Mind Map

I have created a mind-map in order to display each of my inital ideas, and decide from here about the content that I will put into my final magazine. I have included aspects such as the planning of my photographs, the content of my magazine, ideas on colour, and options for my magazine title.

Target Audience

The target audience for my music magazine is both males and females from a wide age-group of around fifteen year olds to twenty-five year olds. However, in order for me to attract this target audience, there are various different things that I need to take into consideration.

A target audience is a specific group of people set by an institution, consisting of people they aim to attract into buying their product. Some institutions aim to target a wide audience, whereas others target a niche group. Ultimately, any media text must include a range of different aspects that relate to this target audience, and must therefore take into consideration areas such as sex, gender, ethnicity and social groups.

My magazine must include content relevant to all of these ages. For example, if my magazine were to include content in relation to bands from the 1980's, the main target audience for my magazine would be those interested in this particular era of music, and possibly readers aged twenty to forty. Therefore, to attract an age group of fifteen to twenty-five, the bands within my magazine must be largely bands from the late 80's and onwards. As my magazine will be targeting both males and females, it needs to include content that interests both genders. This can be displayed through simple aspects such as the colour scheme, or aspects of content. For example, if the main colour scheme was pink, this would suggest that my magazine was designed for a female audience, and similarly if all content related to football, it would suggest that my magazine was designed for males.

Therefore, my magazine must include a unisex colour scheme and a wide range of articles relevant to both males and females. It is possible that my magazine will be slightly more female-orientated than male, however it will still include male-based aspects. Additionally, as my magazine genre is pop/rock, my magazine will attract those interested in this particular type of music, and all artists and content must also relate to this genre; possibly including stereotypes and ideology to create familiarity within the readers.

Analysis of a Music Magazine Contents Page #3

This is a contents page taken from an issue of Kerrang magazine. The layout is very conventional in terms of music magazine content page’s. For example, the title of the page is displayed at the very top, making it the first thing recognised about the page. Though all text and images upon the page are displayed against a plain white background, the title is written against a black background. This is possibly because the title is written in yellow, and is therefore clearer and easier to read against black, but also because the colour theme of the Kerrang magazine is black, yellow and white, and therefore having the colours set out in this way continues the themes from the cover throughout the magazine. All items of content and their page numbers are then displayed in a list down the right-hand side of the page. Here, the list is split into several different sections, each with a headline. These headlines are set out in a similar way to the main title of the page, with a black background and yellow writing, however they are much smaller than the page title. Unlike NME and Q magazine, the items of content listed do not have descriptions; only their titles are displayed. Their corresponding page numbers are emboldened to ensure they stand out further.

Additionally, within the top, left-hand corner of the page is an image of the magazine editor. There is then a short paragraph in which she summarises this particular issue of Kerrang and its contents. Towards the right of this paragraph, but beneath the main title, is a short quote taken from a member of the band Anti-flag. As in NME, the bottom right-hand corner is taken up by a promotional offer, attracting readers into subscribing to the Kerrang magazine. This uses the colour red, which isn’t used anywhere else upon the page, making it stand out amongst all of the other aspects.

Furthermore, the rest of the page is taken up by a collage of images, each relating to an aspect of content within the magazine. They each have their corresponding page numbers written either below or across the image, however this time they also have a short description. There are also graphics used, such as the ‘explosion’ at the bottom of the page that contains text. This makes it stand out more than it would if it were simply written upon the page. Conventionally, the date of publishing and the institution website is displayed in small font beneath the page title.

Analysis of a Music Magazine Contents Page #2

Here is a contents page taken from NME magazine. This particular contents page is quite similar to that of 'Q' magazine previously analysed. The most dominant item of text upon this page is the title; this includes the magazine logo and in large, emboldened block text the word 'CONTENTS'. The date of publishing is also written here, however in smaller text. This title is written in a 'banner' format, with the background of the text being black. This style is similarly used for the headlines that are listed on the right-hand side of the page. Beneath each of these headlines are the page numbers which contain texts that correspond to the headlines. Each of these items are written in black text against a white background, ensuring they stand out and are easy to read. The page numbers are then written in red, so that, again, these stand out. The page titles are emboldened and written in capitals, situated above the short, intriguing descriptions of each of the pages. In contrast, a red banner is used at the bottom of the list, with red writing that states 'The UK'S no1 gig guide starts p67'; this catches the readers eye and then attracts them into locating the page and reading the article to receive more information.

In addition, towards the bottom of the content list, a promotional offer which attracts people into subscribing to the NME magazine is displayed. Not only does this feature the white, red and black colours of the magazines general colour scheme, it also contains yellow, which isn't used elsewhere upon the page. This makes the promotion stand out more than any other aspect, and therefore may attract more readers into subscribing to the magazine. The colour yellow is also seen as a bright, happy colour, and therefore creates a positive attitude towards the promotion.
Taking up a large proportion of the page, possibly half, is a section which contains a summary of the issue and an image that relates towards the theme. This particular issue is the 'touring special', and therefore, within the image, popular singer 'Little Boots' is seen posing in front of her tour bus. The paragraph then explains to the reader the importance of winter gigs and tours to the British, and reveals a list of articles, all featuring well-known artists, that relate to touring, also with reference to their page numbers.

Analysis of a Music Magazine Contents Page #1

This is a contents page taken from Q magazine. The features of the magazine are listed down the left-hand side, beneath the red banner that states 'FEATURES'. Each of the page titles, their page numbers and a short description of each are then listed below; this description may attract the audience into reading each of these articles, and is therefore snappy and intriguing. The page titles are written in capitals, and in a larger font than the description below, making them stand out more. As this particular magazine is an Oasis special, beneath the features of the magazine is a section of page numbers and short descriptions in reference to articles based around the band. Towards the bottom of the page, again beneath a red banner, there are then the features that appear within the magazine monthly. On the right-hand side, taking up around a third of the page is an image of the band, 'The Courteeners'. The page number and description for this image are again displayed, but this time slightly overlapping the picture, rather than listed on the left. Additionally, beneath this photo there is a 'Q review' section, which also features a selling line 'The world's biggest and best music guide'. Here, the different types of reviews featured within the magazine and their pages numbers are listed. There is also another image, though this one is relatively small in comparison with the image of 'The Courteeners', which also has a page number and the name of the male featured within the photo. At the very top of the page, towards the right of the page title is the issue number, date of publishing and the Q website. Overall, the layout of this particular contents page is fairly simple.

Furthermore, the colour scheme of this contents page is kept similar to the colour scheme found upon the cover of a Q magazine, using reds, blacks and whites. These colours, particularly the reds and blacks, represent the 'rock' theme of the magazine, being fairly edgy colours, often represented with danger. The main items of text are written in black against a white background, creating a contrast which ensures they are clear and easy to read. The page numbers are then written in red, so that they stand out against the black writing of the description and page title.
The 'Q' logo is featured twice upon the contents page. This particular logo is recognisable, and is used simply to refer back to the institution of the magazine.

Analysis of a Music Magazine Double Page Spread #3

This particular double page spread displays an article about Beyonce's sister, Solange Knowles. Both text and images are distributed across both of the pages, yet the spread still remains relatively simple.

There are numerous images upon the spread, each of them photo's of the artist Solange, however only one these photos is in colour. This particular image is also the largest picture out of the eight. In each of the gray scale photos along the top of the spread, Solange appears to be dancing, enjoying herself, and therefore expressing her care-free personality. The main image is a full-length shot of the artist, shot from a low angle which makes her looks larger and therefore more powerful. She also has her hands on her hips, and his staring directly into the camera, therefore engaging with the audience whilst presenting herself as confident and self assured.

Moreover, her choice of outfit also expresses her playful personality. She is wearing a variety of colours, including purple shoes, a red dress with plenty of ruffles and a blue jacket, and it is therefore eye catching and unique. This is possibly due to the fact that Solange wishes to stand out above her sister, who currently takes most of the limelight within the media as one of the most famous female singers. This is further explained within the article description, where it states 'Forget about her sister'. Also within this article description, is states that Solange is 'outspoken', and her name is highlighted as it is written in a different colour to the rest of the text, again making her stand out.

Additionally, the article is displayed in a simple black font, presented in columns across both pages. Towards the right of the main image, a relatively large pull line is written in slightly larger, emboldened font, where a statement by Solange has been pulled from the article. This intrigues the audience and attracts them into reading the entire article to expand on the statement. All text and images are clear, as they stand out against the plain white background.

Analysis of a Music Magazine Double Page Spread #2

This particular double page spread features rapper Dizzee Rascal.
The whole first page is taken up by a large image of Dizzee, and a large proportion of the second page is taken up by the title of the article, 'FROM TAGS TO RICHES'. Both Tags and Riches are the key words within this title, as they are written in a slightly larger front, and therefore stand out. This title refers to the article, in which the story of how Dizzee Rascal become rich and famous is told. This particular phrase is usually recognisable to many people as 'From Rags to Riches', and is therefore familiar to the audience. The title also refers back to the image upon the left page of the spread.

This particular image presents Dizzee Rascal spraying graffiti upon a wall. As it is illegal to graffiti on any object of public property, he appears to be looking over his shoulder in order to ensure that nobody is watching him or, more importantly, that the police are not approaching him. Spraying an item of text upon any public object is often referred to as a 'Tag', which is one of the key words included within the title. Tagging is usually done by youths who often hang around the streets. As it is illegal, this image portrays Dizzee Rascal as a 'bad boy', presenting to the reader his rebellious and carefree attitude. The empty beer bottles and plastic cups upon the right-hand page of the spread also represent this, suggesting, along with the stereo, that he likes to party and therefore have a good time.
Furthermore, also within the image, Dizzee appears to be wearing a red jacket. The colour red is instantly associated with danger, further expanding on the point that his actions within the image are unlawful.

Stereotypically, an artist within the Rap/Hip-hop music genre are often associated with lots of expensive jewellery, baggy or over sized jeans, and often large coats. It seems that within this image, Dizzee fits this stereotype. We can see that his jeans are slightly over sized, he seems to be wearing rings upon his fingers, and he is also wearing what looks like an expensive leather jacket. As his outfit appears to be expensive, this links back to the 'Riches' part of the title.

Beneath the title, but in a much smaller font, there is a short description about the following article. This description uses attractive statements which cause the audience to read on. The actual article is then displayed in even smaller text. The black text stands out clearly upon the white background, and is therefore easy to read.

Analysis of a Music Magazine Double Page Spread #1

This double page spread is dedicated to the American band ‘All American Rejects’, as stated at the very top of page on the left. As in most typical double page spreads based upon a band or solo artist interview, this particular spread contains a main picture of the band, which takes up a large proportion of the two pages. The largest piece of text upon the two pages is the title, which contains words which are also lyrics from one of the bands songs. ‘Dirty Little Secrets’ suggests to the audience that the band will be revealing just that within their interviews; their deepest secrets. This is possibly why the ‘secrets’ part of the title stands out more than the other two words. It has been emboldened, written in a clearer, block font, and typed in red.

There are three dominant colours upon this particular spread; red, black and a pale lilac. Both of the red and the black are slightly edgy colours, and have possibly been used in relation to the bands rebellious attitudes. As stated within the description of the spread, the band may sound innocent, but as highlighted, ‘don’t be fooled.’ This is intriguing and attractive to an audience, as many fans of the band will be very interested in reading about the bands unknown secrets.

Moreover, it seems that Tyson is the most important member of the band. This is evident from various aspects upon the spread. Instead of stating within the description beneath the page title, ‘The All American Rejects dish the dirt…’, it states ‘Tyson and his crew dish the dirt…’. This suggests that Tyson, being the lead member of the band, almost owns or controls the other members. He is therefore also the most dominant feature of the main image. Within this image, it looks as though he is pushing the other three band members out of the way, towards the background of the image, so that he is in the front, and therefore the most dominant person within the readers eye. The look upon his face is one which suggests he is self assured and confident. He is also looking into the camera, which is shooting from a straight on angle, in medium close-up, and he is therefore engaging with the audience. Additionally, upon the left-hand side of the spread, all members of the band are interviewed. However, on the right-hand side of the spread, there is an extra interview with Tyson alone.

The way in which the members of the band are dressed further expands on their slightly extravagant or rebellious attitudes. They are dressed in a variety of colours, the main member wearing purple jeans with a red hat, and one of the other members wearing a striped pair of dungarees. There are also smaller photos of the band members surrounding the main image, however these are displayed in black and white rather than colour, ensuring that the main image stands out more. Each of the photos show a member of the band looking happy and confident.

Furthermore, near to the main image, there is a quotation from within the interview. This is a line which is possibly attractive to the audience, interesting them to read the interview and further expand on this teaser. Within the actual interview, each of the band members names are highlighted, as are the questions. All text stands out upon the plain black background, making it clear and easy to read. This could also relate to the band standing out with their bright, edgy clothing and their playful personalities.