Semiotics classwork

25/01/10 What we did today.

Semiotics

Semiotics is the study of signs. Signs can be produced by colours, fashion, gesture, photography as well as words.

In analysing media texts we need to think about the message, offered by something we see (or hear).

A theorist called Saussure stated that in everything there is a SIGN and a SIGNIFIED.

Image from click here
The image represents Misery, rain, sadness, storm, love, romantic scenes.

This image is from click here. This image represents happiness, joy, warmth, holiday, beach, skin cancer.

Image taken from-Rave Magazine

Today we were looking at semiotics and we discussed this Christmas magazine front cover.

The image fits in with the theme of the magazine, "Fergie" from "The Black eyed peas" is popping out of the cake which i think links in with the 'sell lines' of "Where to party this new years eve". The colour of the writing is a typical Christmas colour red. The image is also a good way of not only getting fans of the magazine but also people who are fans of the Black eyed peas, enticing them to buy it. The image is a medium shot and is set right in the middle (also known as 'homestyle'.

The masthead of the magazine entices you in, it stands out because 'Rave' is the same colour as Fergies dress this links the image to the magazine.

The editors used festive colours in this edition green, bold writing for the headings, with blue outline which links in with the masthead and Fergie.

"THE HOLIDAY ISSUE" is in block capitals with the traditional colours red with a green outline these are also festive colours. It completely stands out from the page yet still linking in with the theme of the edition. If i was to change one thing i would have Fergie's hands slightly down and flat as to look like shes holding the 'Rave' up. Just finishing the magazine theme off.

This image is from click here. This magazine cover seems as though it has allot of images and things going on, but the way it is arranged is clean and slick. The colours used are vibrant and link in with each other. The headline (100 GREATEST GIGS EVER!) is in big block capital white writing it's eye catching and seems as though it has been stamped on, it gives the issue a graffiti look. The Masthead (Kerrang) and the motto 'Life is Loud' has the same consistancy as always the white writing in the masthead and the motto in red, this gives the readers a sense of familularity there more likely to keep buying the magazine as the name is so recognisable. The housestyle of the whole magazine seems to be vibrant yellows for the boxes around the pictures, the sub heading 'Your votes are in! and the winners are' and the bands across the top. The greeny misty look on the background all give the feel of being at a music concert, linking in with the main headline.