1. Salford City College
Eccles Centre
AS Media Studies
Foundation Portfolio
Masthead
The masthead is in the primary optical area which is
where our eyes are drawn first. This is important to
the magazine as there readers will first notice them
as Q magazine. The red square represents danger
and emphasises that the magazine is based around
a genre of rock. The letter Q also signifies the genre
of rock because it’s a play on the word cue’
Comment on how the design of the magazine cover attracts the target audience:
Main image
All four members of the band are linked with their
arms round each other suggesting that they have a
close bond and are going to be fun and lively within
the magazine. They all have denim shirts on which
are a similar colour again emphasising they are a
band. They are all laughing and will make the reader
want to ick the magazine up and read about it.
Typefaces
The font used on the ‘Fleetwood mac’ is a serif font
which shows an element of time and a classic feel,
which is relevant because it is offering a 17page
collection of survivors stories, including rare photos
and secrets.
Photography Lighting
High key lighting creates a vibrant atmosphere and a
fun, enjoyable feel which reflects the magazine. High
key lighting is also an expected convention of music
magazines.as a result it illuminates the artists as
being the centre of attention. It reiterates to the
audience that the artists is the main attraction for the
magazine so they are more likely to buy the
magazine.
Model credit
‘Kings of Leon’ is placed behind the main image in
bold, narrow black writing. The word kings and Leon
are in a larger size than ‘of’ to suggests the
importance of the group and emphasise the word
‘kings’
CoverlinesThecover lines have a theme of black and
red with either a grey or white background. They
are situated in the centre of the magazine, this
makes them stand out. It is effective because it is
unconventional because the cover lines are
displayed over the artist and they don’t frame the
dominating image of the artist. This makes the
magazine have a unique tone; this could encourage
the target audience purchase e magazine. The font
is serif and is bold. This makes the magazine more
modern.
Main cover line
‘It’s the comeback story of a lifetime’ this draws
people in and influenced them to buy it. The black
text, white box and red border all symbolise danger
and are similar to a warning sign used for drivers.
It is positioned over the main image to make it
stand out.
Colour
Contrasting colours are used from the colour wheel
such as red, yellow, and white, black. Red and black
symbolise death, rock and roll, danger etc.
The colour yellow could represent gold and be
symbolising that the magazine is very good, however
the bits that are in yellow are where you are getting
something for free therefore it takes the meaning of
‘expensive’ away
Design Principles Used?
The guttenberg design principle has been used. This
is effective because the primary optical area, strong
and weak fallow field and the terminal area all are
filled with text or images to make the magazine
appear full/chaotic and interesting.
House Style
The colour scheme is masculine and a very simple bold font. It is similar all the through
and so is the layout, this give a professional feel because of the consistency. Also because
of elements of the mise en scene, such as the attire of the artist, body language and facial
expressions I is clear the genre is alternative/ Indy. The colours are typical for the target
audience as well .