Analysis of two VIBE magazine DPS.

1. DPS Analysis

2. Image – Dwight Howard, famous NBA player. He’s wearing casual clothing, however his top is a RUN DMC top, possibly
suggesting that he is a keen music lover. The background is a drawing of a play in basketball, showing the reference to his
profession. His arms are held wide open, showing his massive wingspan (7’5). However this body language suggests he is
making a statement in a ‘So what?’ manner. His glasses create the stereotype that he is intelligent. He has a neutral
expression on his face which isn’t threatening.
Headline – Red and grey
bold font. The style is often
associated with sport
lettering. The colours are a
reference to the ‘Houston
Rockets’ home and away
colours which is the team
Dwight plays for. ‘Finish Last’
is another sports reference
as it implies being in a
competition. The old
saying/phrase of ‘Nice guys
finish last’ has been played
with. This can be seen
through the hand written
‘don’t’ suggesting that
D.Howard isn’t your average
nice guy.
Stand first – Signifies an important piece of the article. Allows the reader to have an introduction into who he is if they
don’t know already. Written in a red font to distinguish from the house style. This grabs the readers attention and implies
that this part is more significant. This also follows the theme of the Houston Rockets jersey colours.
Dropped Cap – in bold red to signal the start of the article. This also allows the reader to visually code the colour red to
Dwight Howard.
Columns – The main body of the article informing the reader on whatever story revolving around Dwight.

3. Image – Wiz Khalifa wearing a pirates snapback. Smoke drifting from his mouth is a
common feature of Wiz as he openly admits to being a stoner and embraces that as
part of his image. It is a close up shot, mainly to make the smoke effective, this
contrasts nicely with the pitch black background. The close up also allows us to see
some of the tattoos on his neck a feature appreciated by many of his female fans
and something that is also a main part of his image. The black and yellow snapback
is a reference to his popular song ‘Black and Yellow’ as well as his ‘Taylor Gang’
brand. The colour yellow connotes happiness, joy and wisdom. Wiz is often
associated with these feelings as his songs are often feel good. Direct address is
being used, so the reader feels as if they are connecting with the artist.
Headline – ‘How High?’ references to
his stoner lifestyle as well as his
album that was being released at the
time. It could also be interpreted in a
sense of Wiz’s rise to fame as if to say
‘How high can he go?’ Above the
headline is his initials in a large bold
font. This follows the colour scheme
found in the image and main body,
however it is much more
distinguished. This could be a case of
colour coding so that the reader
associates these colours with Wiz.
Drop Cap – In bold yellow font to
signify the start of the article. Allows
the reader to easily pick out the start.
Columns – Certain key words are
highlighted, suggesting that they are
significant. They are in yellow so they
stand out to the reader
Stand first – Following the colour
scheme, giving an intro to the main
body of the article. Allows the reader
to get a feel of the article and what’s
to come. It may also be referenced
later as it may be significant.
By line – Bold black contrasting with
the stand first, gives credit to the
photographer and journalist.