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Magazine Cover Layout
This is plan of my magazine front cover. It is a basic layout and may be altered during the construction of the real cover.Proposal
Media Magazine Proposal
In my music magazine the genre I will use is Rock. This is because in my research (questionnaires) I found it is one of the popular genres. With no demand there isn’t a reason to supply. Rock has a few sub genres as well which will help me fill text on some of the pages. From this you can tell my initial target audience is rock fans. As I didn’t specify an age in my questionnaires it would be hard to decide a target one. However I handed my questionnaires out around college so the age of the people who took them would be 16-19. As a result, this is the age or slightly younger is the range of my target audience. The gender of my target audience is hard to determine looking at my questionnaires. The majority of people who took the questionnaire were male so they probably had the biggest input in it. So overall the target audience of my magazine are males aged 15 to 19, interested in rock music. The target audience is a relevant factor in my magazine as it can affect the way it is laid out.
The front cover will have a consistent house style and follow an orange and red colour scheme. This was affected my audience research and was one of the more suitable, popular schemes. I also think it is a unique combination in the current world of music magazine colour schemes. This colour scheme shall be used throughout the magazine to make each page look like it’s out of the same magazine. The layout of the double spread will have equal amounts of text and images. The headlines and mastheads in my magazine will be in the font “Stencil” although I will use a different font for the articles so it is easier to read. On the other hand if I have to fit my magazine around my images this may change. The titles shall be in large fonts and the text in something like 11. However the colour of the text may change if it’s placed on an image background that makes the original difficult to read.
The language used in my magazine mustn’t be too technical for the readers to understand. Language needs to be used relevantly, so that text fits with the image next to it. Areas certain quotes are placed are key, so main ones should be highlighted in bold to attract the readers attention.
The images used will be aggressive with a bit of comedy to them. I think this suits the magazines genre and the specification of the front cover.
In my music magazine the genre I will use is Rock. This is because in my research (questionnaires) I found it is one of the popular genres. With no demand there isn’t a reason to supply. Rock has a few sub genres as well which will help me fill text on some of the pages. From this you can tell my initial target audience is rock fans. As I didn’t specify an age in my questionnaires it would be hard to decide a target one. However I handed my questionnaires out around college so the age of the people who took them would be 16-19. As a result, this is the age or slightly younger is the range of my target audience. The gender of my target audience is hard to determine looking at my questionnaires. The majority of people who took the questionnaire were male so they probably had the biggest input in it. So overall the target audience of my magazine are males aged 15 to 19, interested in rock music. The target audience is a relevant factor in my magazine as it can affect the way it is laid out.
The front cover will have a consistent house style and follow an orange and red colour scheme. This was affected my audience research and was one of the more suitable, popular schemes. I also think it is a unique combination in the current world of music magazine colour schemes. This colour scheme shall be used throughout the magazine to make each page look like it’s out of the same magazine. The layout of the double spread will have equal amounts of text and images. The headlines and mastheads in my magazine will be in the font “Stencil” although I will use a different font for the articles so it is easier to read. On the other hand if I have to fit my magazine around my images this may change. The titles shall be in large fonts and the text in something like 11. However the colour of the text may change if it’s placed on an image background that makes the original difficult to read.
The language used in my magazine mustn’t be too technical for the readers to understand. Language needs to be used relevantly, so that text fits with the image next to it. Areas certain quotes are placed are key, so main ones should be highlighted in bold to attract the readers attention.
The images used will be aggressive with a bit of comedy to them. I think this suits the magazines genre and the specification of the front cover.
Questionnaire Analysis
15 people participated in this questionairre.
1 Gender:
Male: 10
Female: 5
The first pie chart indicates that more males took the questionnaires in comparison to females.
(People may have chose more than one genre in this question)
2 What genres of music do you like?
Indie: 6
Other: 2
Classic: 3
Goth: 1
Rock: 9
The second pie chart shows me that I should create either an indie or rock magazine because they’re the most popular. This also shows me that if I wanted to incorporate other types of music I shouldn’t use the ones that aren’t as popular.
3 Would you prefer your magazine presented wih:
More text: 0
More images: 4
Equal amount of images and text: 11
This graph shows what people would pay for a reasonably good standard music magazine. The majority said they would pay up to £2.50. This could allow me to add a price to my magazine cover to fill some space.
8 Do you prefer magazines to be associated with a:
Logo: 6
Title: 9
Magazines and products are always associated with a specific logo or type face e.g. Nike is associated with a tick like symbol. By asking this question I can make magazine more memorable. The choice that was the most popular was a title. This means I should use a title over a logo or could incorporate both in my magazine.
(People may have chose more than one option in this question)
9 Which do you prefer?:
Articles: 5
Reviews: 10
Inside scoops: 3
Posters: 2
From the results of this question I can see that the main focus in my magazine should be music reviews.
1 Gender:
Male: 10
Female: 5
The first pie chart indicates that more males took the questionnaires in comparison to females.
(People may have chose more than one genre in this question)
2 What genres of music do you like?
Indie: 6
Other: 2
Classic: 3
Goth: 1
Rock: 9
The second pie chart shows me that I should create either an indie or rock magazine because they’re the most popular. This also shows me that if I wanted to incorporate other types of music I shouldn’t use the ones that aren’t as popular.3 Would you prefer your magazine presented wih:
More text: 0
More images: 4
Equal amount of images and text: 11
The third pie chart was used so that it would make it easier to design the layout of inside the magazine. Overall out of people who took the questionnaire the majority wanted equal quantity of images and text.
4 What colour scheme would you like?:
Red & White : 3
Black & Blue : 6
Yellow & Purple : 1
Green & Black : 2
Purple & Black : 1
Black & Pink : 1
Blue & White : 1
Black & Gold : 1
This slightly helped me choose a colour scheme by seeing what popular ones were. Although due to so many different chose colour schemes it is harder to narrow just one down.
5 Would you prefer your magazine?:
Weekly: 7
Monthly: 8
Yearly: 0
This shows that the magazine should be released regularly, due to supply and demand.
(People may have chose more than one free thing in this question)
6 Would you want anything free with your magazine?
CD's: 10
Coupons: 2
Gig tickets: 8
My real magazine wouldn’t be able to offer free things but it is interesting to see what sort of things draw in more magazine customers. Most people selected CD’s out of the possible three options.
7 How much would you pay for the magazine?:
£0: 1
£1.00: 3
£2.50: 8
£3.00: 3
This graph shows what people would pay for a reasonably good standard music magazine. The majority said they would pay up to £2.50. This could allow me to add a price to my magazine cover to fill some space.8 Do you prefer magazines to be associated with a:
Logo: 6
Title: 9
Magazines and products are always associated with a specific logo or type face e.g. Nike is associated with a tick like symbol. By asking this question I can make magazine more memorable. The choice that was the most popular was a title. This means I should use a title over a logo or could incorporate both in my magazine.(People may have chose more than one option in this question)
9 Which do you prefer?:
Articles: 5
Reviews: 10
Inside scoops: 3
Posters: 2
From the results of this question I can see that the main focus in my magazine should be music reviews.
Questionnaire
Questionnaire
1. Gender:
Male□ Female□
2. What genres of music do you like?
Rock□ Goth□ Classic□ Indie□
3. Would you prefer your magazine presented with:
More text □ More Images□ Equal amount of Images and text□
4. What colour scheme would you like:
Red & White□ Black &Blue□ Yellow & Purple□ Green &Black□ Other:………
5. Would you prefer to buy your music magazine:
Weekly□ Monthly□ Yearly□
6. Would you like anything free with your magazine such as:
CD’s□ Coupons□ Gig tickets□
7. How much do you want to pay for the magazine:
Free(don’t pick this because it won’t happen any way) □ £1□ £2.50□ £3.00□
8. Do you prefer magazines to be associated with:
A title□ A logo□
9. Which do you prefer:
Articles□ Reviews□ Inside scoops□ Posters□
1. Gender:
Male□ Female□
2. What genres of music do you like?
Rock□ Goth□ Classic□ Indie□
3. Would you prefer your magazine presented with:
More text □ More Images□ Equal amount of Images and text□
4. What colour scheme would you like:
Red & White□ Black &Blue□ Yellow & Purple□ Green &Black□ Other:………
5. Would you prefer to buy your music magazine:
Weekly□ Monthly□ Yearly□
6. Would you like anything free with your magazine such as:
CD’s□ Coupons□ Gig tickets□
7. How much do you want to pay for the magazine:
Free(don’t pick this because it won’t happen any way) □ £1□ £2.50□ £3.00□
8. Do you prefer magazines to be associated with:
A title□ A logo□
9. Which do you prefer:
Articles□ Reviews□ Inside scoops□ Posters□
Contents Page Analysis
This contents page seems average. I think it is good how the images relating to the pages listed are positioned around the list of pages. If you place the page landscape then you could say that it is balanced by colour. However, with it placed portrait I think it seems unbalanced.
All the images used seem central and don’t fit in with where they’re placed. The text is in red and black and don’t with each other. This also seems to be the colour scheme but it isn’t very obvious. This means it may not fit in with the rest of the magazine.
All the images used seem central and don’t fit in with where they’re placed. The text is in red and black and don’t with each other. This also seems to be the colour scheme but it isn’t very obvious. This means it may not fit in with the rest of the magazine.
Double Page Analysis
I think the initial layout of the double spread is very good. By that I mean the way that one side is filled with text and the other with an image. The layouts of the pages are informally balanced by colour as well. One half is white and the other black, this allows the pages contrast and stand out more. Similar magazines sometimes place the image in the middle and text around the outside.
The image on the right page follows a number of principles. It meets the principle of thirds as shown on it. The points of interest on the diagram cross the eyes of the band in the image. The diagram, the Guttenberg version doesn’t necessarily apply to the image but is vaguely used on the text page. In the primary optical area is an image and title for the article underneath. The readers eye would than follow through the article; however there is nothing in the terminal area. The denotation of the image is the two page spread is about a band. The connotation of the image is that the band is rebellious. This point can be developed from the way the band is casually hanging around an abandoned truck. This image is positioned like a cover could be.
Also in the article section the main quote that interests readers is always in a bigger different colour font to stand out. The magazine makers highlight the best quote to interest the reader into that article a lot like a masthead and cover lines on a front cover. Also on the text side is a mini article on the left hand side most likely just to fill space.
The Depth of field is used very effectively in this image. Each band member stands at different lengths from the camera to give an effect on the image. For example, one is very near and crouched down and another is far away standing next to the truck.
The image on the right page follows a number of principles. It meets the principle of thirds as shown on it. The points of interest on the diagram cross the eyes of the band in the image. The diagram, the Guttenberg version doesn’t necessarily apply to the image but is vaguely used on the text page. In the primary optical area is an image and title for the article underneath. The readers eye would than follow through the article; however there is nothing in the terminal area. The denotation of the image is the two page spread is about a band. The connotation of the image is that the band is rebellious. This point can be developed from the way the band is casually hanging around an abandoned truck. This image is positioned like a cover could be.
Also in the article section the main quote that interests readers is always in a bigger different colour font to stand out. The magazine makers highlight the best quote to interest the reader into that article a lot like a masthead and cover lines on a front cover. Also on the text side is a mini article on the left hand side most likely just to fill space.
The Depth of field is used very effectively in this image. Each band member stands at different lengths from the camera to give an effect on the image. For example, one is very near and crouched down and another is far away standing next to the truck.
Front Cover Essay
The magazine “Classic Rock” has a target demographic same as all other magazines. In this case with it being a niche magazine its audience is narrower and more specific, so it has to attract a maximum amount of readers from a minimum audience. Normally, with these types of niche magazines, they are purchased through subscription. With “Classic Rock” the audience it targets would be music fans, especially rock music fans. The creators of the magazine aim at its specific demographic using a combination of different theories (e.g. The Guttenberg Diagram) and conventional aspects (Positioning of the masthead).
The target demographic for this magazine would probably be middle age men. The “Classic” part in the masthead suggests the age and the rock music side of it suggests it is a male although there are always some exceptions. By knowing this it is easier to analyze how the cover targets that demographic.
The denotations of the cover are that the magazine is full of the latest information about rock bands or members, mentioned numerous times in the cover lines. This matches the interests of the target audience.
The connotations of the magazine vary. The type face relates to the masthead in that it is classic rather than a modern, difficult to read, writing style like other music magazines have. The framing of the image and text is formally balanced vertically. This could imply balanced views given inside the magazine as well as a good cover image. These types of balanced, framed images are commonly used on covers rather than inside because cover lines can be added around making them look better. Other connotations include the colour scheme, clearly aimed at people interested in rock music, using black, gold and white. These colours contrast, standing out to people walking past in the shops and also relate to classic music records. Technical effects that could have been used would be on the background of the image or the person in the image. Most magazine designers now modify the models on their cover to look better for who they’re targeting to read their magazine. For example a magazine with a featured article for better skin isn’t likely to put a spotty person on the cover.
The first theory that has been used in this cover is the principle of thirds. For the parts that the main image doesn’t feature in the cover, the principle of thirds is used as a frame for cover lines.
Another theory used is the Guttenberg diagram. Positioned in the primary optical area is an offer for a free CD. This means the first thing the reader will see is the word free, attracting a larger audience who might not be interested in the magazine itself and just the free thing. Positioned in the terminal area is the price and barcode. This could work two ways. If it is a cheap magazine then the reader will see that last and could improve the chances of them buying it. On the other hand if the magazine was expensive, then with it being the last thing the reader looked at it would decrease the chance of them purchasing it. However, because this is a niche magazine, the purchaser would most likely be subscribed to it rather than visiting the shop, and therefore already knowing the price.
Other factors on the cover that draw the audience to that magazine are the wording. The word “free” was mentioned on this magazine earlier. Another word used in one of the cover lines is “exclusive”. Various magazines use this in their cover lines to make their stories and articles sound unique to readers to interest them. The word “vote” is also positioned bottom left of the title. The word vote makes readers think they can have their opinions viewed in the magazine. “New” makes the magazine articles sound up to date and full of the latest information to the reader. These numerous words attract a bigger audience some of which aren’t in the target demographic just from certain words or sentences.
The final thing is the image. The image is a formally balanced picture of a guitarist. However the image contrasts well with the background giving a good effect. The connotations of the image are that the guitarist is in control of the guitar and his surroundings. Also the masthead is positioned behind the image so it has to be recognizable. The unusual factor of where the masthead is placed is that it’s not in the left third, so it more difficult to find in a shop.
To conclude, the magazine initially narrows down an audience, researches its interests and then creates the magazine. This applies more for a niche magazine. A mainstream audience instead finds a more common popular subject and therefore doesn’t have to make its audience as specific.
The target demographic for this magazine would probably be middle age men. The “Classic” part in the masthead suggests the age and the rock music side of it suggests it is a male although there are always some exceptions. By knowing this it is easier to analyze how the cover targets that demographic.
The denotations of the cover are that the magazine is full of the latest information about rock bands or members, mentioned numerous times in the cover lines. This matches the interests of the target audience.
The connotations of the magazine vary. The type face relates to the masthead in that it is classic rather than a modern, difficult to read, writing style like other music magazines have. The framing of the image and text is formally balanced vertically. This could imply balanced views given inside the magazine as well as a good cover image. These types of balanced, framed images are commonly used on covers rather than inside because cover lines can be added around making them look better. Other connotations include the colour scheme, clearly aimed at people interested in rock music, using black, gold and white. These colours contrast, standing out to people walking past in the shops and also relate to classic music records. Technical effects that could have been used would be on the background of the image or the person in the image. Most magazine designers now modify the models on their cover to look better for who they’re targeting to read their magazine. For example a magazine with a featured article for better skin isn’t likely to put a spotty person on the cover.
The first theory that has been used in this cover is the principle of thirds. For the parts that the main image doesn’t feature in the cover, the principle of thirds is used as a frame for cover lines.
Another theory used is the Guttenberg diagram. Positioned in the primary optical area is an offer for a free CD. This means the first thing the reader will see is the word free, attracting a larger audience who might not be interested in the magazine itself and just the free thing. Positioned in the terminal area is the price and barcode. This could work two ways. If it is a cheap magazine then the reader will see that last and could improve the chances of them buying it. On the other hand if the magazine was expensive, then with it being the last thing the reader looked at it would decrease the chance of them purchasing it. However, because this is a niche magazine, the purchaser would most likely be subscribed to it rather than visiting the shop, and therefore already knowing the price.
Other factors on the cover that draw the audience to that magazine are the wording. The word “free” was mentioned on this magazine earlier. Another word used in one of the cover lines is “exclusive”. Various magazines use this in their cover lines to make their stories and articles sound unique to readers to interest them. The word “vote” is also positioned bottom left of the title. The word vote makes readers think they can have their opinions viewed in the magazine. “New” makes the magazine articles sound up to date and full of the latest information to the reader. These numerous words attract a bigger audience some of which aren’t in the target demographic just from certain words or sentences.
The final thing is the image. The image is a formally balanced picture of a guitarist. However the image contrasts well with the background giving a good effect. The connotations of the image are that the guitarist is in control of the guitar and his surroundings. Also the masthead is positioned behind the image so it has to be recognizable. The unusual factor of where the masthead is placed is that it’s not in the left third, so it more difficult to find in a shop.
To conclude, the magazine initially narrows down an audience, researches its interests and then creates the magazine. This applies more for a niche magazine. A mainstream audience instead finds a more common popular subject and therefore doesn’t have to make its audience as specific.
Ancillary Project
Front Cover:
Contents Page:
Contents Page:
This was my ancillary project. Although it wasn't graded it allowed me to get used to photoshop and create my own magazine cover and contents page. It allowed me to see how my magazine and others target specific demographics.
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