Double Page Spread Analysis

1) How does the choice of band featured in the article suggest who the target audience will be?

The article features an unsigned band called ‘new noise 2009’ this suggests that the target readership is aimed at a young audience and could possibly be interested up and coming artist who aren’t well known.

2) What type of language is used in the article? Give examples of words or phrases which are specific to the style of the magazine.

The interviewer uses a conversational tone when introducing ‘little boots’ and throughout the article, however the bands replies use colloquial, informal language that’s regularly used amongst the younger generation today.

3) How is colour used?

The use of colour is limited; the article itself is of a black text placed on a white background, however the drop cap is bright purple and the slug and logo/ end of article marker is a square divided into to four parts and uses the colours; blue, purple, pink and black. The slug (top right hand corner) and end of article marker (bottom right hand corner) can be found on every article within the ‘new noise’ section and promotes unsigned and up and coming artists. These particular logos act as anchors for a typical c-line eye flow commonly used in double paged spreads.

(1) – Drop Cap
(2) – The Slug
(3) - End of article marker
(4) - Example of the c-line eye flow

4) What style of text is used? Is it similar to any other pages? What does it say about the image of the magazine and the audience?

This particular article uses both a serif and sans serif font, the article as a whole is serif as is one of the pull quotes, however the main pull quote that’s centred directly in the middle of the article uses sans serif and is written in bold. The whole article appears to be conversational which appeals to the target audience and expresses the type of relationship NME want from their readers, casual and welcoming.

5) How is the double page spread laid out? How much of the pages are taken up by images and how much by text? How does this reflect the audience? What do they value?

The left hand of the page is an enlarged image of Victoria Hesheth (the lead singer), with the leading headline promoting the bands name, ‘Little Boots’, however the opposite page is filled by text introducing the band, as well as exploring Victoria as an individual. This gives the audience a small amount of information, but allows those who wish to know more to research there sounds and is a little bit of information for those less interested. The fact that her image takes up a whole page suggests the reader is interested in the bands appearance as well as there sounds, but also that they don’t want a lot of reading. Therefore they value little but detailed information and are interested in the bands look.

6) What tone is the magazine using when addressing the reader (as a close friend, a member of an 'in' crowd or an informed intelligent fan?) - provide evidence

The text is extremely conversational and often quite inappropriate; however this allows the audience to connect with the writer, addressing them as a close friend. “It’s bollocks of course” uses improper language, “and that, readers” here it’s more relaxed and uses inclusive language, both highlight the friendly relationship NME aim to gain.

7) How is the artist/band presented to the audience through the images? You may wish to carry out a textual analysis.

The image depicts a beautiful girl, with a pale complexion that emphasises her eyes, as does the chosen false eyelashes. Her hairstyle is retro and relevant to today’s fashion. However personally I feel from the image we do not gain any insight as to the style of music the band produce or even her style of clothing. It an eye level close up shot, that focused on her facial expression which makes her appear dazed or lost, once again there isn’t any indications of interest or influences.

8) How does the style of the article match the style of the front cover?

9) Does the article demand any prior knowledge? Give examples.

This particular article doesn’t require any previous knowledge as it can be found in the ‘new noise’ section, and introduces or promotes up and coming and unsigned artists. However it gives you just the right amount of information, if you are interested in the artist then you can research further.

Double Page Spread Analysis

1) How does the choice of band featured in the article suggest who the target audience will be?

The article features an unsigned band called ‘new noise 2009’ this suggests that the target readership is aimed at a young audience and could possibly be interested up and coming artist who aren’t well known.

2) What type of language is used in the article? Give examples of words or phrases which are specific to the style of the magazine.

The interviewer uses a conversational tone when introducing ‘little boots’ and throughout the article, however the bands replies use colloquial, informal language that’s regularly used amongst the younger generation today.

3) How is colour used?

The use of colour is limited; the article itself is of a black text placed on a white background, however the drop cap is bright purple and the slug and logo/ end of article marker is a square divided into to four parts and uses the colours; blue, purple, pink and black. The slug (top right hand corner) and end of article marker (bottom right hand corner) can be found on every article within the ‘new noise’ section and promotes unsigned and up and coming artists. These particular logos act as anchors for a typical c-line eye flow commonly used in double paged spreads.

(1) – Drop Cap
(2) – The Slug
(3) - End of article marker
(4) - Example of the c-line eye flow

4) What style of text is used? Is it similar to any other pages? What does it say about the image of the magazine and the audience?

This particular article uses both a serif and sans serif font, the article as a whole is serif as is one of the pull quotes, however the main pull quote that’s centred directly in the middle of the article uses sans serif and is written in bold. The whole article appears to be conversational which appeals to the target audience and expresses the type of relationship NME want from their readers, casual and welcoming.

5) How is the double page spread laid out? How much of the pages are taken up by images and how much by text? How does this reflect the audience? What do they value?

The left hand of the page is an enlarged image of Victoria Hesheth (the lead singer), with the leading headline promoting the bands name, ‘Little Boots’, however the opposite page is filled by text introducing the band, as well as exploring Victoria as an individual. This gives the audience a small amount of information, but allows those who wish to know more to research there sounds and is a little bit of information for those less interested. The fact that her image takes up a whole page suggests the reader is interested in the bands appearance as well as there sounds, but also that they don’t want a lot of reading. Therefore they value little but detailed information and are interested in the bands look.

6) What tone is the magazine using when addressing the reader (as a close friend, a member of an 'in' crowd or an informed intelligent fan?) - provide evidence

The text is extremely conversational and often quite inappropriate; however this allows the audience to connect with the writer, addressing them as a close friend. “It’s bollocks of course” uses improper language, “and that, readers” here it’s more relaxed and uses inclusive language, both highlight the friendly relationship NME aim to gain.

7) How is the artist/band presented to the audience through the images? You may wish to carry out a textual analysis.

The image depicts a beautiful girl, with a pale complexion that emphasises her eyes, as does the chosen false eyelashes. Her hairstyle is retro and relevant to today’s fashion. However personally I feel from the image we do not gain any insight as to the style of music the band produce or even her style of clothing. It an eye level close up shot, that focused on her facial expression which makes her appear dazed or lost, once again there isn’t any indications of interest or influences.

Double page spread analysis

1) How does the choice of band featured in the article suggest who the target audience will be?
The article features an unsigned band called ‘new noise 2009’ this suggests that the target readership is aimed at a young audience and could possibly be interested up and coming artist who aren’t well known.









2) What type of language is used in the article? Give examples of words or phrases which are specific to the style of the magazine.
The interviewer uses a conversational tone when introducing ‘little boots’ and throughout the article, however the bands replies use colloquial, informal language that’s regularly used amongst the younger generation today.













3) How is colour used?
The use of colour is limited; the article itself is of a black text placed on a white background, however the drop cap is bright purple and the slug and logo/ end of article marker is a square divided into to four parts and uses the colours; blue, purple, pink and black. The slug (top right hand corner) and end of article marker (bottom right hand corner) can be found on every article within the ‘new noise’ section and promotes unsigned and up and coming artists. These particular logos act as anchors for a typical c-line eye flow commonly used in double paged spreads.

Music Magazine Analysis In Progress

What type of magazine is it?
VIBE is a leading music lifestyle media company that publishes the magazine and aims to excel in reporting entertainment, fashion, politics, and culture features for a multicultural audience in print and online. VIBE magazine describe themselves as ‘the definitive voice of urban culture, influencing global music, life, and style for more than eight million readers around the world’.

From the front cover what kinds of issues/articles are going to be inside?
The main image depicts R. Kelly in what appears a moment of reflection; the masthead reads VIBE written in its signature font and font size, above the strap line reads “R. Kelly the Porn Charges the New Songs”. To the left of this is a button depicting “SPECIAL REPORT” therefore this implies it’s a unique story and gives us an insight to what the main article is. From this we can infer the article will explore the accusations R. Kelly’s facing, and his explanation as well as some of his new, up and coming releases. This idea is continued on towards the bottom of the front cover where the kicker and explanatory text reads “The genius king of R&B has yet to go to trial… Is he Innocent? Guilty? Or guilty of being rich, black and famous?” the rhetorical questioning suggest there is much controversy over the charges R. Kelly faces, however his reputation remains in tact, “The genius king of R&B”, this also entices the reader and is directed at the target audience to make them question . Another button in the bottom right corner cleverly uses a pun to suggest there’s an article about motorbikes/motorcycles; “Riding’ Dirty Summers sickest motorcycles” within the magazine. In the middle area on the left and right hand side lists other A-list celebrity names that are also featured in the magazine.


Who is the target audience for the magazine? What particular age group? What are their interests? How do you know all of this?
The magazine's target audience is predominantly young, urban followers of hip-hop culture, it primarily features R&B and Hip-Hop artist, actors or any other entertainers, its publications mainly attract younger readers of many ethnicities. I can infer this as famous cover subjects are Mary J Blige , TLC, Aalyiah, Brandy, Snopp Dogg, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Keyshia Cole, Lil Wayne, The Fugees, Eminem , T.I, R.kelly, Michael Jackson and Ciara. There interests can range from bike riding, to listening to varied artist music.


What mode of address is the magazine using? What does this tell you about the type of relationship it wants with its reader?
There is a direct mode of address, the use inclusive language, such as rhetorical questioning allows the reader to question the article but also entices them into reading it. Therefore Vibe has a way of engaging the reader in order to gain a comfortable relationship, but also keeping them as a follower.

Who is on the front cover and why?
R. Kelly is featured on this particular front cover as even after plenty of allegations, denials, hearings, motions and countermotions, but no sign of justice of the Indicement on child-pornography charges, he’s still able to produce chart topping hits, collecting awards and touring the world. Despite the allegations he still remains to be known for his memorable music


What does the main cover line say? What does this imply about the artist/band?? What overall message is the artist/band giving?
The main coverline reads; 'The genius king of R&B is yet to go to trial. Is he innocent? guilty? or cruilty of being rich, black and famous?' this is important as it questions rape alligations currently heald against the star and suggestive it may be cruilty of circumstance. The fact he's referred to as the king of R&B suggests he is an extremely memorable artist amongst the genre, creating historical works that will be remembered by all. The overall message implies we are learning the 'true' story, allowing us to hear his side, but also his interpretations of his own music.


Are any (social/ethnic/political) groups being represented? How does the magazine represent them?
In this particular issue we are presented with a black american, most music artists use their music as a way of presenting the public with their individual life experiences. However R kelly
had a reasonable upbringing attending high school where his teacher inspired him to become a singer, he's not only a singer but also a music producer. He could be considered a positive male icon (despite the alligations) as he represents the postives of gaining an education, aswell as being black and sucessful.



Are there any ‘buzz’ words? What effect does it have on the reader?
The only buzz word on this article is 'sickest', this use of colloquial language is inclusive and addresses a specific age group and is lingo commonly used amongst the target audience. This therefore attracts the reader as it is language they commonly use and is contrasting to the rest of the text on the page which is formal therefore making is more appealing and eye catching.


What does the design of the mast head tell you about the magazine?
What does the title of the magazine tell you about:1. the readership2. Its image analysis 3. Its style?
The design of the mast head is extremely thick and bold, which suggest the target readership are bold and vibrant, and emphasises the style and genre of music. However its simplicity suggest there is no specified interest needed and therefore broaden the target readership as it doesnt exlude any type of person. To look at, it immediatly jumps out of the page and fills most of the top part of the page. Its of a simple black font and there is no specified styling.



what do the ‘kickers’ in the cover lines suggest will be inside the magazine? What does this tell you about the type of audience the magazine expects to get?
The main coverline reads 'The genius king of R&B has yet to go to trial. Is he innocent? guilty? or guilty of being rich, black and famous?' this introduces the main article of R.Kelly who is depicted on the front cover of the image. Therefore suggests to the reader the article talks about R.Kelly and the rape alligations he is currently facing, aswell as whether he feels a victim of discrimination purely because of his race, career and social standing. The other coverlines and kickers read music artist names such as 'Pretty Boy Floyd', as a reader we immediatly assume there will be features or articles based around these artists.


Is there a strap line/selling line/slogan? What does it tell you about the magazine? How does it help to attract readers?
In a button at the bottom right hand side of the corner there is a selling line 'Ridin dirty summers most sickest motercyles', the fact its at the bottom right hand side means its the last the reader will see and immediatly draws their attention. Its play on words are memorable R&B lyrics but also play on the fact the magazine has a features based on motercycles which are usually ridden on dirt tracks, hence the riding dirty. This therefore broadens the target audience as most of the music artist featured on the front cover are R&B artists, however this includes any person who shares a keen interest in motercyling as a sport or simply looking at bikes.


What colours are used? Do you find them attractive?
The background colour is a simple grey to white wash, with R.Kelly consuming the centre of the page, he's clothed in a red t-shirt which the editor has used to influence the choice of text colour. A selection of the cover lines, the button and the insert are all red. The rest of the text colour range from white, yellow and black. The text seen at top and bottom of the cover image have a theme of yellow and white, whereas the middle area of the front cover is a blend of black and red text. The arrangement of text and colour around the centre image, makes it all the more enticing and contributes to its attraction.



What strategies does the magazine use to attract the audience?
In the main coverline, the words 'innocent?' and 'guilty?' are yellow and slanted, and are also of larger font size, making them stand out, whereas the rest of the sentence is of a white font. This gains the readers attention, not only this but the image itself is cleverly taken, the artists positiong suggest his stress and anger over the issues raised in the article

Evalution- first draft

Evaluation for Preliminary Task
In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
When creating my front cover I wanted to include forms and conventions used in existing media products, such as the masthead, but I also attempted to subvert original ideas of presentations for magazines to. Typical school magazines or male/female magazines are eye catching and use bold, bright coloured text in order to entice the target audience; they also include kickers and explanatory text to promote and allow the reader to gain an insight into the editorial content. However as the task set is to create a school magazine I chose to keep my front cover neat and simple, similar to that of a school prospectus. I also chose to use colour schemes relevant to the college I attend, using a bottle green as the background colour and a golden yellow for the texts colour. I centred my image and lined it with the text to make it appear more professionally presentable. I chose this particular image as it challenged the presentation of front cover, but linked to the caption ‘A chance to excel....’ my aim was to entice the reader and promote the fun side to Marylebone. I am yet to include to kickers and explanatory text to introduce featured articles, but by doing so I have challenged original standard conventions of existing media products, as most regular magazines contain 5 minimum. However I have continued the use of a plain background to add to my professionalism. Although my front cover appears formal my mode of address is informal as it is aimed at pupils and parents. Standard magazines use three-four different texts, however I have only chosen to use two as I feel it would be to messy and wouldn’t continue my formal presentation. I have deliberately chosen not to include a bar code as it’s a magazine purposely designed for students and therefore wouldn’t have to purchase it. Therefore I feel my magazine cover challenges forms and conventions of real media products in numerous ways.
My contents page continues the professional presentation and uses standard conventions and forms present in other contents pages

Preliminary Task- Front Cover

In the preliminary task i challanged standard conventions as i included only a masthead, an image and a strap line, however i didn't choose to include coverlines or explanitory text. I felt this looked simple but professional, however you would not see this in an existing media product.

Contents Page

Here i tried to develop forms and conventions commonly used in contents page. I created the preliminary task on publisher which meant i was limited as to effects and font types i could include. However its layout if sleek and simple, including numerous images, articles and explanitory text as well as page numbers all making it look all the more professional.

Planning My Front Cover