muted
and realistic compared to the main image on the front
cover which I feel fits the target audience.
17. NME MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS.
Images
I main image on the front cover is a medium close up of
Matthew Bellamy; the lead singer and guitarist of Muse, a
band which fits the genre of NME magazine. As the target
audience of NME magazine is 23 year old males, the
image applies to the updated version of „The Male Gaze‟
which suggests that nowadays, by using a male in a media
product, It will allow for the same sex to aspire to be like
the male featured. In this case, male readers will aspire to
be a member of a successful band known worldwide. I feel
that NME have used images better on their double page
spread than Q magazine did as they have an alternative
image to the front cover which almost shows a different
side to Matthew Bellamy as well as including smaller
images which look like polaroid images to show snippets
of previous gigs and experiences. The allows the reader to
have a better overall feel about the band and their gigs.
The images on the double page spread are more muted
and realistic compared to the main image on the front
cover which I feel fits the target audience.
18. NME MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS.
The two images I feel are very similar in
terms of what they portray and
represent to the reader. I get the
impression that they are trying to show
that he is a powerful and extremely
influential individual in the music world,
and is looked up to by males. The two
poses are very serious; his facial
expression in both is quite stern and
serious. The fact his eyes are looking
down to the reader shows that he is
seen as having a certain level of power.
Again this is reinforced by the type of
shot used which is a low angle which
positions his to look like he is dominant.
In both images it is made to look like he
has dark eyes which connotes mystery.
19. NME MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS.
Written codes
Whereas Q magazine left the reader questioning what had
been said in the cover lines, NME magazine tends to give
a short summary of the main articles however not giving
too much away to ensure that they buy the magazine and
read the inside articles. For example, “Florence returns.
Exclusive first interview” tells the reader that there is an
interview with Florence Welch, however not telling the
reader what it will be about. Similarly, with the special
preview of the Reading and Leeds festival, it names the
best known artists who will appeal most to the NME
readers, however the „Tons more‟ suggests that there will
be more artists revealed inside the article, which means
that the potential reader will need to buy the magazine to
read it and find out who else will be at the festivals. I feel
that NME don‟t have as many written codes as Q
magazine which I feel is a disadvantage to them as Q
magazine readers are left wanting to know the answers to
the cover lines due to the use of rhetorical questions.
20. NME
CONTENTS PAGE.
The contents page again has a very simple colour
scheme of black and white. However, I feel this
works to NME‟s advantage as they have quite
bright vibrant images used. I particularly like the
different styles of font used for different features,
for example an Italic serif font is used for quotes.
The use of alternative fonts allows NME to make
certain things stand out from others that are
maybe less important. I feel that NME‟s contents
page works better than Q magazines as its more
busy and looks like they have a lot of features
inside the magazine whereas Q magazines
looked too empty and spacious. I also feel that
this design and layout ensures that all NME magazine readers will find
something that will interest them on the contents page due to the wide variety
of articles to choose from. The language used on this page is suited to be
understood by the lowest denominator which means it will suit all potential
NME magazine readers.
21. NME
DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD.
As a double page spread, I feel that
overall its fits and works well
together. I feel that the smaller
images compliment the larger image
well and give a better over all feel to
Muse. I feel that the layout of the
text is easy to follow and the use of
different colour fonts helps to
distinguish between the questions
asked and the responses. The large
font used for the title stands out from
the rest of the page and grabs the readers attention. I feel that the topic covered in
the double page spread article is relevant to the target audience as more likely than
not, the reader will be attending Reading or Leeds festival in-which Muse are
debating whether to bring back the „Origin of symmetry.‟ Unlike Q magazine, I feel
that this article is understandable by the lowest denominator which will make the
article is understandable by all NME readers. The use of quotes and first person
allows the reader to feel as if Muse are speaking directly to them instead of in
second or third person, the reader would feel it was just an account or
bibliographical article.
22. NME MAGAZINE
ANALYSIS.
Overall, I feel that NME as a whole works well as a magazine. The front cover
effectively attracts the attention of potential readers due to its vibrant and
contrasted colour scheme along with the use of an image of a well-known
popular band. I feel that its simple colour scheme for the contents page works
to its advantage as it allows for readers to spot and notice articles that will
interest them due to the bright highly contrasted images that stand out from
the simple background.
I will include a similar layout and colour scheme for my contents page as I
feel it appeals to this target audience. For the double page spread, I like the
use of smaller images to support the main image as I feel the use of the
polaroid design will appeal to the target audience as well as adding extra
detail to the page. I will also include different fonts and sizes on my pages for
certain features such as quotes etc. so that they will stand out from the rest of
the page.
