Tuesday 23 September 2014

Analysis of College magazine


I’m going to analyse to College magazines, one designed by the college secretary and the other designed by a-level media students. The first target audience for the secretary magazine are the students in the college ranging from ages 11 to 19. The target audience for the a-level student magazine was aimed at professional judges as well as the students. The target audience are for both lower to middle class. Both magazines are diverse to suit any gender readers and are carefully thought through so they do not come across offensively to anyone.

Masthead

There is no masthead, which could put people of due to there being nothing to catch the readers eye, however there is the college logo in the top left corner so the magazine is distinctive. This means that there is nothing obvious to catch the readers eye which links to the fact that it doesn't stand out compared with other magazines.

Layout

This magazine cover was the one designed by the secretary for the school students. The magazine is cluttered with pictures making it look unorganised which suggests it hasn’t been thought through too well. 

Colour

There is a purple coloured mist in the bottom right hand corner to create an artistic effect, although looks a bit messy making it look un attractive. Although, the smoke does create an edgy and rebellious image, this could attract certain target audience members that relate to the rebellious theme. The magazine has many colours involved which may draw them into it, although the fact that it doesn’t have any specific theme can make it look unprofessional.

Images

The pictures are of photographs to show that the magazine is non-fiction and are of students within the school so the readers of the magazine are able to relate to the page. The picture of sweetcorn at the top of the cover is quite irrelevant to the magazine and therefore could suggest that the magazine is a bit random rather than planned out. Due to the images being of an equal size this could be to show that everyone throughout the college is treated fairly regardless of their age. Some of the images are quite blurred as well causing it to become unattractive.

Text/Lexis/Typography

The font used to write ‘magazine’ is written in capitals as if to shout out to the reader and the fact that it is untidy may suggest the magazine is conversational and informal. There is a lack of text on the cover, this could stop the magazine from standing out as there is no vivid writing to catch their eye. There are no title stories to tease the reader into wanting to read the magazine.


The target audience for the magazine below is the same aimed towards students within the college, aged 11-19. Also they will be of lower to middle class. It was also made to be judged for an A-level so was made quite proffesional.
Masthead

The masthead 'Skive' is in block capitals and is very enlarged with a thin balck stroke around it, this might be to emphasise the importance of the title to attract the readers. The font style is kept fairly simple so it doesn't take too much of the reader's attention away from the rest of the page, it also has a 'foggy' look around it to give it a mysterious look.  This represents a younger reader who may show an interest in themes like this one.

Layout

The cover looks like it has been given a thought to how it is laid out, which could persaude the reader into wanting to buy it. There are subtiltes laid out around the sides of the magazine this is to draw the reader in so they are able to find out what is inside.  The use of photoshop has been used to enhance certain features of the cover and to give it a professional finish.  

Colour

There is a main image in the background, it is a cold blue, which links to the frozen theme the magazine is trying to pull off. The dark background draws the focus towards the face and concretes the idea of the harsh cold tones. As the colour is blended well within the background you can tell that the student had a clear understanding of photoshop.

Images

The reader is drawn to her eyes as they are heavily made up with black eyeliner, however has white lashes and eyebrows also relate back to the theme of 'frozen'. The blacked out eyes link the rebelious theme which may link to many members of the college. The smaller pictures suggest what the magazine has to offer without taking your focus away from the main image. 

Text/Lexis/Typography

There is an 'exclusive interview' advertsied at the bottom of the magazine, this could make the reader feel more persuaded to read it as they are able to find out certain things that are only available in this magazine issue.

1 comment:

  1. Hannah, you have shown good time management as you have hit the deadline. However, this post needs a number of improvements made as it is not yet at AS standard, please make the following corrections:
    1) Use paragraphs correctly throughout e.g. the following separate paragraphs need to be present for each cover:
    - Masthead (denotation/connotation/how the denotations/connotations attract and represent the target audience).
    - Layout (denotation/connotation/how the denotations/connotations attract and represent the target audience)
    - Colour (denotation/connotation/how the denotations/connotations attract and represent the target audience)
    - Images (denotation/connotation/how the denotations/connotations attract and represent the target audience)
    - Text/lexis/typography (denotation/connotation/how the denotations/connotations attract and represent the target audience)

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