Rolling Stones and VIBE Magazine AnalysisLauren Clarke

Rolling Stones Cover Page

Masthead

Main Coverline

Puff

Coverlines

Anchorage

Main Image

RollingStone Cover PageRollingStone used a red italic masthead which stands out from the cover as it is kept black and white, the masthead is kept behind the main image of singer Lana Del Rey but as it is bright and bold it is still clear to the audience. It has used a 3D effect to draw attention to is as the creates the look of more depth to the cover.The main image is of singer Lana Del Ray dressed in a swimsuit; the preferred reading is that’s he facial expression keep her look classy and hand gestures show her innocence, the black and white shows the simplicity of not only the cover but also Lana. The oppositional reading may be that she is dressed and position in a specific was to attract the audience, she is wear a costume that is some what revealing, this would objectify her applying to the male gaze theory that she is there to attract men. The image is kept in front of the masthead as it superimposed, this suggests that the magazine is so popular is known by the style of the cover.The main coverline is iconic sign as it is just Lana Del Ray, they used anchorage beneath and its states she is a ‘modern day icon’ which may influence the audience into associating with her and her music.The house style is kept the same throughout every magazine by having a medium close-up to keep the professional, the colour of the masthead isn’t always the same though they use the same bold font and always keep it in the same place to keep the magazine consistent. This specific cover uses the colour red which is associated with power and energy, the colour red is often used in rock music magazines.There is more anchorage in the corner of the magazine listing of artist featured in the magazine. the preferred reading my be what other artists which the audience my find interesting. the oppositional reading may be that you have to like these artist to find an interest within the magazine, however the coverlines also mention artist which may be considered that their more important than the others.

Rolling Stones Cover Page

Headlines

Images

Anchorage

Sections

RollingStone Content PageThe title of the contents page is clearly placed at the top of the page, informing the audience the purpose of the page. ‘Contents’ is writing in bold with a red background colour strip with keeps the title clear but also the colour scheme consistent. The colour scheme had been kept the same as the cover page, consisting of black, white and red.The page doesn't’t have main of secondary images but a few images of the same size, the preferred reading may be that each story associated the image is equally important or interesting. The images also have the number of the page which the stories are featured on, this will make it extra easier for the audience to find the page they want. The preferred reading of the chosen image show that the magazine want a wider target audience rather than just looking for people interested in music as one of the photos is of President Barak Obama, who is a political figure which shows they’re trying to have element of lifestyle throughout the magazine. The preferred reading my be that the want the magazine to feel more personal and more connected with the audience. The magazine doesn’t have and editors letter with goes against the codes and conventions of a contents page as they normally have them, this would intentionally make the magazine simpler, however the oppositional reading my be that the contents page is unprofessional for lacking a contents page.

Rolling Stones Double Page Spread

Strapline

Main Image

Headline

Block Quote

Columns/Article

Rolling Stone Double Page SpreadThe double page spread is revolved around one artist, Singer/Songwriter Adele, the spread consist of one main image and an article dedicated to them. This suggest that at this time Adele is the main focus in the music industry. The main image of Adele is a close up taking up the whole double page spread covering the complete left side, this draws the attention to her making her the main focus, the artist has a soft look with her hair and make up give a simple look to the image, the page is also in black and white showing the simplicity of the page and also complimenting the artist. She isn't using directed address give the page a softer look and would be less aggressive or empowering than her creating direct address with the audience. This may represent her as more approachable than intimidating, which would make the audience be able to feel like they can relate to her music, however her facial expressions show to be blank which make her seem also mysterious.The house style is kept in black and white shades which makes it look simple however there is a lot of bold text which stands out. The house style has stayed the same throughout the cover, contents and double page spread by using black and white, this makes the magazine identifiable and more attractive towards the reader. The preferred reading show that consistency throughout the magazines however the oppositional may be that the magazine just looks plain and dull.

Vibe Cover Page

Skyline

Masthead

Main Coverline

Coverlines

Anchorage

Puff

Main Image

Vibe Cover PageVIBE’s masthead used bold ombré red writing which creates depth and stands on the cover. Red can often shows danger which may reflect and relate to the image of Eminem who may be a danger to other rappers because of his musical talent.The main image is a mid-shot of Rapper Eminem, who is using direct address, which makes the audience feel more targeted therefore drawing their attention towards the magazine. The preferred reading of his arms crossed may be that he fells powerful and serious, however the oppositional reading maybe that he is aggressive and is using his arms as a defensive shield. He also has a plain facial expression, as he is not smiling, which suggest that he feels quite serious toward something. In addition the outfit choice is quite revealing and he is not wearing much and is showing his tattoos. This is further revealed by the main coverline that states ‘Eminem comes clean’; this not only shows that he is the main cover story but also shows who he is opening up in the magazine. The house style of the cover has used red and black which symbolizes power, energy and mystery, although red is usually associated with rock magazines, it also fit with the power and energy used in Rap and R&B. some of the coverline have been selected in red, similar to the RollingStone cover, this makes the font stand out to the audience by drawing their attention.The coverlines consist of the artist featured. The artists’ names are bolder than the details so that the page isn’t overloaded and only with simple information, the preferred reading my be that the artists listed are there as secondary stories in the magazine, the oppositional reading may be that you have to like these artists to like to content of the magazine.

Vibe Content Page

Headlines

Main Image

Sections

Credits

Vibe Content PageOn the left of the page the contents of the magazine is listed under the title ‘featured’. The main headlines are highlighted orange to stand out, this draw the attention of the reader toward theses specific headlines making them think that these stories are as important as the main coverlines.The main image is of Rapper Eminem, who is dressed formally in a suit, he again shows quiet serious facial expressions using direct address. The preferred reading may be again that he wants to feel powerful and serious, however the oppositional reading of the same facial expression show that he is a consistent people which may lead to the audience believing that he can be uninteresting or tiresome. The fact of the change of clothes but the same facial expressions compliment the previous oppositional reading but also compliment the coverline of ‘Eminem coming clean’ which has suggested to be a serious matter and by wearing a suit show how important the story may be. The whole page is cover by Eminem using the image as a background.The magazine, along like RollingStone, doesn't’t have an editors letter. However this contents page list the credits along the bottom, there is a small print of text stating who the photography was by. The preferred reading of this suggest that the magazine has a large team behind the creation and they professionally credited the people all the work gone into it, the oppositional reading maybe that the just want to get the name across to the reader so they’re well known, however the audience may believe that the aren't credited enough as the writing is only small.

Vibe Double Page Spread

Strapline

Main Image

Headline

Block Quote

Columns

Vibe Double Page SpreadThe page is divided by the two pages used by having the main image on one page and the article on another. The main image is of upcoming artist Bruno Mars, he is classed as a versatile artist as his music has a variety of styles including R&B, Pop, Reggae, Soul and Hip-hop. Considering Vibe magazine generally bases around R&B and Hip-hop, using an artist with such a wide variety of musical genres would attract a larger targeted audience. The preferred reading may allow to audience to consider expanding there preference of types of music they like. However the oppositional reading may be that the disagree with the chosen artist featured and not think he is suitable for the style of music which interests them.He's wearing a black suit, sunglasses and a hat. The suit suggest that he is wealth and well presented which suggest that he has already made it in the industry, the sunglasses show that he's hiding his eyes which may lead the audience to believe that he has something to hide. This oppositional reading may consider that if he has something to hide why is he featured in an article.HeadlineThe Headline say ‘When Mars Attacks’ which suggests he is going to ‘attack’ the music industry, the preferred reading allows the audience to believe he is the next big thing. However the oppositional reading may be that he is going to attack the other artist in the industry, this can be seen as he is featured in a magazine based around R&B and Hip-hop which is his natural music genre.