Salford City CollegeEccles CentreAS Media StudiesFoundation Portfolio

MastheadThe masthead is in the primary optical area which is where our eyes are drawn first. This is important to the magazine as there readers will first notice them as Q magazine. The red square represents danger and emphasises that the magazine is based around a genre of rock. The letter Q also signifies the genre of rock because it’s a play on the word cue’

Main imageAll four members of the band are linked with their arms round each other suggesting that they have a close bond and are going to be fun and lively within the magazine. They all have denim shirts on which are a similar colour again emphasising they are a band. They are all laughing and will make the reader want to ick the magazine up and read about it.

Model credit‘Kings of Leon’ is placed behind the main image in bold, narrow black writing. The word kings and Leon are in a larger size than ‘of’ to suggests the importance of the group and emphasise the word ‘kings’

Cover lines The cover lines have a theme of black and red with either a grey or white background. They are situated in the centre of the magazine, this makes them stand out. It is effective because it is unconventional because the cover lines are displayed over the artist and they don’t frame the dominating image of the artist. This makes the magazine have a unique tone; this could encourage the target audience purchase e magazine. The font is serif and is bold. This makes the magazine more modern.

Main cover line‘It’s the comeback story of a lifetime’ this draws people in and influenced them to buy it. The black text, white box and red border all symbolise danger and are similar to a warning sign used for drivers.It is positioned over the main image to make it stand out.

ColourContrasting colours are used from the colour wheel such as red, yellow, and white, black. Red and black symbolise death, rock and roll, danger etc.The colour yellow could represent gold and be symbolising that the magazine is very good, however the bits that are in yellow are where you are getting something for free therefore it takes the meaning of ‘expensive’ away

TypefacesThe font used on the ‘Fleetwood mac’ is a serif font which shows an element of time and a classic feel, which is relevant because it is offering a 17page collection of survivors stories, including rare photos and secrets.

Photography LightingHigh key lighting creates a vibrant atmosphere and a fun, enjoyable feel which reflects the magazine. High key lighting is also an expected convention of music magazines.as a result it illuminates the artists as being the centre of attention. It reiterates to the audience that the artists is the main attraction for the magazine so they are more likely to buy the magazine.

Design Principles Used?The guttenberg design principle has been used. This is effective because the primary optical area, strong and weak fallow field and the terminal area all are filled with text or images to make the magazine appear full/chaotic and interesting.

House StyleThe colour scheme is masculine and a very simple bold font. It is similar all the through and so is the layout, this give a professional feel because of the consistency. Also because of elements of the mise en scene, such as the attire of the artist, body language and facial expressions I is clear the genre is alternative/ Indy. The colours are typical for the target audience as well .

Comment on how the design of the magazine cover attracts the target audience: