Magazine Contents Page Summary

Firstly, the three magazine have many similarities which involve the conventional aspects of music magazines. They all use columns on their contents pages which give a sense of structure and precision. This shows a pattern of conventional features of a typical music magazine. This is done to make the readers navigation for different pages more easy and straight forward. This pattern of the use of columns for the contents page has made me decide to include columns to structure my contents page. Secondly, all the contents page have a running head above their feature stories etc. This titles the contents page and labels it giving a clear idea to the reader of where the contents page is.

However, B&S, mixmag and Jazzwise have many contrasts towards each other. These include, the variety of images used to engage with the demographic. Mixmag used a range of different images to attract their readers and to also please the visual learners. B&S and Jazzwise only use one image which may engage with their particular demographic but overall don't appeal to a wide range of people. I will therefore use multiple images for my contents page to give the appearance which mixmag presents to their readers. Lastly, all of the magazines have different ways of navigating their reader to specific stories/articles. Mixmag successfully does this by using larger page numbers to direct their reader towards what their interested in reading. However, B&S and Jazzwise do not do this which doesn't give a bold appearance to the potential readers. This makes me want to use large page numbers to give a easy way of navigation to the readers.

Jazzwise%20contents%20page%20analysis from paigelash

Mixmag contents analysis from paigelash

B&s contents page analysis from paigelash

Magazine Front Cover Summary

All of the magazines front covers include many similarities and patterns which seem to be effective and engage with their demographic successfully. Firstly, they all have a plug which feature other artists included inside of the magazine and how they are an important aspect to their magazine front cover. This gets the reader tempted as it expands its demographic using other well-known artists. I have decided that this will be featured on my front cover as it instantly pulls in the reader and expands the demographic. Secondly, they all use an effective feature article photograph to label the magazine significantly and to aspire the typical audience. Un-hesitantly I will use an effective main subject to bring character and creativity to my front cover.  Furthermore, all three of the magazine have a cover line besides or above the masthead. Ironically they announce their importance and how they are the most popular magazine representing their genre. In the cover line which features the main subject’s name, the typography is larger than all the text on the front cover (apart from the masthead). 

However, some differences appear. This may be because of the demographic and genre. ‘B&S’ and ‘Jazzwise’ don’t contain much white space and fill up the front cover using plugs and puffs. Meanwhile, ‘mixmag’ contains huge amounts of white space and very little typography which does not seem like the typical magazine front cover that engages with reader. Learning from this I will keep white space minimal and allow my front cover to include many plugs and puffs. ‘B&S’ also use a very creative range of colours which is effective as it excites the readers and instantly stands out amongst all the other magazines with a very basic colour scheme, e.g. Jazzwise and mixmag. The background of ‘mixmag’ and ‘Jazzwise’ are basic but portray a more laid back background whilst ‘B&S’ is more noisy and exciting.

Jazzwise Magazine

Masthead

The masthead on Jazzwise magazine is a metallic shiny silver which gives the entire magazine a sense of glow. The mirror like font engages the reader and almost portrays an inspiring vibe. This is because the reader can see potential and how music can have an impact on them instantly (even by catching a glimpse through the masthead on a music magazine). The masthead also catches the light at certain angles which give off a sense of glow and heavenly appeal. Secondly, the font type is narrow and gives structure to the front cover. The masthead is behind the feature article photograph to imply that Jazz music may be older in the musical industry but still shines out past all the newer music due to the authentic feel it gives to Jazz lovers; as a result of the gleaming colour. The masthead is spread out evenly across the top of the front cover to give a global statement of how Jazz music is vividly essential to the genres of music. The title itself, ‘jazzwise’ labels the genre but extends the concept of honourable music. The word ‘wise’ suggests that the magazine is intelligent and insightful and gives the reader a clear understanding of why the magazine is worth buying. Furthermore, it tells the reader that ‘jazzwise’ is the most informative and enlightening jazz magazine and it is worth buying.

Cover line

The cover line instantly tells us how important the man in the feature article photograph is by informing us by how lucky we are to come across this iconic man. The cover line includes the words, ‘Right Place, Right Time.’ The magazine uses these words for the cover line to let the readers know how important this man is and how lucky you are for finding a magazine which includes stories about him. Right away you know how high up Miles Davis in the Jazz hierarchy. Secondly, the cover line is the main bit of text (apart from the masthead) on the front cover. This is evidently shown by the typography being larger than the rest of the text. This is done to emphasise the importance of Miles Davis and how deserves the praise the magazine gives him. The cover line also contains the colours white and nude. This may be because of the magazine portraying a subtle message but also infusing flavour towards the reader. The white and nude layer together successfully which gives the front cover complexity due to the metallic silver and the pale nude tones. This simplifies the contrasting streak the magazine gives to the reader. Furthermore the range of colours complement each other by perceiving different moods, e.g. the silver shows the artificial aspects of showbiz and dimensions of music. Alternately the white and pale nude colours signify the natural glows of music and how you don’t need to have intellectual thoughts to produce original content.

Feature Article Photograph

The feature article photograph flaunts the true meaning of Jazz music and how it is simply portrayed through identity. Firstly, the man has a sensation of innocence and misjudgement. The photograph is a candid image which instantly tells the reader that no one in the Jazz industry is trying to satisfy anyone and therefore keeps their appearance authentically restricted; hence the man’s blacked out glasses. The man’s attire is simply full of character. The pin striped blazer presents the little detail required within the jazz aspect of music. The blazer also portrays that the man is not intending to please nor impress anybody and how he only pleases himself. This suggests that he is genuine and hasn’t got an ego. Secondly, the blazer looks like it has been thrown on at a last minute decision. This correlates to the man in image as being an improvising artist and all his music is not planned and is simply from the heart. The man has short cropped hair which is kept minimally basic. This tells the reader that Miles Davis is sharp and precise when it comes to his career. Furthermore, the blacked out glasses the man is wearing evoke a secretive message which can possibly make the target demographic curious. However an anxious outlook whilst observing the front cover can highlight the roots of Jazz music and how details mustn’t be exposed when it comes to creating great music. On the other hand, the secrets the reader wonder about whilst reading the front cover may suggest that they will find out the secretive material inside of the magazine. Additionally, the man’s hand is blurred within the image which gives a swift glance to the reader’s eye. This can be viewed as a captivating sight as the artist is always working and striving, therefore he hasn’t got the time to stop and see what’s happening. The blurriness of his hand signifies his nonstop career and how music will never slow him down. The target demographic may be inspired by his lack of intimidation. This is implied by the camera shot being an eye level shot and not a high angle shot.  The man featuring in the image is holding a camera in a leather case. This indicates that he is compelled by visual scenes and feels that rare moments need to be captured. The brown leather camera case displays how much he appreciates beautiful objects and how he distinguishes possessions as an essential which produce decent, quality content. The sunlight is shining upon Miles Davis’ face which accentuates how music gives him light and illumination. The demographic may aspire to Miles Davis as an iconic, talented individual who strives to inspire.

Background

The background of the front cover is a fading grey which dims into black on the edges. The vignette effect borders the front cover and senses serenity throughout. The feature article photograph is directly in the middle of the background as it appears as the black edges is focusing around the main subject. This increases the importance of Miles Davis and almost titles him as a heavenly, god like figure. The glow of a dimmed white around his body suggests that he spreads light and peace when making music and he inspires effortlessly.

Plugs & Puffs

On the front cover on Jazzwise plugs and the puffs are used to engage with the reader and compel them using font types, colours and a range of font sizes. Firstly, the magazine only uses two colours which are nude and white. This is done to highlight the brightness of the magazine and to inflict innocence throughout. The magazine has used these colours to contrast positively with the dark tones which are used in the background. Many plugs and puffs have been used to engage the reader but also correlate the roots of jazz music – simply using typography. Firstly, the puff ‘SPECIAL 200^Th ISSUE’ gives the reader an idea of how iconic jazz music is and how it should be celebrated and treated like a necessity to music. The number ‘200’ simply labels how jazz music has existed for a significant amount of time and has never disappointed their huge demographic. This also implies how the music industry has had jazz music represent the maturity and soulful aspects of entertainment. Secondly, the plug ‘WIN 200 Warner Jazz Albums’ highlights the opportunities music gives and how decent content is shared to aspiring lovers of Jazz. The word ‘WIN’ lets the reader know that the magazine is a celebratory of traditionally authentic music.  There are many plugs and puffs included on the front cover of the magazine which are all very effective and use language specifically. Including, the plug ‘Plus John Taylor, Pat Metheny, Justin Kauflin, Alexi Tuomarila’ The plug features several names of possible upcoming artists which may suggest that the reader and the magazine itself are interested by introducing fresh content and brand new ideas. The word ‘plus’ shows this in many ways.

Demographic 

The typical demographic for Jazzwise is an intellectual range of musically knowledgeable individuals. This is due to the jazz aspect being authentically older and therefore engages with a certain kind of audience. The magazine front cover features an iconic older man who will naturally attract the older generations. The colours chosen represent less excitable people and will less likely be attracted to pop music. Automatically the colours show how the demographic are laid back and have a wide range of knowledge towards music from the history of jazz music and how it has been in society since the late 19^th  century – present day. This shows us that the typical reader enjoys the sound of music that has history, soul and meaning. The jazz genre originates from African American communities in America which shows that the music produced is real and doesn’t need 21^st century technology to make its content global. The target demographic is original and appreciates the untouched genres which don’t require expensive technology to make it a hit. From analysing the front cover, you can tell the target reader is aspiring hugely to the man in the feature article photograph, the magazine and the genre in general. They’re most likely to be in the older generations and have a significant amount of money to be able to purchase the magazine (£4.99). The price almost labels the demographic and what social class they’re in. The jazz industry highlights how you don’t need money to produce the content so why would you need it to appreciate it and read about it. The price may be slightly pricier than what the working class want to pay but jazz music is much appreciated by all aspects of social class. This is more likely to be a male’s type of magazine due to the non-feminine approach.

Mixmag Magazine

Masthead
The masthead of this magazine is effortlessly trying to engage with the reader hence the simple font type, colour, and no capital letter. The font is easy to read and doesn’t require any thought to understand or read. This portrays the demographic to be an amateur/carefree person. The colour is bright but isn’t loud nor too exciting for the readers liking. The title ‘mixmag’ corresponds into how the whole dance music industry is weaving in with outside genres e.g. RnB, Hip-hop, Pop, House music and many more. Furthermore, the title mixmag doesn’t contain a capital letter which may portray how the magazine is rebellious and therefore is perfect for the younger generation. The abbreviation of the ‘mix’ and ‘mag’ implies how the reader doesn’t have time or interest to read the extended version of this and they are only interested in the music. The title also is above the feature article photograph which may indicate fresh content. By this it is trying introduce the magazine as a brand new magazine (first issue) this is specifically done to make every issue remembered and easy to identify.

Cover line
The cover line on the front cover of Mixmag is evidently spaced out to highlight the individuality of ‘LOCO DICE’. The cover line is always introducing the person in the feature article photograph. However Loco Dice is not being introduced as he has been representing the dance/club music previously. This is shown by the words ‘The return of’ used. The size of the cover line changes throughout to show what really is important. In this case the name Loco Dice is the main feature of the cover line and the announcement of his return is not as important. High chances are most of the Mixmag readers will know Loco Dice and will already know his existence in the music industry and will not have to be informed of his return. Furthermore, the words ‘The return of’ is underlined to signify the titling of Loco Dice and how he is an entire category himself hence the use of underlining. The font is square and every letter is separate. This is alternately done compared to the masthead as the masthead is rounder and gives a sense of flow. On the other hand, the cove line is broader and gives structure to the typography on the front cover of the magazine. The font of the cover line displays how the dance music aspect is precisely carried out; perhaps to make every track a success. Several colours have been included in the cover line. The purple is subtle and links significantly to the masthead. The masthead is also purple. This may suggest that as soon as the masthead has been recognized by the reader, the cover line is the next most important bit of text to read. Ergo the minimal space between the masthead and the cover line.

Feature article photograph
The man in the feature article photograph creates atmosphere as soon as you look at the front cover of the magazine. This is due to the neutral colours and effortless appearance. Firstly, the man in the image is wearing a white zip up jacket. This highlights the heavenly characteristics of clubbing and how everything and everyone is in a trance of paradise. The zip on his jacket is centrally in the middle of the front cover portraying the symmetrical equality in the music industry. This is why the photograph is an eyelevel angle and has not been taken higher nor lower than the subject. This tells the readers that his sense of style is clear cut and defined. The man’s jacket also lets us readers know that his is appearance is somewhat important to him but not as important as the music he produces. Secondly, the man’s hair is styled into an intense way to show creativity and variation. His dark hair and eyes bounce off the pure white background and clothing. The versatility shown suggests that he is adaptable within his music and his style. The hand gesture of the man creates shadows and darkness upon the side of his face which lets the reader know that clubbing and dance music is guaranteed to have variation and have mysterious aspects which creates intense and fun moments. His face is split into two (light and dark) which portrays that his career has successful points but also dark dull points which tell the reader that he is realistically equal to everyone else and has a normal life. The reader aspires to the man as a genuine guy who creates content for people to enjoy. Lastly, the man’s silver rings on each hand imply that he is a captivating man and he uses these accessories to finalise his persona as simply urban.

Background
A pale grey/fading white colour is used for the background on the magazine front cover. The light-toned colour shows how the magazine doesn’t need bright exciting colours to draw in their readers and how the colours are true and not artificially manipulated in any way (e.g. blue, yellow, red). The colour represents smoky mist and how in a club it is slightly faded into an illusion of pale colours. Lastly, the magazine uses neutral colours and soft tones to correlate the simplicity of the magazine. This conveys how the magazine is not over exaggerating and not showing off all their content by placing it on the front cover. This may highlight how the reader is basic and has interest in the pictures and fun fonts but not necessarily the informative stories.

Plugs & Puffs
The minimal plugs on the front cover convey how the magazine doesn’t want to reveal too much content as this is inside of the magazine. This keeps the front cover less busy but reveals a lot of white space. The size of the font for the plugs are incredibly smaller than the rest of the typography on the front cover. This highlights how the magazine and the man in the feature article photograph does not need words to label them. In Mixmag’s case the feature article photograph is the main feature of the magazine. The plug on the left hand side lists many of the best dance/club music artists and how they are included in the magazine. However, the font type, colour and size is reduced in the way that it is not as recognisable as the cover line. This may suggest how Loco Dice is the main aspect of the entire issue and other artists featured are not as important as him; hence the bigger font, bold black typography and the letters are spaced out individually to take up more space.

Demographic
The target demographic for Mixmag would be 16-30 years old, mainly due to the dance music industry promoting no responsibilities and a carefree attitude. The ratio between male and female would most likely be equal due to the music produced being unisex material. The income for the typical demographic would be reasonable and most likely from a middle class working family. They would also have a fairly average intelligence due to the clubbing atmosphere being immature. Mixmag’s audience is mostly the younger generations who enjoy partying, clubbing and having a carefree youthful outlook on life.  The magazine does this by using bright colours (on previous issues) to attract the naïve target audience. Typically, they may be oblivious to the responsibilities in later life and use dance music to escape their social issues and concentrate on having a good time. The magazine translates the party lifestyle by using iconic artists in the feature article photographs, bright font colours, immature typography and hazy ‘smoke like’ background effect. The bright colours and fun fonts evoke the careless party vibe most students experience. This can tend to be a lifestyle for most young people. The demographic of Mixmag appreciate the outrageous fonts/colours as this evidently proposes the party central lifestyle. The plugs and puffs aren’t particularly long or too informative. This is because the target audience will not be interested or engaged by words usually. Previous issues all include the minimal typography and informative content simply because of the target demographic. Mixmag may not want to bore their current/potential readers with too much text included in the cover line, plugs and puffs. Mixmag always use somebody with great importance or someone who portrays individuality to let the readers continue on to aspire the person in the feature article photograph.  The price of the magazine is £4.95 which inflicts a healthy income but also someone who may spend their money on the interest/hobby they love the most (dance music).

B&S Magazine

The Masthead
The masthead of this magazine is abbreviating the two genres of blues and soul. This keeps the language short and snappy which allows the reader to remember these two letters. It’s easier to remember so this helps the reader recommend the magazine to other people due to the short title. The title is short which helps widen their target audience as children/young adults can remember the title of the magazine and will be easy to identify. The title ‘B&S’ also creates an immature theme which is ironic due to the typical target audience which would be an older demographic. But this will expand the interest throughout the reader’s minds and will result with a potentially wide target audience. Furthermore, this tells the reader that ‘B&S’ is a magazine for encouraging older genres to become current and can include many different aspects of music (e.g. the word sizzling). The masthead is simply two colours which contrast positively and which magnify in on the reader. This highlights how colours appeal to the reader and how their attention is notified. It’s also rotated sideways to get the reader to look at the magazine a different way. This could also possibly suggest that the reader has more of a perspective to the whole magazine front cover. The font links in altogether which automatically appear to suggest that the genres Blues & Soul link positively and they mix together successfully.

Cover line
cover line highlights the importance of Lianne La Havas. This is evident due to the size of the cover line. The size of the cover line is the biggest text on the front cover which is implying that the girl in the image is of great status. The font type and colour suggests a fun but knowledgeable reader who is interested and is alerted of the magazine. The bright yellow inflicts excitement and character towards the reader. The cover line includes the word ‘sizzling’ which gives flavour to the magazine and creates a thrilling and exhilarating tone. This sums up the magazine and tells us readers that blues and soul can be altered into something daring and fiery. This makes the magazine fresh and seem like a must buy due to the originality. B&S may continue to do this in the future by using bright and quirky font types, colours and sizes to emphasise the importance/status of the person in the feature article photograph.

Feature Article Photograph
The girl on the front of the magazine portrays innocence due to the eye level angle. This gives a sense of purity and doesn’t portray an intimidating nor vulnerable aspect. The girl’s body language is defensive but still gives the magazine a laid back mood. The girl presents herself freely and her white dress and hair piece are implying a youthful message. The eye contact given to the camera tells the reader that she is interested and intrigued suggesting that Blues & Soul gives these feelings to the reader also. The eye contact also is engaging us readers into the magazine, this then correlates into the reader studying the front cover of the magazine. Furthermore, her gold jewellery is appeared to be fashionable and this may aspire the reader to try this chilled out, traditional urban attire. The girl is fashionably simple which labels the genre of the music magazine as a whole.

Background
The background is natural and pure which proposes an authentic gesture to the magazine. This instantly makes the magazine fun, loving and care free. The magazine background reflects a smooth and kind mood towards the girl in the feature article photograph and also on the reader. The white and blue coordinate perfectly as they mirror morality again with the feature article photograph. The blue and white background blends nicely with the girls white clothing and hair piece. This creates subtle tones and soft shades. This allows the words on the front cover to be the vivid and intense components on the page.

Plugs & puffs
  The plugs and puffs on the magazine also use specific language to pull in their target audience and to give the magazine a sense of excitement. This is evidently clear in a puff on the front page. The puff uses the words ‘HOUSE EVERY WEEKEND’ this signifies the naïve mood in the magazine and creates a chilled vibe whilst portraying the classic blues and soul music. The word ‘TUNE!’ is included also as a plug. The word tune is a modern version of the word anthem which portrays that the magazine will include iconic and unforgettable music that the reader will not forget. The puff ‘WIN TICKETS TO SEE D’ANGELO’ highlights how the magazine is generous and is freely giving opportunities to the reader. This may suggest how the genre Blues & Soul as a whole allows plenty of options and chances for the artists and this allows a sense of freedom within the musical industry.

Demographic
The demographic of the magazine is complex due to the genre and the style of the magazine put together which sophisticatedly creates a wider audience. From the front cover you can gather many ideas about the typical reader and how this correlates from components of the magazine front cover. Firstly, the young girl in the feature article photograph is young, pure, natural and full of youth. These aspects may lead to the reader and how they aspire to the girl ‘Lianne La Havas’. Furthermore, the demographic would be someone distinctly intellectual due to the magazines content and musical history. This is alternative to the image on the front as someone that would aspire to Lianne La Havas would possibly need to be advanced mentally to understand the context of Blues & Soul music. This is possibly done to widen their target audience and to gain a profit of sharing older music into the lives of musically experimental teenagers. The typical reader of ‘B&S’ has a laid back vibe towards life and enjoys the tasteful music in life. The girl in the feature article photograph may represent the typical aspiring readers who seem to be chilled out and having an appreciating face whilst listening to the deep, fervent music. The subtle background colours may portray their overall personality as a peaceful, well presented human being. However, the louder colours for the cover line and masthead inflicts a wilder streak within the reader’s musical interest. The mode of address is cultured and precisely and elegantly full of soul. The plugs and puffs highlight the musical knowledge the reader would have due to the puff ‘King of the blues remembered’. This automatically suggests that the reader has a broad understanding of the Blues & Soul genre. Lastly the price of the magazine tells us that this music is not fresh or new and doesn’t need to be sold expensively due to its long lasting existence. The price of £3.95 is in expensive and affordable even for the more creative young people who are interested in taking interest in the roots of soulful music. The previous issues of B&S feature a person in the feature article photograph usually well-known artists or celebrity. This is most likely done to show the target demographic that old and new content can be blended by using Blues & Soul and current/upcoming artists.

School Magazine Evaluation

School Magazine Evaluation from paigeashley

School Magazine Front Cover & Contents Page