Magazine Analysis

Q magazine coverThere is one dominant picture of the featured celebrity. The house style is red, white and pink. They are all bright colours, which is reflective of the light , playful connotations of a pop genre magazine magazine. The colour red denotes passion, white purity and pink femininity. The female artist isn't sexualized which is unconventional of a pop magazine where women are usually sexualized to present them as desirable, attractive or as a inspiration or goal to achieve. The picture is a mid shot and she has also used direct mode of address to express confidence. The left third contains the masthead and most of the text which is a common convention of all genre magazines. Her outfit is a white dress which emphasizes on the connotation of purity and she is wearing a tiara which might indicate to her feminine and “princess – like” appeal. However, there is also blood dripping from her forehead, across her face. This picture all together might symbolize the death of purity or innocence which is most probably a reference to the theme of the artist’s music album. The main cover line stands out and emphasizes on her feature. The cover line “What’s so bloody good” could be a play on the picture and adds emphasis on the feature.

Contents pageThe featured artist clearly remains the focus on the contents page as well due to how her picture occupies a large majority of the page. The magazine is made easier to navigate with the inclusion of page numbers below the pictures of particular artists or bands. The house style of red and white is maintained in this page as well, continuing the connotations of passion and purity. The artist’s picture is this time almost an extreme close-up. This brings attention to the features and expressions of the artist. It also puts focus on the blood dripping over her face. This furthers the curiosity awakened by the cover picture and the blood, and makes the reader want to explore and find out why blood was used by reading the article.

Double Spread

It is based on the featured artist. The first page consists of a full- page picture of her while the other has an article based on her. The house style is maintained through the use of white for the page and the subtle red in her hair. The photo is a face shot but isn’t clear and is dark. This might denote mystery or dramatics, also her eyes are closed which can be interpreted differently by each reader, it could be that she is experiencing something to the fullest or that she is deep in thought. The article begins with the letter ‘S’ in a very large font. This helps attract the attention of the readers towards the article.

Blender magazine cover The featured picture is of a female celebrity. She is sexualized with the use of an outfit where her back, arms, stomach and legs are exposed (this is quite stereotypical in magazines). Her skin is also given a glowing and shiny effect, all this presents her as an attractive and desirable individual. She is also using direct mode of address to express confidence. The shot is almost a wide shot and includes most of her body in the picture, maintaining focus on her sexualized portrayal. The house style is pink and black where pink connotes femininity. The cover lines are distributed on either side of the cover page, which is unconventional as most cover lines are usually on the left third. The mast head is spread over the top and is also over lapped by the cover picture which might imply that this is a very well known magazine that is easily recognizable.

Contents page

There is one dominant picture of the cover celebrity on a plain white background so that the entire focus is on her. She is sexualized in this as well and is looking at the camera with a playful expression, this might be inviting to the readers. The colours used are white(purity, innocence), red(passion) and black(stands out on white and denotesconfidence). There is a quote by the artist next to her to make the audience feel more connected to her. The contents information is cramped up in the side to emphasise on the focus on her.

Double Spread

The entire second page is covered by a picture of the cover celebrity where she is sexualized and has a playful pose. The picture is in black and white to denote originality and dramatics. She is in a boxing pose/ stance which might portray a strong, prepared side of her.The first page contains a long article on her life story and how she got where she is. This can inspire readers and make them feel closer to the celebrity. Her femininity is emphasized throught the repetition of the word “GIRL” and the bow-tie in her hair. It could be interpreted that the main target audience of this article and issue are female readers.