This document analyzes different techniques used in magazine contents pages and double page spreads. For contents pages, the analysis found that most use mastheads, images, varied fonts and colors to attract readers. Images entertain readers and show what's inside, while clear fonts make the page accessible. Double page spreads usually feature large central images of artists to attract attention. Layout, images and writing style aim to entertain readers and sell the magazine's content.

1. Media Research
• 2nd Half

2. This is a double page spread from the magazine Kerrang. The two
pages are combined as one big page. There are four pictures within
the spread with at least one band member in each of them. Using a
fair amount of pictures will attract and entertain the audience and
most likely selling the article to them. Three colours are predominantly
used. Red, black and white are all used. These three colours attract
and stand out. Making the magazine easier to read and more
accessible to the reader. The size of the font varies again a technique
used to attract and entertain the audience. The colour of the font and
page itself could reflect the emotions of the band and their genre.
MCR genre is punk and the red white and black could signify their
emotions.
From looking at the double page spread I can see that the band ‘My
Chemical Romance’ are trying to sell their music to the target
audience of the magazine. The target audience being
indiepunkrock lovers the age group could range from 15 to 40. The
magazine focuses on MCR new album. They give the audience sneak
peaks to names of the tracks and what they are going to sound like.
They also portray photos of the band themselves in the studio etc. this
will excite the audience leaving them wanting to know more and also
leaving them eager to purchase the album when it is released. The
magazine also uses the words ‘World exclusive’ this makes the article
unique in its own way leaving the readers thinking only they know this
much information about the new album.
The language used in the interview could be seen as colloquial. The
leading band member Gerard Way uses words such as ‘how the hell’
and ‘gonna’. These words are generally used by the younger
generations. This interview can relate to its younger audience. It could
connect with them and encourage them to buy the magazine. For
example if one of their favourite lead singers talks like the way they do
the younger generation see them as role models and will act and talk
like them.
Overall the various elements used to create this double page spread
are in my opinion used to try and sell and emphasize the band
featured within the article. All of the elements used help to do this. I
think that the producer of the article aimed to inform and entertain its
audience and tried to not only sell the bad but the magazine itself, by
this I mean it wants to gain more customers and generate more profit.

3. This is a double page spread. Unlike my previous double page spread this one doesn’t have vast amounts of photos and the writing
doesn’t represent anger or fierce emotions. There is one main image on the left hand side of the page. The model is rap artist T.I.
although there aren’t vast amounts of photos one main and large image will attract and amuse the target audience especially if there is a
popular and successful rap artist on the page. The colour used varies a lot for example the colours on the second page are bright
summary colours. This contrasts with the topic of the article, the topic being ‘the summer preview’. This lightens the mood of the article
and aims to please and enlighten the mood of its audience. It gives the magazine a more summery and light feel. Allowing the readers to
relax whilst reading the article.
T.I. himself is posing and looking directly at the audience. This connects the reader not only with T.I. but also with the magazine. Like all
rappers T.I. is wearing gold and silver chains. T.I. is a role model to many young rappers and young people. The chain around his neck
represents fame, hard work, money and power. Each of these elements are what some young people want to aspire to be.

4. This is a double page spread from Q magazine. The colouring of the double page spread is dark this shows an element of profession and
seriousness. The magazine is trying to promote and make Kid Cudi look professional and good at the same time. There is one main
image which is of Kid Cudi himself, this stresses that the atricle is about him and him only. This also shows its audience what he looks
like if they didn’t already know. The colour of the font is white this makes it easier for the audience to read because of the black
background.
Kid Cudi himself is standing up and swearing at the reader. This connects the reader and Kid Cudi together making the reader feel more
involved in the interview. This also shows the audience that Kid Cudi is rebellious and how he behaves. However he can do this because
he is a rapper and generally all rappers swear. The audience may want to see this because rap itself is about being yourself and letting
your emotions and thoughts out.

5. This double page spread is from XXL magazine. The main feature of the
magazine is two rappers, 50 Cent and Soulja Boy. You can clearly see
this from the two of them on the left page. They cover and occupy the
whole page. The language used at the start is slang. It was taken from
a tweet by 50 Cent. Swear words and other words are used. You can
tell that the target audience of this magazine is young rap and hip hop
fans. You can tell this by the language used and the most obvious
aspect is that two of the biggest and most successful rappers are the
main feature of the magazine. The general layout of the magazine is
simple; this makes it easy and more accessible for its audience.

6. This is a double page spread from the magazine Q. As you can see
from the picture Lady Gaga is the main feature in the issue of the
magazine. She covers the left hand side of the double page spread.
The shot used is a mid shot. Lady Gaga looks directly at the reader
allowing the reader to feel more involved. She has no top on and is
only covered by what looks like to be some sort of necklace. Her
hairstyle is also wild; this shows the reader the nature of Lady Gaga, her
nature being wild, extreme and rebellious. The layout of the magazine
is simple but compelling. There is one image and one article. This
simplistic layout makes the article more accessible for its audience. The
picture itself is a black and white one; you could argue that this adds
dramatic effect making the article more interesting. There is a large L
letter that matches the length of the page, the shape itself if red, I think
this adds an element of seriousness and makes the article look more
professional.

7. jMagazine Institutions
• Magazine institutions
•
• IPC Media
•
• IPC Media creates over 60 iconic media brands, with print alone reaching almost two thirds o UK women and 42% of UK men – almost 26 million UK adults – IPC Media websites
collectively receive over 20 million users per month. IPC’s diverse print and portfolio offers something for everyone, with a focus on three core audiences: men, mass-market women and
upmarket women.
•
• IPC has 5 divisions
• IPC Advertising – This offers its customers access to IPC Media’s unparalleled range of print and online brands. Their leading portfolio reaches 27 million UK adults, and online their brands
reach 20 million users every month.
• IPC Connect - IPC Connects brands provide powerful reach, with its magazines read by 49% of all mass market women – that's eight million mass market women, while its digital brands
reach 2.7 million adults
• IPC Inspire - IPC Inspire is IPC's men's division. Its portfolio of 38 brands covers a huge spectrum of interests and includes famous names from Country Life and The Field to Nuts and NME.
• MarketForce - Marketforce is the UK's leading news trade sales and Distribution Company, successfully marketing 23% of the total magazine category.
• IPC Southbank - IPC Southbank is the up market women's division, focusing on the two key markets of Fashion & Women's Lifestyle and Home Interest. Southbank is home to some of the
most iconic magazine brands in publishing.
•
•
• The International Publishing Corporation Ltd was formed in 1963 following the merger of the UK's three leading magazine publishers – George Newnes, Odhams Press and Fleetway
Publications – who came together with the Mirror Group to form the International Publishing Corporation (IPC). And IPC Magazines was created five years later, in 1968.
•
•
• Bauer Media
•
• 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 acquisition 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 recognized and rewarded as
being industry innovators.
•

8. • EMAP
•
• Emap is a business-to-business multiplatform media group, whose brands informs, inspire and connect within the sectors they operate in. For millions of people across the globe involved
in the built environment, retail, media, fashion, health, education, government and automotive sectors, Emap provides essential news, analysis and access.
•
• Emap maintains an undiluted focus on content and product quality across online and offline publications, conferences, awards, exhibitions, festivals, data and intelligence services. This
enables the sharing of best practice, ideas and inspiration, for better, more timely, more informed decisions. Emap gives business professionals the commercial understanding and access
to the people and organisations they need to do their jobs better
•
• Eden Bidco ltd
• In March 2008 Emap plc was acquired by Eden Bidco Ltd, a joint venture between Apax and Guardian Media Group plc.
•
• Apax Partners
•
• Apax Partners is one of the world’s leading private equity investment groups. It operates across the United States, Europe, Israel and Asia and has more than 30 years of investing
experience. Funds under the advice of Apax Partners total $35 billion around the world. These Funds provide long-term equity financing to build and strengthen world-class companies.
Apax Partners Funds invest in companies across its global sectors of Tech & Telecom, Retail & Consumer, Media, Healthcare and Financial & Business Services. Funds advised by Apax
Partners have invested in the media sector for more than 20 years. Significant recent investments include: Incisive Media, Central European Media Enterprises, HIT Entertainment, World
Directories and Yell. For more information visit: www.apax.com
• Guardian Media Group
•
• Guardian Media Group plc is one of the UK's leading multimedia companies. Its diverse portfolio includes:
• Guardian News & Media: the Guardian and Observer newspapers and the Guardian.co.uk website.
• GMG Radio: regional radio stations across the UK under the Real Radio, Smooth Radio and Rock Radio brands.
• Trader Media Group: one of Europe's largest specialist print and online media companies, and publisher of the Auto Trader magazine and website. GMG and Apax Partners, with GMG as
the majority shareholder, jointly own Trader Media Group.
• GMG Property Services Group: Vebra and Core, leading providers of software to independent estate agents and thinkproperty.com, the consumer-facing portal.
• GMG is owned by the Scott Trust, which was created in 1936 to secure the financial and editorial independence of the Guardian in perpetuity. For further information visit
www.gmgplc.co.uk

9. RapHip Hop Questionnaire
• RapHip Hop Questionnaire
• Who do you prefer?
• Lil Wayne - 2
• Eminem -5
• Drake – 1
• Tyler The Creator – 2
•
• In your opinion what is Eminem’s best song?
•
• Mocking Bird - 1
• Toy Soldiers - 2
• Not Afraid- 1
• Stan - 1
• Lose Yourself - 2
• Beautiful - 1
• Love the way you lie -2
•
• Who out of these artists is the most stylish (clothing etc)
• Soulja Boy - 3
• Chris Brown - 2
• Tyler The Creator - 3
• Pharrel - 2
•
• Who uses the best lyrics?
• 50 Cent - 2
• Drake - 1
• Eminem - 6
• ADD other if applicable - 1
•
• Who is the best role model?
• Eminem - 2
• Tyler The Creator - 3
• Jay Z - 1
• Soulja Boy - 2
• 50 Cent -2
•
• What is your favourite genre of music?
• Rap – 1
• Indie - 4
• Heavy Metal - 1
• Dubstep – 2
• Rock – 1
• Reggae - 1

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11. Reflection on contents page analysis
I researched into many different types of contents pages, which varied
from different magazines of different genres and different styles and
found out many techniques used by the magazines themselves some
were examples of unique selling points and some were similar to each
other. In my opinion the contents page has to look bold and stand out
well it also has to entertain the reader and entice them even more so
they get the feeling that the magazine is well written produced and
laid out well. Usually the contents page will have a masthead at the
top of the page. This usually is the name of the magazine however
sometimes there is a statement simply saying ‘inside this week’ or ‘this
week…’ statements that let the reader know what they are going to
find inside the magazine. Most of the contents page that I found had a
lot of images displayed on the page. I think this is a good way to sell
the magazine. I think this because the reader will want to see images
of what lies within the magazine. I think that it entertains the reader. It
will also let them know who stars in their magazine again selling the
magazine to its audience. I think that the variety of pictures used is
more entertaining for example one magazine I bought there are
varieties of photos for example photos of bands posing, laughing
having fun etc and then there is a picture of Jay Z and Kanye West
singing on stage. This variety makes it more entertaining for the reader.
Font and colouring of font plays a big part in the success of the
magazine. One example is that the page itself is white and the writing
is black so this enhances the boldness of the font, making it easier for
the reader to view the page numbers, making it more accessible for
the reader, this helps sell the magazine and attract future customers
and members.

12. Reflection on double page spread analysis
I have researched into many different types of double page spreads
from different types and genres of magazines. I have found out that
there are different techniques used to try and entertain and sell the
magazine to its various target audience members. Firstly there is a large
image of the artist or band the double page spread is covering. In
some case I have found that the image is on the left had side of the
page and in others the image is on the same page as the writing,
basically all together. Sometimes the image is integrated into the
writing making the page seem more interesting and entertaining.
However some people will have different views and opinions on which
layout they prefer whether it is of the image on one page or all of the
writing and images together the two pages. The image itself has to be
a striking one. One that will entertain and amuse its audience and one
that will grab the reader’s attention secondly the font and lettering of
the page should be amusing and eye catching. If the font is brightly
coloured and stands out it is most likely going to catch the reader’s
attention and will sell the magazine and article to them. However from
what I have seen the font of the actual article itself is a professional
and mature look. This will make the magazine look entertaining and
amusing but at the same time it will make it look professional this again
sells the magazine. The titles of the double page spread needs to be
amusing, entertaining and stand out in the sense the reader is
entertained by it. This helps sell and will attract the readers attention to
the double page spread, leaving them knowing that the magazine is
more than capable of writing a good and amusing double page
spread. The language used within the article can help sell the
magazine. If taboo and slang words are used it will help sell the
magazine to a younger audience. This means that the target audience
will be for a younger audience and the material will be suited for a
young person. Overall I think that there are many techniques used to
help sell and attract audiences and new readers. Each of them in their
own way help sell the magazine and create and produce a unique
and entertaining double page spread, through language, image, font,
colour and many more techniques and various elements the magazine
can become highly successful.

13. Reflection on front cover analysis
I have researched and looked into numerous magazine covers. The genres of the
magazines have varied a lot and from looking into different genres and magazine
types I have realized and learnt that there are lots of different styles used and
carried by different magazines. When looking into front covers the main
technique that seems to come into focus is the main image on the front cover.
The image itself covers the majority of the front cover and is usually a mid shot
of a famous music artist that the magazine is focusing on in the issue. The model
is looking directly at the audience this connects the reader with the star on the
front cover. The model themselves will be famous and will usually be doing well,
this is a unique selling point for the magazine it helps sell the magazine and
increase its popularity. Many buzz words are used to exaggerate the significance
of the issue for example the word exclusive plays a large part in selling the
magazine. This makes the interview or article they have included in their
magazine special to the magazine itself. The reader will see this and purchase the
magazine simply because their favourite artist has exclusively features in this
magazine, again an example of unique selling points. The font and colour of the
font also helps sell the magazine. For example the magazine will aim to look
professional and look like a mature and well respected magazine, this will help
influence the target audience when coming to choose the magazine, in some
cases a magazine will attempt to do the opposite and make the front cover
flamboyant and stand out. This is a point of difference. Some magazines will
attempt to put contrasting colours on the front cover, this will help the magazine
become bold and stand out thoroughly. This will catch the audience’s attention
and help them choose the magazine. This leads on to my next point, which is the
masthead. The masthead is a main feature of the magazine. The company will
want the masthead to stand and boldly and largely. It will help sell and promote
the magazine. Some magazines design it in a certain way in which the masthead
stands out and is an elegant masthead and will stick into the audience’s head for
future reference when coming to purchase a magazine. Overall I think that there
are various elements and techniques that help make the magazine. I think the
bold font and colourful lettering on the page help make the magazine the best
and most attractive it can be, they are essential details and contribute wholly to
the success of the magazine.

14. What type of music do you like?
Rap
Indie
Heavy metal
Rock
reggae

15. Favourite Eminem song?
Mocking bird
Toy soldiers
Not afraid
Stan
Lose yourself
Beautiful
Love the way you lie

16. Who do you prefer?
Lil Wayne
Eminem
Drake
Tyler The Creator

17. Who is the most stylish?
Soulja Boy
Chris Brown
Tyler The Creator
Pharrel

18. Who has the best lyrics?
Eminem
50 Cent
Drake
Other

19. Who is the best role model?
Eminem
Tyler The Creator
Jay Z
Soulja Boy
50 Cent

20. Audience reflection
I produced a questionnaire that related to my
chosen genre of magazine. I asked questions about
which rap artists they preferred and other
questions like ‘which rapper is the most stylish?’
etc, this allowed the audience to really think about
the rappers and what they dress like and their
personality. It also showed me which rappers are
preferred and looked upon to be great and
successful rappers in my audience’s minds. From
looking at my results I can see that Eminem is a well
favoured and respected rapper and is appreciated
by many people.

21. Find Your tribe

22. User Gratification theory
Diversion
XXL magazine is a great way to get away and be
free from the events that are going on around us
in our everyday lives. The magazine offers
interesting interviews and news stories of artists
and new songs or albums soon to be released.
Personal relationships
Reading XXL gives the reader information about
rappers and other artists, it also gives the reader
news about various topics, and this gives the
reader a chance to socialize with their social
groups.
Personal identity
XXL magazine writes about artists, the reader can
compare themselves to the rapper or artist. This
can help the reader discover themselves more
and they can become more confident etc.
Surveillance
The readers of XXL can read and learn more about
their favourite rappers and music artists. XXL
interviews the artists and lets the reader know
and enhance their knowledge of their favourite
artists.