2. My magazines signs and signifiers.
• According to Saussure’s theory of signs and signifiers the front cover of the
magazine should be represented to be something associated with music.
The artist used for the front cover photograph is represented to be a
singer this is because of the microphone in his hand that he is holding, this
signifies his involvement in this genre of music featured in the magazine.
Also if my target audience were to see my magazine they would be able to
infer that it is a music magazine. The singer has short hair and is dressed
casual, this perhaps may signify a rock/indie singer. The man on my front
cover is singing, this infers that my image is a live photograph from a
gig/concert. Due to Saussure’s theory this means that my magazine will
include various other live material of other singers/ bands of the same
genre, due to connotation the front cover produces. The photo that I have
used for my front cover is a live image which sends the connotation that
the magazine may be a indie magazine. This is because this is what you
would expect a indie/rock magazine to convey as opposed to a pop
magazine.
3. • In terms of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, by using
a live photo for my front cover will appeal to my
target audience. This is because of the genre the
photograph conveys. My target audience may
infer an indie vibe to the magazine because of the
way the man is dressed and the contrast effect
that is added to it. This may make them purchase
the magazine because the connotation of my
image will send out the correct inferences.
4. • Within the live photograph the man has his eyes directed to
the microphone, this may send the message to my
audience that this magazine is all about the music. The
direct contact with the microphone show the mans
dedication to music. It may also produce the connotation
that the man is indulged in the song he is singing, from this
the audience may be able to infer his passion for something
he enjoys doing. My target audience of the magazine may
act upon this and this connotation may attract their
interests even more. Due to the dedication the man on the
front cover displays, this perhaps allows my target audience
to admire the singer, which is a convincing factor that will
allow them to purchase this media product.
5. • The bold text located todays the bottom of the page
with the name “Brian O’Rielly” signifies that this is the
singers name , this is emphasized due to the size of the
text as it is one of largest text size used on the cover of
my magazine. The simplicity of the artist used it shown
by the quote “I’m just an ordinary guy who likes to
sing”. This produces a likeable and endearing
connotation for the artist as it allows my target
audience to connect physically with him. The man
describes himself as “Ordinary”, from this people may
infer that the signer is like them and is not an
intimidating character. This may persuade them to buy
the magazine.
6. • Within the contents and double page spread of my magazine there are multiple live
photographs from different bands/artists this adds to theme of indie/rock music. From my
contents page it is clear to my target audience that this is a magazine about indie/rock
music, this is also due to the topics and bands mentioned (TDCC etc.)
• The article on my double page spread is a fictionalised interview involving Q&A with the
singer on my front cover. I have wrote this in a formal writing style to get the information
across to the audience clearly and to respond to the audience’s needs and wants from a
magazine of this genre. In terms of “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs” this tells me that my
audience ranges from young adults and maybe older. I also decided to try create a similar
magazine to NME. In NME the writing is mainly formal, in this magazine that is mainly
targeted at adults, prefer the writing style to be technically accurate and formal as opposed
to an informal one that is biased, doesn’t give a much facts and details and is a younger
based audience. I have made the writing style to appeal to my target audience (14-25 year
olds) this is the demographic of young adults who want to read more intellectual writing
styles and aspire to be like the people featured within the magazine. This is the esteem
section of Maslow’s Hierarchy – respect of others, self esteem, acceptance by others. This
magazine fulfils some of these needs of the audience.
