Analysing a magazine double-page spread

 

The target audience for this magazine, I think is for men in the 20s, early 30s. I think the target audience is men,  as the images are only of men and does not include any women, as well as the colors such as blue aimed more towards men. The reason why I predict the ages between the 20s and 30s is because young teenagers would not like to read such amount of information. Young teenagers would get bored by reading so much text, which is why I don't predict the magazine would be aimed towards   the youth. 

Within this double page spread mainly three colors are used which are dark blue, red and white. This is a positive aspect   as the colors symbolise the importance of different information. Throughout the two pages the text has been structured in columns, which is also another useful device as the reader can easily read the information which has been structured in the same style. Also another method of using a big-sized letter beginning the column in red, has been used on both pages. For example on page 1 the letter 'I', similarly the letter 'A' on page 2, in bold, color red.

This double page spread I have chosen gives an example of  the structure and layout to a double page spread in a Hip Hop magazine  Within both pages only one main image is used, this is a positive, consistent method used as it creates more depth to the page. However the disadvantage of both pages is there is too much text in short size font which makes the reader feel there is too much to read and could easily get bored. On both pages the image has been placed at the bottom, this is a positive feature as it keeps consistency throughout the double-page spread. Similarly the text style and use of color is also attracting as it is realistic and consistent. For example the title "ONES & TWOS" is in the same font as the masthead on the second page "HOME STYLE". Both titles on the pages have the same type of font, size, color and background. This is a creative effect as it keeps the same pattern within the two pages, for the reader to understand the structured style. 

Analysing a magazine contents page (1)

This contents page is very appealing as it is structured with the text on the right and the main image on the left. Only one main image is used, this is a useful method as too many images are not squashed within one page, and this gives the page a more original, realistic look. The character within the image is postured with his head towards the left of the cover, and is wearing a orange top. The color of his top resembles with the background of the magazine, both red and orange gives it an appealing look.

The contents page is consistent with the front page as both covers mainly include one main character on the page, and both pages contain the color red. The color red has been used consistently throughout the front cover and the contents page. Within both contents and front cover Hip Hop has been represented, the images on both suggest the subject of the magazine. For example on the front cover the character is wearing a hat, looking serious and is standing in a relaxed posture. Similarly on the contents page the character's facial expressions are serious, focussed and he is also holding his face in a relaxed posture. Within both the contents page and the front cover, they both contain characters of the sex male, this portrays how this magazine is aimed towards men/boys. Another similarity is how the characters are both  staring straight into the camera in both (contents page and font cover), this suggests how they want to engage with the reader.

Within the front cover it contains information that the magazine will include such as an "Exclusive Eminem Interview" and "The story of Detroit". This information is purposely advertised on the cover to keep the readers interest and want the reader to read on and buy the magazine. The title on the front cover "HIP HOP CONNECTION" appeals as the publisher has cleverly slanted the "CONNECTION" onto the "P" from "HOP" within the masthead. Also the advertisement of a "Free Cd" above the masthead is a useful method to inform the reader what "new" items the magazine will contain.

Analysing a magazine (3)

The main image contains five famous american rapper's representing the objective and genre of the magazine. All five characters are wearing black clothes, this is crucial as it keeps consistency and gives them a group look. Three of them are wearing glasses, and one is wearing a baseball cap slanted on his head. This is a main feature as it portrays their style and mode of dress. Also within this cover the each character is standing with a different posture this gives it a very busy look. Music genre is hip-hop and this is show throughout the cover as each character is relevant to the Hip Hop industry. This main image is framed with a dark background, which refers to their superiority and gives the artists within the cover a more appealing look.

The clothing and structure of the characters relate to the mood as it creates a very appealing look, and represents Hip Hop. This cover is realistic and contains mainly 3 colors blue, white and black. This is a very powerful effect as it does not look like too many colors and images have been squashed on the page. This one image suggests the genre and moral of the magazine. The title is appealing as it has a 3d effect in blue. There is a image of a hand holding a mike in the letter "O" of the title "SOURCE", this is a very effective method used as it contains a new, different look and represents the magazine is based around music. "The" in the title "The source" is rotated onto the side which gives "SOURCE" a better look. Above the title it contains the names of the main rappers on the cover, this is a useful method as it informs the reader about the various rappers. The font used for the straplines is effective as it is also in 3d "POWER 30" has been placed on the bottom left covering the characters, suggesting the content of the magazine. The font is very appealing, which attracts the readers interest to read the magazine.

The masthead "THE SOURCE" reflects the genre and target audience as it gives the feeling the magazine will contain useful, exciting information. The target audience for this magazine i feel is mainly teenagers or early 20s, as it is based on young rappers who are famous. These young rappers represent the target audience as advertises young talented individuals in success.

Analysing a magazine (2)

The genre for this magazine is 'Hip Hop', this is portrayed on the cover as there is an image of a famous american rapper known as 'The Game'. This cover uses mainly three colors , white, black and red. This is a positive aspect as it is clear and visible, easy to read for the reader. The main image represents Hip Hop and the style of the artist, and how he is dressed impacts the cover. For example the  baseball cap is worn back to front this represents the technique in which he dresses, which has more of a 'gangster', and 'bad boy' look. His facial expressions look very serious and angry this also adds to the aggressive 'gangster' look.

The whole concept and idea of the character with his hands tied up, gives it a more Hip Hop industry look. This image is created to portray the artist and his individual appeareance within the fans. Also the text on both sides the left and right is consistent, the titles is in bold with other information in smaller font underneath this is the style used to point out the main information this magazine will contain. The title XXL to the magazine represents how whatever this magazine will contain, will be huge and recognised. The masthead "THE GAME" conveys to the reader the importance and fame of the rapper who is a growing talent. The sub-heading beneath the main masthead "TROUBLESOME" is written in red with a black background, this is a good technique as it is visible. The artist on the cover is emphasisng a "gangster" look as he's facial expressions suggest aggression and anger alongside his hand's tied up.

The main issue the magazine will contain is represented on the cover, as it is the main, big news in the XXL magazine. The remaining content of the magazine is emphasised on both the left and right sides of the image, which is slightly blurred as, the main aim is about "The Game". This cover attracts the reader as "The Game" is a famous rapper, who is creating great records. This cover would make the reader want to read on to know what is happening within the Hip Hop industry, especially the Hip Hop fans who will be awaiting more new outstanding tracks. Mainly the target audience for this magazine would teenagers or early 20s as Hip Hop is usually "new trend" and liked a lot at the young age. However this does not mean entirely there would only be teenagers buying such magazines, as older people may also have interest in such a genre.

Analysing a magazine (1)

The music genre 'Hip hop' has been presented via a variety of methods within this magazine cover. The main image on this cover represents the different talented artists who are to be the 'upcoming generation' to continue Hip hop. This image is relevant to the genre because the image contains relevant people to the hip hop industry. This image covers up the whole  cover as it attracts attention and the interest of the reader. The  title and other information is overlapped over the image, this portrays the importance of the image. The title 'XXL' is smudged behind a character's face, this is a professional method used as it is a clever way i which the main image also overlap's the text. 

The use of mise-en-scene is very good as the characters are wearing relevant and appropriate clothes accordingly to the genre. The masthead XXL gives the impression of something Big, something huge. This title represents how and whatever information this Magazine contains, will have a big meaning and great importance. This title is only overlapped by the character because it is a short title XXL, which is easy readable yet it is overlapped. The concept behind these costumes for the characters is to emphasise a new look and style for a new generation. All the characters are mainly wearing black jackets and jeans which represents the characters altogether as a group. The effect of this costume represents more of a 'Bad Boy' look which is relevant to quick, high-beat hip hop music. The whole concept of the image brings a more gangster and rough feeling as the reader first looks at the image. Four main colors are used throughout the cover of the magazine, which are white, yellow, black and red. This is an appealing technique as there is consistency throughout the colors on the cover. Too many colors on one page can ruin the ordinary look of a magazine. The yellow and white text appeals over the black background, this suggests the suitable color combination and the way in which it has been structured and orientated.


This magazine is aimed to more youngsters and the teenagers, who are more likely to buy such a magazine. This is because it represents young talented artists who are singing within the hip hop genre, who seem to be a 'new generation' to success in the forthcoming years. This cover is representing the hip hop artists, and promoting a group for their upcoming album. The image has a more natural look, it has not been edited with a number of different effects, this gives the image a more realistic effect. Only one image is used, however it represents the whole subject and objective of the magazine. The main cover altogether is neither too dull nor too bright, this is a key factor as it suggests a more realistic perspective, and is clearly visible without straining the reader's eyes. The Kicker "10 FRESHMEN FOR 10" impacts the cover as it emphasises the message that is being conveyed across to the reader. This reflects to the objective as it represents their title portrays the image of the group. The characters are wearing black clothes with a white back background, this refers to the status of the characters and make them look more visible and clear. Limited amount of text on the cover, which is a positive aspect as too much information has not been placed on the cover which could make it look dull, boring and too much to read. Also the posture in which the characters within the image are standing/sitting represents the Hip Hop, Bad Boy style. Facial expressions, looking confident and relaxed, suggests the attitude within the group. The contrast between the yellow and white text appeals as it is clearly visible and relates to the content of the magazine. Some characters within the image are wearing baseball caps back to front, this portrays the style, mood and background of the group. 

Contents Page for preliminary task

Preliminary Task Complete