For my music magazine i think i am going to use this sort of positioning of my actors as i like the idea of the lead singer being the main focus of the photo, yet the other band members seem as improtant, this is done by forming a triangle shape.

This image has the women as the main focus, i like the idea of her being the barrier and the men trying to break through. I may use this in my magazine.

Collage magazine

I chose the music notes which are positioned on the bottom of the magazine as it links in with the housestyle of this issue of the magazine. The image of the guitar in the right hand side of the front cover stands out yet is still linking in with the housestyle. The main image is of some of the performers who were going to be in the music concert. The puffs are bright and give information to the readers. The name of the school and the badge are positioned in the left hand corner this doesn't interfere with the front cover but is still visible.

Mood Board

As part of my research i have to develop a mood board. Mood boards are created to develop design ideas and to let my audience know which direction my project is going to take. Using the mood board above which i have created shows the idea's, clothes, stereotypes etc of the genre which i have chosen, punk rock.

2 Contents page and 2 Double page spread analysis

1st Contents page analysis

The whole point of a contents page is to give the reader an insight into what is in the magazine, so this is why it needs to be simple to follow just like the one above. The font design and colour is simple and easy to read. With the contents being split into sections it makes it easy for the reader to find out what they are looking for, and with the white background it doesn't distract the reader from the copy. With the image of Astoria being in the centre gives it the main focus and tells us the it is something important. We know that it is important by the anchorage text underneath. With the "band index" on the contents page in bold writing is convenient for readers, and for one off buyers that have been attracted to images of bands that they are interested in. There are also puffs next to some of the features to tell the reader that this is what page the story that was in the front page is on. The subscription information in the bottom left hand side of the page stands out against the white background and grab the readers attention into subscribing. With the arrow in the right hand corner being in red, draws the reader in and also gives them an insight into why it is important.

2nd Contents page

This contents page is is more clear and better presented. With the main image of the magazine being on the top and the information on the bottom separates them. The two print screen images of articles that are in the magazine gives the readers an insight into what is in the specific article. The whole of the contents page shows the house style of the magazine and links into the colours, fonts and theme of the front cover. With the features being in black boxes with yellow writing they stand out and draws the attention of the reader, it also links into the words "CONTENTS" and "THIS WEEK" as they are also in yellow. The puffs such as "WIN!!" and "Cover story" highlight specific articles. I like the idea of the close up image of the editor and her signing her name it adds a personal touch to the magazine and makes the readers feel appreciated. The small image positioned in one of the features breaks the writing up but also tells us more information, yet it isn't out of place. The subscription in the right hand corner of the contents page it is out of the way yet not out of view of the magazine, it is still clearly visible and attention grabbing.

1st Double page spread analysis

(Image from Kerrang website or Click Here)

The headline that is used for the double page spread is of the bands song the word "secret" is large, in a different font and a deep red it seems Gothic this makes it stand out and goes with the house style of the Kerrang magazine. The words "dirty little" that are above are also in a different font but have used the same colour as the copy this emphasises the word "secret" and in the way in which it is read. It is something shameful, makes you want to read and find out what the dirty secret is. The copy is set out into three columns, two on the first page and one on the second. this makes it much easier for the audience to read. The colours used also emphasis the copy the black background and the white writing distinguish it from the images.

The answers are straight and honest and seem to have not been altered or changed the language used isn't the most appropriate but its the straight talking attitude that makes music magazine appealing. The interview aims at people who like the "dish the dirt" "gossip" straight talking style.The pull out quote that has been used "I was tripping balls" gives the impression that this is an interview that the band have not held back on and that's the type of thing you expect from this style of band. It draws the attention of the readers.The image of the band that has been used makes them seem quirky, not trying so hard look. The skinny jeans, the converses, the jewelry are all stereotypical of the "rock star" look. The bright coloured clothing of the front man links in with the text his hat and jeans being red and purple. The other images are grainy an old style camera feel to it, the black and white make them seem edgy, which links in to the whole interview.

2nd double page spread analysis

The layout of the double page spread is split into six columns.To go with the house style of the Kerrang magazine neither the text or the images are taking the focus.This make the article easier to read and also breaks the text up. The first part of the article (the lead) starting with a drop capital consists of setting the scene of the location, where the interview is taking place, the tour figures and a little history of the band. The article is a question answer interview its structured around the bands tour. Its quite smutty but has a humour to it. We see an insight into the personalities of the band members and what life is like for them in the "rock and roll" world. The whole interview is hyped the excitement of their tour.The style is very informal like a chat between friends. The pull out quote in the puff is eye catching, the contrast of the black circle with white writing, the stars surrounding the text links into the drop capital as that also has a star around it. The light blue of the stars connects that to the questions asked in the article.The simple white background with the black copy i think is a good comparison, it may seem as though the page is quite empty, plain but i think the pictures draw your attention away to this fact. The images are are quirky and natural it seems as though their life is just one big party. With the anchorage text we see the personalities of the band members.

Analysis of magazine front covers

Magazine front cover Analysis 1

Magazine Front cover analysis 2

Research

We were given two mock ups of magazine covers and we had too which magazine it was.

Mag 1

Which magazine? OK
Target audience? Late teens/women
Why? The magazine is very squared off and boxey. The magazine is aimed at slightly younger women compaired to Hello magazine. OK is more celebrity, gossipy baced magazine.

Mag 2

Which magazine? Match Of the day

Target audience? Children

Why? Its busy, filters through two audiences, its fast cut, alot of information. The layout is the same every week.

New vocab
Semiotics

Dennotation

Connotation

Sign

Signifier

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.