Audience Profiling

This is Leanne, she is 24 years old and is an example of my target audience. She lives in London, Soho in an apartment with her friends. Her favourite type of music is rock music and her favourtie artists are ones like kings of leon and blink 182. She also loves other artists as well such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Lilly Allen the more mainstream artist yet have a edgy rock side to them. Her hobbies are going to live gigs with her friends on friday nights and then going to clubs on Saturday nights. She has a real passion for fashion and always makes sure she's wearing the latest trends, her favourites places to shop are places such as Topshop, urban outfitters and charity shops in which she finds unique vintage clothers her favouite. she loves the unique outfits that are worn by celebrities like Lady Gaga and Rihanna. Her favourite type of music is rock however she is very versatile and is also a big fan of all types of music and artists.

Analysis of Kerrang! Double Page Spread

This a double page spread taken from an edition of KERRANG! magazine.

Colour

The colours used on this double page spread are mainly a contrast of black, red and white which fits in very well with the rock genre as these are typical colours used in any rock genre magazine. A plain black background has been used so again like all the other double page spreads i analysed, the text is easily read. The main article is in a white colour which is used to fit in with the colour scheme and also conflicts with the black background to make it stand out and the word "NEWS" is in the red colour with a red banner with white text placed to the right of it showing the importance of this article. Lastly there is a column on the far right hand side of the page which stands out due to the white background and red coloured text which has been placed over it which catches the consumers eye.The main heading stands out from the background effectively through the use of red and white colours used. The use of different colours keeps in theme with the colour scheme yet also adds excitement. 

Layout/Design

A large image takes up the majority of the left hand page a typical convention of a music magazine with the text on the right hand side. The text is positioned in equal columns, another convention of a double page spread feature makes the page looks neat and professional. The title is a pull quote from the text and due to bright lettering and large font is the first thing the readers will notice. This is a good selling point as they will be drawn to the pull quote and 

then gain an incite to what the interview is about and be compelled to read further. There are three more images at the bottom of the right hand side page to add excitement to the magazine and maintain the attention of a young audience who would rather see pictures then text that could easily bore them.  There are a few lines to introduce the interview which is clearly another convention of a double page spread. There is also a bar at the side to attract the young audience consisting of my chemical romance songs. Overall the layout is attractive to their target audience due to the little amount of text and images. 

Images

The images are all in a sort of black and white colour which adds to the indie/rock look the magazine are trying to portray. There are also images of the band in a studio and and singing. The images include props such as a microphone to portray that live music feel which is typical of an indie/rock theme. 

How Are Words Used On Double Page Spread

A pull quote is used to real the readers in as it provides a short summation of the main theme of the interview and  is also a conventional trait of a double page spread. There are also words such as 'world exclusive' which are appealing to the target audience as will feel like this is something new to the world and they are having the first exclusive look. 

Overall Impression

The overall magazine follows most of the typical conventions of a magazine double page spread making it look professional. Due to the target audience of Kerrang! being young teenagers, several images are used along with little text to maintain the attraction of  this audience who stereotypically are easily bored. The double page spread continues with the same colour scheme even within the pictures use which provides continuity. 

Analysis Of NME Double Page Spread

This is a double page spread from an issue of NME magazine.

Colour

The colours used on this double page spread are very bland yet consist of the typical rock genre colours of black red and white, sticking to the theme of the magazine and the front page colour scheme. A white background is used in order to make the pull quote that Lilly allen is saying stand out and entice readers to read the interview. Also it allows the small writing at the bottom to be easily read by readers, as oppose to a bright multi coloured background which would be unpleasant to the eye. Red writing is used for her name in order to make it stand out so people who are fans will be interested.

Layout

The layout of the double page spread consists of the main image being situated on the right hand side. The main quote of the page is printed in bold writing which fills the majority of the left hand side showing its importance to the article featuring Lilly Allen. The main quote heading is edited to give the idea that it has been cut out from a page and stuck back down like a collage presentation, this is effective as it would be attractive to a young target audience. The text is positioned around the image to create a more aesthetically pleasing page to the readers. 

Images

The only image on the page is of Lilly Allen. It takes up the whole left hand side of the page to emphasis her importance to the magazine. Her pose is very casual with her hands on her hips to connote that the interview is casual, it also appeals to their target audience of young teens as they would rather that then a cheesy pose. Her wrists are facing outwards in order to show the reader her tattoo to reinforce that edgy indie rock magazine look. She is dressed in a bright red checkered shirt, a fashionable item of clothing at the moment to make the magazine look fresh and in fashion, it also stands out from everything on the page and adds some colour and excitement to the dully colour page, without withdrawing the readers attention form the text. Her facial make up is quite suttle, yet her dark eyes stand out to again give her that indie/rock look that the magazine is going for. It also gives her an image  of attitude which corresponds with the pull quote from the text 'people think I'm an attention seeker but I'm just honest'.

Words used on double page spread

The text is separated into four identical columns separated by gutters so the text is clear and easy to read. A pull quote from teh text is used as a title and headline for the double page spread. This is effective as at a quick glance it informs the reader a bit about the content of the interview and they can quickly see if it will be of any interest to them. The name of the magazine is in the house style font and colour as it always is whilst the date is in a smaller font and is in italic. This helps to create a house style which is the magazine's design that distinguishes it from the other music magazines.

Overall Impression 

The overall double page spread is effective as it allows the readers attention to stay on the text. It also at a quick glance shows that the double page spread is about Lilly Allen. It attracts its target audience through the use of rebellious make up and tattoos on show, and also representing an attitude from teh picture and pull quote to appeal to young teens (the target audience). The page presents an edgy look and therefore looks good in a magazine like NME. 

Analysis Of Q Double Page Spread

This is a double page spread from an issue of Q magazine.

Colour

The colours used on this double page spread are the same as what is used for the front cover a typical convention of a double page spread. The background is plain white so the readers attention maintains on the focus of the text, and so it is not a struggle to be read. The red is used to highlight the pull quote from the text, a typical convention of a double page feature, this helps the reader to gain an insight of certain aspects discussed in the interview. Dark colours are used for Cheryl Cole's clothing and the image at the bottom of the page to add the the dark rock aspect to the magazine, and also to add the black colour to match with the colour scheme from the front page and contents page of this edition of Q.

Layout

The main image of Cheryl Cole takes up the whole space of the right page, so the double page spread is quite spaced out with not too much going on to ensure the readers attention is not focused elsewhere. The writing is positioned in equal columns typically like a double page spread interview feature, the writing does not lap over the images and is positioned around the images to appeal to the more mature target audience Q is aimed at, so it is clear and precise where the writing is on the page. The first letter of the writing is projected as a large red c in the background to make the page look more exciting and unique style due to the rock essence of the magazine.

Images

The main image is of Cheryl Cole on the right side of the double page spread, a different image to the ones that are used on the front page and contents page, similar to the usual double page spreads i have seen, however all images are of the same theme, dark and edgy. She is posing with a serious expression on her face to emphasizes the rock attitude the magazine are trying to portray. She is dressed in a spiked black top and ripped leggings in order to construct a rebellious image, suitable for the magazine and also the clothing is somewhat fashionable in the current market and therefore is appealing to young girls who will look up to these pictures of Cheryl Cole. Yet the ripped rebellious look is also maintain the attention of males also due to the sexy pose and clothing. The other image is following the theme of the front page, a theme adapted from the film Sin city. In this image she is wearing a top hat which casts a shadow over one side of her face, this cleverly anchors the pull quote 'i don't know what i look like anymore'.

Words used on cover

The first things the readers eyes are drawn to is the large red C which clearly stands for Cheryl which readers will be able to recognize on the left hand side of the page. This adds a colourful eye catching element to the plain white page which consists of mostly writing making it appear more appealing to read. There is another stand out C in black clearly showing this stands for her surname, as her surname is printed in a less dominant colour and size, it shows how her first name is more important, she is famous in her own way not just for being the wife of Ashley Cole. Her name at the top of the page conflicts this idea, Cheryl is printed in italic showing the feminine side to her, yet Cole is printed in capitals, showing this harsh serious side to her, revealed in this double page spread interview. A pull quote is used like most double page spreads, and is effective as it allows the reader to gain an incite to what the interview is based on. By the pull quote saying ' i don't know what i look like anymore' will appeal to the rock fans who also due to there rock fashion may relate to this comment.

Language

A personal relationship is formed between the magazine and the reader through the use of rhetorical questions evident in the quote 'do you know what i mean' allowing them to feel more involved. Language used is slightly more sophisticated then every day language, yet this magazine is generally targeting a more mature audience and therefore it is suitable. There is a large amount of text clearly targeting an older audience, as oppose to a young one who would prefer more pictures. Further more humour is added to the interview for example 'Best looking 'Slash' kissogram ever steps out.' This allows the seriousness and dark aspect of the interview to break up and be more pleasing to read.

Overall Impression

The overall double page spread effectively appeals to its target audience of a more mature audience through the use of a large amount of text, and sophisticated language. The pages are eye catching through the use of bright reds and the large pictures of Cheryl Cole against a white background compelling the reader to stop and read this page. A pull quote is used like most interview features, in oreder to entice the reader to read on. Also through the use of simplicity a more sophisticated classy double page spread is produced, yet this is not as appealing for a younger audience who would probably prefer to see less writing and more images.

Analysis Of Kerrang! Contents

This is a contents page from the indie/rock magazine Kerrang! I will be analysing this for my coursework.

Colour

The main colour scheme is white black and yellow. Clearly from my analysis this is a convention using the typical rock colours of black and white and then using a bright one, in this case yellow, to add more excitement and attract their target audience of young teens. A white background is used to allow readers to easily read the contents and specific information they make be looking for. The majority of writing is in black so again it is easily read and is not too harsh on the eyes for the reader.

Layout

The page is dominated by images with only a small bar at the side consisting of writing. This is good for this magazine as minimal writing will have the best effect in attracting a young audience as they will be bored with too much writing. The images on the page fill the majority of it, yet they are set out in a straight order to make the page look neat and tidy a contrast to the typical front cover of Kerrang! which is usually hectic and chaotic, yet this contrast allows the text to actually be focused on considering there is only little of it. There is also an advert at the bottom of the page which is appealing as it provides the audience with the idea of saving money, a very good selling point frequently used in magazines.

Images

For this edition the main image that was on the front cover, is the largest on the contents making it clear that that band have importance to this magazine edition. The images consist of mostly live rock bands in action which is good at getting the buyers attention as they will relate to either being in a band or going to see live bands frequently.

How Are The Words Used On Cover

The largest heading is 'reading and leeds' very appealing to a young audience as this is the sorts of festivals they will be interested in attending and love watching. The heading contents is very bright making it the first thing the readers will look at, clearly emphasising that this is the contents page. The page numbers are printed in bold next to the stories so readers can easily navigate their way around the magazine, an essential selling point as they will not want to spend time looking for the pages they want to look for. The majority of wording is simple and easily read again really suitable for a young target audience

Overall Impression

The contents is overall effective in attracting its target audience through bright colouring and a chaotic feel for the page. The bland background is clearly a convention as it allows text to be easily read and followed. The actual heading contents is bold compelling the consumer to immediately associate the page as the contents and due to the page numbers being printed in bold they can also easily navigate their way around the magazine.