The masthead is
clear and bold with a red backdrop which makes it stand out, it is also shifted
to the left hand third, and this shows
clearly that it is the title of the magazine. The masthead also links to a logo,
giving the magazine a brand identity.
The magazine has a style,
each element e.g. coverlines
standout clearly. The colour scheme
of pink and yellow suggests a feminine theme to this magazine and as a result
may attract a larger ratio of female audience compared to males; although ‘Q’,
as a whole, aim to have a gender neutral audience. The audience
is drawn to the anchorage text ‘Everyone’s
mad for… LANA DEL REY’ the sans serif
pink typography links to the
feminine theme throughout the front cover and contrasts with the masthead,
this makes it look striking.
The addition of a slogan ‘DISCOVER GREAT MUSIC’
encourages consumers to want to buy the magazine as they can explore new content.
This adds to the brand identity as
it shows that it is professional and the brand is established. The use of the barcode, dateline and priceline
also add to the professional look of this magazine.
The main image,
which is also the main focus, uses a
mid-shot of the famous singer ‘Lana
Del Rey’, she is using direct mode of
address to engage the audience personally. Lana Del Rey, as a female she
will attract the male gaze equally, the image will appeal to her fan base which
may also provide a wider audience for the magazine. The image is striking as
Lana has blood poured down her face this links to the coverline ‘So what’s So
Bloody Good?’ which is a play on words; the blood represents danger and
darkness, whereas in contrast, her
white dress represents innocence. This would appeal to the audience as it
leaves an enigma which is enticing
causes the audience to read on.
The strapline ’40 songs you must download now!’ has an imperative effect on the audience as they feel they have no choice and ‘must’ follow the instruction. The addition of an exclamation mark adds an element of excitement and/or panic, encouraging consumers to pick up the magazine and continue to read it. This links to the need of ‘esteem’ in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as they feel they must download these particular songs to be ‘in the loop’ of current events to gain respect of others.
The contents page links closely to the front cover as it uses the same colour scheme (red,white and black) this gives the magazine a house style as the colour scheme is consistent throughout. The contents repeatedly uses the logo 'Q' this constantly reminds the audience which magazine they are reading, advertising the brand and establishing its place within the music magazine market.
The left hand page shows an extreme close up of Lana Del Rey,this image links to the main image on the front cover. The image uses high key lighting to highlight the models features to therefore show an image of perfection which will attract the audiences attention. the model uses direct gaze to address the audience personally and haunt them, this compliments the use of blood dripping down her cheek which symbolises danger and horror. The contents also uses many other smaller images using a range of shots and a variety of high and low key lighting, this can be visually stimulating to the audience drawing their attention to the them and making the pages interesting.
The left hand third shows the coverlines from the front cover indicating the top stories. There is little text on the pages but information given is written in simple sentences with key phrases highlighted using clear bold typography, this makes it simple to read and locate the articles as large red numbers indicate the page numbers of the main stories; these large numbers are a main focus on the contents pages as the use of red is bold and stands out against the neutral background.
I like the layout of this contents page as it uses a collage of images in the centre to appeal to the audience and draw them in. There is little use of text making it easy to follow, this links to the conventions of the contents page genre.
This double page spread consists of a large main image which is supported by the text on the following page. The layout of the text on the right hand page is in classical newspaper style-which also links to Lady Gaga's hairstyle which is very classic- using black typography and columns, which contrasts greatly with the use of the large red 'L' in the back drop.
Q have used a whole page for a mid-shot image of Lady Gaga, this shows significance and importance signifying that she is a huge figure within the music business. Lady Gaga poses nude for this photo, however she is covering any indecent areas to ensure an element of class. The image itself, is in black and white linking to the colour scheme and house style of Q magazine, this could however, also symbolise her dedication and serious nature towards her music and career.
The overall effect on the audience of this double page spread is that, the combination of the main image and bold red graphology, is striking and visually stimulating which therefore encourages the reader to read the text on the right hand page. I feel that this is an effective and successful way to engage the reader and has encouraged me to consider certain elements which could attract the attention of the audience, such as contrasting colours, bold typography and juxtaposition; as well as encouraging me to reflect on the idea that less is more.
.PNG)
.JPG)
