2. Front Cover
The masthead is written in a
graffiti style font. This iconic Hip-
Hop hobby would appeal to
potential readers, if they are also
interested in graffiti.
The boarder going along the top
and the right hand side, is supposed
to resemble paint running down a
wall, which doesn’t only give the
magazine a more visual and artistic
effect, but it also adds to the
importance of graffiti in the
magazine.
The tag line ‘at the heart of rap and
hip-hop’ suggests that these
genres are like and organism, but
made up from artists, fans, labels…
And that this magazine is the art of
this changing genre, which implies
that the magazine focuses on the
things, the whole genre revolves
around. This is very appealing to
the reader, as the reader would
naturally want to buy a hip- op
magazine, which is very well
rounded.
The very iconic out fit of the
model will attract readers, as they
simply by looking at the picture
can tell what kind of magazine it
is. Showing of things like the cap
and accessories like the cap
appeal to readers, as talking
about the clothes with friends,
gives them the gratification of
social interaction.
The colour scheme of black white
and gold, I believe gives the
magazine a very prestigious style.
This will attract readers, as it
particularly targets the new and
wider spread rap audience. As the
genre is constantly changing, it
changed from being a sort of
working class or even under class
genre, to now being very widely
excepted, even in the upper class. The medium close up connotes the
rappers confidence. This power is
appealing to the rappers fans, as it makes
him out to be superior.
3. Content Page
The title ‘What’s up?’ appeals
to the reader, as it addresses
him through slang, which the
target audience would use. So
the reader automatically feels
more relaxed when reading
this, as he knows, that he will
be able to relate to the text.
Due to my target audience
being aspirers, the
expensive clothes and
jewellery will attract the
reader, as they will want to
be in a similar position.
The ‘rapper’ being a good
representation of the target
audience, will allow the audience
to feel connected to the artist, as
well as the magazine he is
portrayed in.
The font is designed, to
represent, a typical 1920
style. That time notorious for
crime, it suits the rap and
hip- hop genre well, which is
stereotypically associated
with gangs and crime. This
suitable font, allows the
reader to enjoy the whole
design of the magazine more.
The graffiti in the background
is not only iconic for hip- hop,
but the text on the mans T-
shirt in the picture says ‘stop
wars’ which is a great way
connote the genres new
image of innocence, hidden in
a hip- hop icon.
The longshot connotes that the rappers is alone, but
the low angle portrays this loneliness as being positive,
and showing that the rapper is independent and
dominate, and doesn’t rely on anyone.
4. Double Page Spread
The pull quote
attracts the reader,
as receiving such
brief information,
gets the reader
interested, and
makes him want to
read more about it.
Seeing celebrities in
expensive clothes,
doesn’t only
gratifies the reader
in terms of
entertainment, but
it allows the reader,
to aspirer to
something,
especially as my
target audience are
aspirers.
In all the photos, the rapper is dressed in very different costumes, the first being smart
casual, the second very smart, and the third being very casual. Seeing a famous celebrity in
such different ways, allows the reader to feel more connected to the rapper, especially if
that is supported by a written interview from him.
Having an effect on
the picture, shows
how the magazine
adapted to the
modern culture, and
supports the fact that
the magazine i9s very
active, which
naturally is very
appealing to readers.
Having one page with a
black background and
the other with a white
one, highlights again
the great emphasis the
magazine has on the
design, which includes
the colour scheme.
5. Conclusion
In my four pages, are many things which attract the readers attention,
and makes the magazine appealing to the audience, but there are also
several things which would have made the magazine even more
attractive for my target audience.
Seeing as most of the target audience for my magazine is male,
including something, which gratifies the theory of the ‘make gaze’,
would have made the magazine more effective for sale. Also including
some more iconic things, which represent hip- hop, would have made
the ,magazine more appealing.
Overall I am happy with the result, there were several things, which
were pleasing to the reader, for example the general design of the
magazine, including the fonts. Also, I think the front cover was
especially effective.
