Wednesday, 9 March 2011

Analysis of Double Page Spread-Kerrang


I have chosen to analyse a double page spread from the popular magazine ‘Kerrang’. The colours that have been used on this double page spread are very eye catchy and appealing to its intended audience the colour scheme is red, black and white. The colour scheme that has been used on this double page spread is very bold and daring as it’s making strong statements such as the colours red and black are used these two contrasting colours give off a strong statement from the band saying that we’re proud to be different as the colour red is very daring and eye catchy. However the colour white is also used for the main information that’s given in the magazine about the group this shows that this band may have a daring and wild side but can also have a calm side to them as well. At the top of the double page spread a quote has been taken out from the article and has been written in bold writing in red and white the red may imply to its audience the importance of what the band is saying to them and the significance it may have on their lives. The biggest image that has been used on this article may be of the lead singer of the band and a lot of attention has been given to him from the camera as the camera focuses on what he is wearing and how he is posing in the picture. There are also  medium shot images of the rest of the band also used on this article however it doesn’t pay much attention to what their wearing and how their posing. This may explain the importance of the lead singer on the lives of the audience and the rest of the group in the band.
The colours used in this article are often concurrent to rock music and is the type of look most rock readers are likely to go for such as being dressed mostly in dark colours and have the hairstyle that the lead singer has. The audience may look up to the group in the article and use them as role models the band has a lot of power of the audience as they can influence them to do dress in a certain way or act in a certain way. The font that has been used on this article is bold and makes a strong statement showing the importance of the rock band in the audience’s lives. The bold headings grasp the reader’s attention. And the exclamation mark that has been used in the quotation that’s been taken out of the article “WE’RE BEING THE BEST MCR WE CAN BE!”Expresses the importance that’s already there and the capital letters also emphasizes and expresses the significance of what their saying. The magazine is portrayed at both males and females as the colours that are used in the article are not stereotypically one gendered type of colours showing that anyone into rock can read this magazine. Also female readers may read the magazine as they may be attracted to certain members from the group and Male readers may read the magazine for fashion purposes and see what the latest looks are.
  As there is only one band used on this double page spread this illustrates the popularity of the band and that the magazine has a lot of faith in the band. Because they are a well known band they are likely to attract more readers to read the magazine increasing the magazines status and reputation as well as their own. The pictures that are used throughout the rest of the article are images of the rest of the band and how they are working through the stages in a recording studio showing that they work hard to get the recognition they have this may motivate the readers to work hard. However a medium shot is used of a member of the band performing their music this may imply that you don’t have to be the lead singer in order to gain respect and fame everyone in the band is as important and equal. This double page spread focuses mostly on the images of the magazine rather than the writing. The pictures used on this article show that the band take a lot of time trying to look good as it will take a while for them to get the ‘rock’ look they are trying to portray to their fans.
I believe that the main audience that are likely to read this magazine are people from the younger generation as more pictures are used than writing. This shows that younger people are more likely to focus on their looks than the older generation. The article is set in two columns making it easier for the reader to find the information they want from the article. At the top right hand side of the page the band is advertising their latest work, giving them as a band more promotion. They are also giving the magazine more advertising by informing the readers of their web address .The ‘World exclusive’ bit at the top of the page makes the reader feel important as no one else has had the opportunity to read this, you are even privileged as a reader to see it.

Asian music magazine



I have chosen to analyse this contents page from an Asian music magazine. This page is aimed at people who listen to Asian music. There are two images used on this contents page and both of them are of a famous Asian music singer Jaz Dhami.The images used on the page blend in with the background as the singer is wearing black clothes and the colour of the background is also black. However he still manages to stand out of the whole page as he is wearing a white Shirt. The main image that has been used of the singer on the page has lightings focused on him which shows that he is the centre attention. But this contents page is quite different to the other two I have analysed as they are much brighter and eye catchy whereas this one is much darker and only one colour has been used for the background. The layout of the contents page has been done very sophisticatedly as the information given on the page is in column and subheadings are also used to make it easier for the reader to find the information they want. The font used on this page is written in white writing which stands out as it contrasts with the black background and written in white font which stands out the contrasting colour scheme works very well and is effective. There isn’t too much writing on this page however it still manages to give the reader the information they need. At the bottom of the page there there are several ways of contacting the magazine which shows that the readers are significant to the magazine.
Some of the writing that has been used on this page may be hard for some readers to understand as words such as ‘Tera Mera’ are used. This contents page is quite different to the other two I have analysed as with the other two Standard English has been used whereas with this contents page some of the writing used is written in a different language and may be hard for some readers to understand. The music magazine may be aimed t people who speak more than one language.

Kerrang- Contents page


I have chosen to analyse a contents page from the music magazine ‘Q’. This contents page is very different to the R&B music magazine that I analysed as the reader is being fed with more information this may imply that this music magazine may be for people who are slightly more educated as they may be more interested in information than pictures. The camera shot that has been used is also different compared to the R&B music magazine. The camera shot that has been used for this contents page is a long shot which shows the entire body of the person, while the focus is on the characters, plenty of background detail still emerges. This is very different to the R&B music magazine as the main focus for that magazine was the person on it whereas with this music magazine not all of the attention is on the people in it focuses on the background and the people in it. The people in the magazine are wearing simple clothing yet it still stands out to the readers as their all wearing the same sort of colours this shows that they thought about what they will be wearing instead of just putting anything on this shows that they took time getting ready. Most members of the group have their hands in their pockets which may indicate confidence and style. Even though some of the focus is on the background but the main focus is on the group as they stand out from the background that has been used. A lot of writing has been used on this contents page compared to the R&B music magazine this shows that this magazine not only focuses on the appearance of the people on it however it focuses on the information it gives to the reader also. There are three subheadings used on this contents page written in bold  ‘Features’ section and ‘Every month section’ both of these sections are written in white writing with red rectangle which is very appealing to its audience as it goes well with the magazines logo which is also in red and white. The ‘Review’ section is written in white with black rectangle background behind it this is also very attractive as it stands out and also an image is used in the review section giving the reader something to look at and attracting Indie music listeners to the magazine and this image is a direct indication to the review. The colours scheme for this contents page is quite simple yet effectual. This music magazine may be aimed more at an older audience as it’s got more information and the way it’s set out is in sophisticated manner.

 
I have chosen to analyse a contents page from the R&B music magazine. This page is very eye catchy and appealing its intended audience as the picture used on the contents page is quite large and grabs the reader’s attention straight away. The picture of the R&B artist Ashanti shows the intended audience what to expect from the inside of the magazine. The cover line “Ashanti Riding high in love and on the charts” is covering a bit of the R&B artists picture this shows her being on the contents page is very important and the reader is always being reminded of that as her names also written in bold as well as having a huge picture of her on the page. The font used on the contents page especially when talking about Ashanti is written in bold and in attractive writing this makes the reader want to read on. The subheadings used on this page are written in pink making it easier for the reader to find the information they want and at the bottom of the subheadings it gives the reader very brief summary of what they will be reading about. The picture used on the contents page is a very stereotypical representation of an R&B artist as the woman on the page is showing flesh and standing in a manner which can be seen quite sexually. She is wearing a pink top which makes her stand out to the audience. The background used for this image is of buildings however they may go unnoticeable to some readers as the main focus is on the woman this is very conventional of an R&B music magazine to do. This image could be seen as medium shot as we can’t see below her knees. This type of shot compliments the picture very well as her pose would not be as effective if a different type of camera shot was used. The name of the magazine is slightly covering the R&B artist’s hair this may indicate that the magazine is as important as her and the font used for the main title of the magazine is in bold and big font. The magazines main focus is the appearance of the R&B artist and trying to create the ‘perfect’ image. The target audience from this music magazine would be Males and Females as male readers may be attracted to the picture used and also female readers female readers  a the image  isn’t too intimidating for female readers as it’s not overly sexy. The layout of the page has been done very well as its main focus is on the image this usually is expected from an R&B music magazine but it is still feeding the reader with information. The logo of the name of the magazine reminds the reader where their getting information from which is very important. The colours used on the page are quite dark and simple yet classy and sophisticated as the colours pink, white and black all complement each other very well and grab the reader’s attention.

Connotations and Denotations of an Image



 

This magazine uses many ways to address its intended audience it uses bright eye catchy colours such as pink, yellow, green, black and white to attract the addressees and different font sizes have been used. The intended audience for this front cover magazine are young  teenage  girls aged preferably 9-15 as on the front  cover they have pictures of young girls and has things that will interest girls of those ages such as the famous Disney  actress Demi Lovato and a medium shot image of Cheryl Cole. These images will encourage young girls to buy this magazine as both of the celebrities used on the front cover are well known they are likely to attract more readers increasing the magazines status and reputation as young girls tend to look up to other famous celebrities. Also images of ordinary girls have been used on the front cover making the reader feel that this magazine is aimed at them. Different types of font styles and sizes have been used on the front cover this makes it more attractive and exciting for the reader to look at. Different colours have been used on the front cover. Speech bubbles are used on the front cover and it seems as if the celebrities are talking to the reader making the reader feel special ad makes them feel important as in one of the speech bubbles Demi Lovato says “who wants to jam with me” this makes the audience feel as if they are needed and wanted and makes them feel significant in the celebrities lives. A lot of girly effects and colours have been used on the front cover such as hearts, pink flowers and lips making the reader feel like they fit in. All the models used on this front cover are girls looking cheerful and happy which gives an idea that this magazine is full of positive and fun things that will make you smile. At the top of the magazine in different colours it states ‘3 free gifts lip balms and bag charm’ this encourages the audience to buy the magazine as they will feel as if their getting a good deal because they are only paying for one thing but getting 3 free gifts inside of the magazine this will persuade them to buy the magazine
The type of language used on this cover is very straightforward and easy to understand but very effective such as ‘REVEALED: the secrets of true Bfs’ this is very simple but effective. The front cover supports the magazine’s name ‘Girl Talk’ as it’s got images of girls on it and things that girls will be interested in and are likely to talk about such as dance moves, gossip, and fashion girls at this age are expected to talk about these things. This magazine has done a very good job of giving the intended audience what they want. The magazines front cover is filled with information and images of what the reader will find inside of the magazine. The magazine uses Mise-en-scene to address its intended audience. It uses appealing and engaging words that is likely attract a teenage girl to the magazine such as “Gossip” it is typical for most teenage girls to gossip or talk about certain things at this age such as the latest trends or talk about their favourite celebrities this is making them feel comfortable and lets them know it’s normal. The word “revealed” is written in two different colours and is in bold this is eye catchy and will make the reader want to read the inside of the magazine to find out more. This also makes the reader feel as it is the latest news which no one else knows about except them again making them feel important as they are the only ones with this information. The cover line of the magazine says “It’s a girl thing!” making the reader feel that the magazine is especially made for them and is strictly for them and no one else.








How does Plumline construct and reflect its audience?

How does the magazine you have studied construct and reflect it's intended audince?                        
    
   
The magazine I have studied constructs and reflects its intended audience entirely. The magazine is aimed at Plumstaed Manor Schools students aged 12-16 and also Negus students. The magazine reflects its intended audience very well as images of students from plumstead manor school have been used on the front cover, the double page spread and the back of the magazine. The magazine is very eye catchy and appealing too it’s intended audience as bright eye catchy colours and fonts have been used consistently throughout the magazine encouraging the intended audience to read the magazine. There are 9 sections in total on this magazine all giving out information on different subjects and activities students from Plumstead Manor School have been involved in. And to back up all these story lines images have been used to make the magazine more interesting and to motivate its intended audience as these stories are aimed at students from year 7-11 and using images of students from that age group makes it more effective.
The title of the magazine is ‘PLUMLINE’ this title is related to the schools name showing that the magazine is linked to Plumstead Manor this draws it’s intended audience to the magazine. The title is written in white font and in capital letters this is the biggest font that has been used throughout the whole of the magazine. This makes the magazine look much more attractive, effective and appealing to its intended audience as it links in with the Plumstead manor logo as well as the Plumstead Manor schools uniform this gives the reader a sense of belonging somewhere and creates a sense of shared experiences and identity.
A picture of the schools future building is used at the top right of the magazine this shows the intended audience that the school is trying to make your time at the school  better and gives the reader positive vision of the school that the school it trying to improve its standards for the students. This also reminds the students that they belong to a community and makes them feel wanted and cared for.
The magazine has 12 different sections talking about different things taking place inside of the school and outside of the school. The front cover focuses mainly on ‘performing arts’ and ‘GCSE drama’ students exampling how Plumstead Manor school has a high reputation within the Greenwich borough for performing Arts as they were awarded ‘Performing arts Status in 2000’this shows the intended audience that the school is very good at teaching and tries it’s best to make the students time at Plumstead Manor successful and enjoyable. This proves to the students that the school wants them to succeed and do well, and shows you can achieve anything through hard work and determination.
The double page spread focuses on six different topics linked to the school with images backing up the stories. The images used  on the double page spread is of students looking  very cheerful and happy this conveys to the reader that your hard work  will be awarded by your success it encourages the students to work hard. There are subheadings used on top of every section of the magazine making it easier for the reader to find the information they want. Also there is minimal writing on the magazine which focuses on the main things this is good as too much writing can put readers off.

At the back of the magazine there are four sections about activities Plumstead Manor school students as well as Negus students have taken part in outside of school but still linked to school. This encourages the reader to get involved in more activities outside school as it can help you in many ways in the later future. There is also a section called ‘Easter Revision’ at the back of the magazine this shows the reader that teachers from Plumstead  Manor school are committed in teaching their students and what them to get the best possible grades in their exams.
                          

My R&B front cover consists of a stereotypical R&B woman on it showing a lot of flesh. The image on the cover is the first thing the audience are likely to be attracted to at as it’s very eye catchy and it’s representing it’s music genre very well as the main focus is on the picture. I named the front cover ‘Infatuation’ as it seems to me that the image will admired by many as this is a representation of a ‘perfect’ body on a woman.I also chose six other words that relate to the image on the front covergoing down all of these words are very much associated with app[earnace which is liely to be expected from an R&B magazine.Th woman on the front cover appears to look very confident and in control which is a very sterotpical sort of pose in a R&B Magazine.This front page is aimed at males and female readers.Male readers are likely to read this magazine as the would find the images on it attractive and would most probably read on.It is also aimed at female readers eventhough they may be very envious of her body and the attention she’s getting they still may want to read the amagzine as it might help them to get that type of look.The readers aged 16 onwards are most likely to readx this magazine as it’s focusing mostly on images and the younger generation are obsessed with lloks at this age.The colour scheme on thos front page is black white and pink again simple but very effective as if i added more brighter colors the front cover the main focous wouldn’t have been on the main image.On the side of the page i added ‘Ringing high on love and on charts’ this shows that just because this woman has a sucessfull career doesn’t mean she can’t have a love life also it shows her independence and the control she has over her life.If i was to make this front cover again i would have maybe added one more image o a background as it looks a bit too plain.