‘Q’ MAGAZINE ANALYSIS

LanguageThe colloquial nature of

referring to the artist as their first name suggests that the

target audience are very interested in music,

specifically the genre ‘Q’ are promoting.

Sub-ImageThe sub-image relates to the

puff ‘explode’; this shows good synergy of the product. This is also shown by house style and

the colour scheme are appealing to the reader as it

gives the product a professional look that is not chaotic, but is

unique in its’ layout.Main Image

The positioning of the main image is unusual as magazines are usually split

into thirds, with text and title usually on the left third as this is how people’s

eyes are naturally drawn as they read from left to right. Images are split into

thirds as this fits with the rules of composition. The rules of composition are guidelines on how to take an effect

image with a good end result.

Bar CodeThis magazine cover is also

unusual as there is no bar code or price featured on it. This is a

convention that most magazines have to make it easier for the

consumer to learn the essential information quickly.

ColourThe cover sticks to a simple

colour scheme of red, blue and white. These colours are often grouped together as they are visually appealing- it is quite a common colour scheme, and not just for magazines. This may make the product more

appealing as the colours fit well together, making the final product more professional

looking.Headline

The headline over-lapping the masthead is very unusual,

and is not a regular feature in most magazines. However, I

believe it works on this occasion as it is a rock

magazine, and rock is usually synonymous with a carefree,

laid back attitude.

Main ImageThe main image is the largest feature on the page, making it stand out to the reader. A large

proportion of the page is taken up by the image, as the company

want people to read the article as it is that week’s main feature as in

2008 (when this issue was first published) Adele was gaining

popularity.Page Numbers

There are page numbers next to each photo and article to indicate

to the reader which page the feature is on. There are also short summaries of each feature next to the number to help the consumer decided if they want to read the

article or not.

LayoutThe page is split into three

sections; one being the main image, another being a ‘features’

section and the third being a ‘review’ section. This is to help the audience discover the articles and features they want to read quickly.

It is also visually appealing as it makes the magazine look less

chaotic and gives off a profession feel which I hope to emulate in my

product.

FeaturesThe ‘every month’ feature is

there for dedicated readers to find their regular favourites. This also helps consumers by showing them what regular issues of the

product contain.

Sub-ImageThere is only one sub-image on the page, which is quite unusual

for the ‘rock’ genre of magazines. The normal

convention is that there are multiple images on the page so

readers can quickly see the contents at a glance without

reading all the headings.

Date/Issue NumberThe date and issue number are there to help the reader know

if the issue is recent, and it could also help collectors order

their magazines.

Drop-capThe drop-cap is a regular convention of magazines, but ‘Q’ especially use a very large drop-cap that

fills the page.

Main ImageThe image is very striking as

it fills an entire page. The black and white effect

makes the image appear classy, despite the artist

being partially nude in the image. The model in the

image is using direct mode of address and is looking

directly at the reader. This is striking as it feels more

personal to the reader as the artist is looking at them.

TextThe text on the right

page is in a very large block and is in very

small print. This could be off-putting to some readers as there are no

breaks in the text so casual readers may skip

the article as it looks like a quite time-consuming read.

MastheadThe masthead and the

page number are a regular convention of

most, if not all magazines. This is for

ease of use for the reader.

Male GazeThe model in the image is

wearing chains which suggest captivity or possession, which

contrasts her nudity which could suggest freedom.

Nudity can also appeal to males using male gaze.

Male gaze is the way that the media depict women from a masculine point of

view to cater towards men's attitudes