Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Full Magazine Analysis- NME
As part of my research for my own music magazine, I have also decided to analyse a whole magazine. The main focal point of the front cover is an image of the main member of the band, Arctic Monkeys. I think that this is because it is located in the centre and the first thing that stands out to an audience. The fact that they have included an exclusive article with the Arctic Monkeys itself is effective in attracting their target audience, as they are a very well known band and are often seen as iconic figures. Their code of dress includes casual clothing, such as shirts, jeans, tshirts etc., and I think this is something that an audience can relate to as they have dressed quite commonly; nothing out of the ordinary or seemingly expensive. This adds to their image and makes them appear to be 'normal' people, despite the fact that they are famous. The majority of the band also appear to have longer hair. This is stereotypical of an 'indie music' image, and suggests to us that the main target audience would be young adults, mostly male, based on who the target audience for the arctic monkeys would be.
Their code of gesture is them standing with their hands behind their back. I think this shows importance. This consequently relates to a quote taken from the article, located beneath the image. 'We can't worry about what other people think.' My interpretation of this is that people may have different opinions of them as a band but at the end of the day, they enjoy doing what they do, and make millions out of doing so. Therefore they cannot afford to let what other people say effect them. Having a quote from an article on the front cover is very typical of magazines, and I will take this into consideration when creating my own music magazine. It is often that a quote will be taken that makes the reader curious as to what the overall article is about; they are then left to make their own interpretations of the band as I did previously. Focusing back onto their code of gesture, another suggestion for them having their hands behind their back may be so that the attention is not drawn back to their hands. By having them behind their backs, the attention automatically goes onto the face. Their code of expression is curious, inviting and somewhat hypnotising. The main persons eyes are open wide and making straight eye contact with the reader, therefore drawing you in.
Lighting has been used effectively on the cover, shining mainly onto the arctic monkeys, and casting shadows around the edges. This not only focuses the attention onto them, but also adds a mysterious theme, aswell as relating back to their gaze; hypnotising and inviting, encouraging an audience to read the magazine. The main colour schemes for the magazine is a neon orange and white, with the exception of the red 'NME' logo. Because NME has a good reputation as a music magazine, it increases the credibility and makes it more appealing and reliable to an audience. They are familiar with it and know that it is more than likely going to be a good issue, therefore reading the magazine. This also increases the popularity. We can therefore see, after analysing the magazine that having a constant logo used throughout, is very effective. I will also take this into consideration when creating my own. The colour scheme has also been used effectively, as there are no bold contrasts and it really stands out. The font throughout the magazine is bold and large, making it easy to read. Located at the bottom and top of the magazine also, are things that the magazine includes, such as articles, bands etc.
The contents page's main heading reads: 'NME THIS WEEK.' This tells a reader that its is a weekly issue, therefore suggesting that the magazine itself is popular and sells quite well. 'NME' is in a red, bold font, which is typical for their magazine as they are persistent with this in all of their issues. This makes a reader familiar with them and their credibility increases. The main colour schemes are green, white and black. The colour green symbolises envy/ jealousy. This relates to the audience as they wish that they would have been there and experienced what the magazine is advertising; 'ALBUMS OF 2009 IN THE STUDIO.' This immediately tells an audience what the main article is about in that issue. I think the main focal point of the image is the text reading 'IN THE STUDIO.' I think this is because they have used alternating different shades of green for each letter. This is bold and stands out straight away, drawing a reader in. There are no bold colour contrasts, I feel that the green, white and black all compliment eachother effectively and makes the overall contents page look more attractive. The contents page includes alot of information, located all over the page; there appears to be no bare spaces. This is typical of 'NME Magazine' as opposed to a more simply and classy magazine, depending on the genre of music the magazine advertises. Beneath the images reads 'Everything you need to hear this year.' This is not only printed in a large, bold font, but also sticks in a readers mind as it rhymes. Down the left hand side, they have included 'Band Index.' This makes it easier for a reader to find what they are looking for or the bands they are interested in reading about. Overall, it seems that the aim of a contents page is to provide enough information to interest a reader and make them want to turn the page. The more they include in their issue, the more exclusive it is to an audience. I will take this into consideration when creating my own contents page for my music magazine.
As for the double page spread, I can see that the main focal point of the spread is the image of ‘Beth Ditto’ located on the page on the left. Her code of expression is blank and distant; her code of gesture showing her head tilted slightly to the right with her hand on her head. I think this has the effect of a natural and candid image, opposed to a staged one. Her code of dress is mainly black clothing from what we can see, she is also wearing black eye make-up, has black hair and is wearing a dark shade lipstick. I don’t personally know who Beth Ditto is, but already just by looking at her image, I am able to assume that she fits perfectly into a ‘gothic-tragic-rebellious’ stereotype. In some ways this can reflect the genre of music that she is involved in, or the area of music that NME magazine covers. On the left of this image, it reads 'AM I RESPECTABLE NOW? I got drunk and simultaneously puked and pissed my own pants recently.' I personally think this is a very interesting quote, and definately supports her rebellious image. By asking a question, she is drawing a reader in, allowing them to intepret her story in their own ways. This text looks as though it has been drawn with crayon, making it personal to 'Beth Ditto' and I think, also expresses her personality. The font is a deep shade of pinking, matching her lipstick, as well as text on the other page. This has been done to avoid any bold colour contrasts and to ensure that all the colours compliment eachother. On the other page, the text has been set out into three columns; this makes it easier for an audience to read. Also, in amongst this text is a quote printed larger than the rest and in a different colour, reading: 'MY FRIENDS SAID I'D REGRET SOME OF THE STUFF I DID. I DON'T.' This is one of the first things a reader notices, and makes them curious as to what she is talking about.
Throughout the whole magazine, I noticed the advertising of bands/gig dates. This is very helpful for a reader as it informs them when their favourite bands are performing. There is an ad for hmv; this is a well known, popular music store- somewhere you can buy the music you love listening to. These have all been included deliberately to appeal to the target audience and keep them interested.
Their code of gesture is them standing with their hands behind their back. I think this shows importance. This consequently relates to a quote taken from the article, located beneath the image. 'We can't worry about what other people think.' My interpretation of this is that people may have different opinions of them as a band but at the end of the day, they enjoy doing what they do, and make millions out of doing so. Therefore they cannot afford to let what other people say effect them. Having a quote from an article on the front cover is very typical of magazines, and I will take this into consideration when creating my own music magazine. It is often that a quote will be taken that makes the reader curious as to what the overall article is about; they are then left to make their own interpretations of the band as I did previously. Focusing back onto their code of gesture, another suggestion for them having their hands behind their back may be so that the attention is not drawn back to their hands. By having them behind their backs, the attention automatically goes onto the face. Their code of expression is curious, inviting and somewhat hypnotising. The main persons eyes are open wide and making straight eye contact with the reader, therefore drawing you in.
Lighting has been used effectively on the cover, shining mainly onto the arctic monkeys, and casting shadows around the edges. This not only focuses the attention onto them, but also adds a mysterious theme, aswell as relating back to their gaze; hypnotising and inviting, encouraging an audience to read the magazine. The main colour schemes for the magazine is a neon orange and white, with the exception of the red 'NME' logo. Because NME has a good reputation as a music magazine, it increases the credibility and makes it more appealing and reliable to an audience. They are familiar with it and know that it is more than likely going to be a good issue, therefore reading the magazine. This also increases the popularity. We can therefore see, after analysing the magazine that having a constant logo used throughout, is very effective. I will also take this into consideration when creating my own. The colour scheme has also been used effectively, as there are no bold contrasts and it really stands out. The font throughout the magazine is bold and large, making it easy to read. Located at the bottom and top of the magazine also, are things that the magazine includes, such as articles, bands etc.
The contents page's main heading reads: 'NME THIS WEEK.' This tells a reader that its is a weekly issue, therefore suggesting that the magazine itself is popular and sells quite well. 'NME' is in a red, bold font, which is typical for their magazine as they are persistent with this in all of their issues. This makes a reader familiar with them and their credibility increases. The main colour schemes are green, white and black. The colour green symbolises envy/ jealousy. This relates to the audience as they wish that they would have been there and experienced what the magazine is advertising; 'ALBUMS OF 2009 IN THE STUDIO.' This immediately tells an audience what the main article is about in that issue. I think the main focal point of the image is the text reading 'IN THE STUDIO.' I think this is because they have used alternating different shades of green for each letter. This is bold and stands out straight away, drawing a reader in. There are no bold colour contrasts, I feel that the green, white and black all compliment eachother effectively and makes the overall contents page look more attractive. The contents page includes alot of information, located all over the page; there appears to be no bare spaces. This is typical of 'NME Magazine' as opposed to a more simply and classy magazine, depending on the genre of music the magazine advertises. Beneath the images reads 'Everything you need to hear this year.' This is not only printed in a large, bold font, but also sticks in a readers mind as it rhymes. Down the left hand side, they have included 'Band Index.' This makes it easier for a reader to find what they are looking for or the bands they are interested in reading about. Overall, it seems that the aim of a contents page is to provide enough information to interest a reader and make them want to turn the page. The more they include in their issue, the more exclusive it is to an audience. I will take this into consideration when creating my own contents page for my music magazine.
As for the double page spread, I can see that the main focal point of the spread is the image of ‘Beth Ditto’ located on the page on the left. Her code of expression is blank and distant; her code of gesture showing her head tilted slightly to the right with her hand on her head. I think this has the effect of a natural and candid image, opposed to a staged one. Her code of dress is mainly black clothing from what we can see, she is also wearing black eye make-up, has black hair and is wearing a dark shade lipstick. I don’t personally know who Beth Ditto is, but already just by looking at her image, I am able to assume that she fits perfectly into a ‘gothic-tragic-rebellious’ stereotype. In some ways this can reflect the genre of music that she is involved in, or the area of music that NME magazine covers. On the left of this image, it reads 'AM I RESPECTABLE NOW? I got drunk and simultaneously puked and pissed my own pants recently.' I personally think this is a very interesting quote, and definately supports her rebellious image. By asking a question, she is drawing a reader in, allowing them to intepret her story in their own ways. This text looks as though it has been drawn with crayon, making it personal to 'Beth Ditto' and I think, also expresses her personality. The font is a deep shade of pinking, matching her lipstick, as well as text on the other page. This has been done to avoid any bold colour contrasts and to ensure that all the colours compliment eachother. On the other page, the text has been set out into three columns; this makes it easier for an audience to read. Also, in amongst this text is a quote printed larger than the rest and in a different colour, reading: 'MY FRIENDS SAID I'D REGRET SOME OF THE STUFF I DID. I DON'T.' This is one of the first things a reader notices, and makes them curious as to what she is talking about.
Throughout the whole magazine, I noticed the advertising of bands/gig dates. This is very helpful for a reader as it informs them when their favourite bands are performing. There is an ad for hmv; this is a well known, popular music store- somewhere you can buy the music you love listening to. These have all been included deliberately to appeal to the target audience and keep them interested.
Overview of Industry.
'Inside ipcmedia.com
IPC Media's 'Mates and Girlfriends'
A new look at the UK's young men
IPC Media has commissioned “MAGs”,
a new research study exploring the behaviours, attitudes and aspirations of young men (aged 19-29 with no kids).
The project brings to light surprising and unexpected aspects of the modern male psyche, dispelling generalisations of one-dimensional, lager swilling 'lads' with little on the brain.
Find out more here:
http://bit.ly/aohvNn
What would you like to do?
Know more about us
Buy our magazinesAdvertise with us
Work for us
IPC Media produces over 60 iconic media brands, with print alone reaching almost two thirds of UK women and 42% of UK men – almost 26 million UK adults – while our websites collectively reach over 20 million users every month.
IPC's diverse print and digital portfolio offers something for everyone, with a focus on three core audiences: men, mass market women and upmarket women.
Our men's portfolio (IPC Inspire) comprises a wealth of leisure brands including Country Life, Horse & Hound, Rugby World and Decanter, as well as lifestyle brands including Nuts, Mousebreaker and NME.
Our mass market women's division (IPC Connect) comprises famous women's weeklies including Look, Now, Chat and Woman; TV entertainment brands including What's on TV, TVTimes and TV & Satellite Week and, online, the goodtoknow network.
Our upmarket women's division (IPC Southbank) comprises luxury fashion brands including Marie Claire and InStyle, lifestyle brands including woman&home and essentials and home interest brands including Ideal Home, Livingetc and housetohome.'
(taken from www.ipcmedia.com)
From my own knowledege and other class work, I am aware that IPC is the second biggest publisher in the UK, however it is overall owned by a US company. It also has 20% of the market share, making it a very successful company to work with.
IPC Media's 'Mates and Girlfriends'
A new look at the UK's young men
IPC Media has commissioned “MAGs”,
a new research study exploring the behaviours, attitudes and aspirations of young men (aged 19-29 with no kids).
The project brings to light surprising and unexpected aspects of the modern male psyche, dispelling generalisations of one-dimensional, lager swilling 'lads' with little on the brain.
Find out more here:
http://bit.ly/aohvNn
What would you like to do?
Know more about us
Buy our magazinesAdvertise with us
Work for us
IPC Media produces over 60 iconic media brands, with print alone reaching almost two thirds of UK women and 42% of UK men – almost 26 million UK adults – while our websites collectively reach over 20 million users every month.
IPC's diverse print and digital portfolio offers something for everyone, with a focus on three core audiences: men, mass market women and upmarket women.
Our men's portfolio (IPC Inspire) comprises a wealth of leisure brands including Country Life, Horse & Hound, Rugby World and Decanter, as well as lifestyle brands including Nuts, Mousebreaker and NME.
Our mass market women's division (IPC Connect) comprises famous women's weeklies including Look, Now, Chat and Woman; TV entertainment brands including What's on TV, TVTimes and TV & Satellite Week and, online, the goodtoknow network.
Our upmarket women's division (IPC Southbank) comprises luxury fashion brands including Marie Claire and InStyle, lifestyle brands including woman&home and essentials and home interest brands including Ideal Home, Livingetc and housetohome.'
(taken from www.ipcmedia.com)
From my own knowledege and other class work, I am aware that IPC is the second biggest publisher in the UK, however it is overall owned by a US company. It also has 20% of the market share, making it a very successful company to work with.
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Breakdown of casr, props, setting for photoshoot/magazine
I plan to shoot my images on a blank/ white background, for instance just a plain wall; this ensures that there are no distractions behind my model in the image. I will use my model, Mercedes Bullman, who I feel is very photogenic and will produce an effective outcome. I wanted to use someone who would meet the characteristics of an ideal audience/reader for my magazine. I have researched the fashion sense that was popular in the 1980's, and will experiment with different outfits to make it look realistic.
Analysis of Existing Double Page Spread
This double page spread was taken from NME magazine, February 2011. I’ve chosen to analyse this one in particular as I am aware that NME is a very popular and well known magazine- therefore exploring it’s features and layout may help me to ensure that my own looks realistic and effective; and also have the potential to be as successful as NME. Straightaway, I can see that the main focal point of the spread is the image of ‘Beth Ditto’ located on the page on the left. Her code of expression is blank and distant; her code of gesture showing her head tilted slightly to the right with her hand on her head. I think this has the effect of a natural and candid image, opposed to a staged one. Her code of dress is mainly black clothing from what we can see, she is also wearing black eye make-up, has black hair and is wearing a dark shade lipstick. I don’t personally know who Beth Ditto is, but already just by looking at her image, I am able to assume that she fits perfectly into a ‘gothic-tragic-rebellious’ stereotype. In some ways this can reflect the genre of music that she is involved in, or the area of music that NME magazine covers. On the left of this image, it reads 'AM I RESPECTABLE NOW? I got drunk and simultaneously puked and pissed my own pants recently.' I personally think this is a very interesting quote, and definately supports her rebellious image. By asking a question, she is drawing a reader in, allowing them to intepret her story in their own ways. This text looks as though it has been drawn with crayon, making it personal to 'Beth Ditto' and I think, also expresses her personality. The font is a deep shade of pinking, matching her lipstick, as well as text on the other page. This has been done to avoid any bold colour contrasts and to ensure that all the colours compliment eachother. On the other page, the text has been set out into three columns; this makes it easier for an audience to read. Also, in amongst this text is a quote printed larger than the rest and in a different colour, reading: 'MY FRIENDS SAID I'D REGRET SOME OF THE STUFF I DID. I DON'T.' This is one of the first things a reader notices, and makes them curious as to what she is talking about. This double page spread also includes featues such as gutters, pull quotes and drop caps, which are typical of magazine articles- I will take this into consideration when creating my own music magazine.
Saturday, 2 April 2011
Original/ Alternative Photos
I experimented with several camera shots and eighties-themed outfits in an effort to make my outcome realistic and to ensure that I was happy with the fihished products.
Friday, 1 April 2011
Analysis of existing Music Magazine Double Page Spread
This double page spread is taken from 'NME' Magazine. The main focal point of the image is the large photograph of Lily Allen located on the right, besides the text. Her code of dress is a red checked shirt which could reflect the genre of the magazine. Her code of gesture is her with her hands on her hips. Her code of expression is her with a neutral, serious look. This combined, suggests that she has an attitude. Stereotypically, a reader of NME Magazine/ a fan of that particular genre of music could relate to this and have a similar personality in that they are rebellious. She is looking directly at the camera, drawing an audience in. I think an important feature of the double page spread is the text. They have used capital letters in amongst lower case at random. I think this has the effect of newspaper text, and could be symbolic in that stereotypically, teenagers/ young adults like and prefer to be unique.
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