Reader Profile.

This is what my target audience are interested in. There are pictures of social networks and technology they would use.

How Mixmag reaches it's target profile.

http://www.slideshare.net/georgialee12/how-does-mixmag-magazine-reach-its-target-audience

These two mastheads are very different, for the vibe masthead it uses very block fonts and makes it look very bold. For some of the covers it changes the colour of the font. But mostly it uses black which can be a harsh colour but it stands out against the various backgrounds. This could represent the genre of hip hop as it stands out and very in your face like some hip hop music. It is quite simple so most of the attention is drawn to the contents of the magazine. The masthead blends the whole magazine as it doesn't have a border around most of the images over lap the masthead. For Q magazine it has more mainstream and indie music. It uses just a simple but effective letter. It is the same in every issue so most people know what it is. It could be related to the genre as it is quite a modern design to match the up to date music they write about. It uses very thin font for the letter this makes it look more sophisticated. Underneath the main letter, it has a strapline that says 'a different take on music; shows how unique they are trying to be. It has a red background which makes it stand out even more as it uses white writing.

An analysis of what we can gather from looking at the poster for 'Hitman'

What looks like the main charatcer of the film is dressed in a suit which makes him look important and sucessful. It also makes him look proffesional but use of the colour red on the tie suggest anger or passion.
The title of the film and the realease date is also in red.
There is a young women in the background with only half her face showing this shows she is less important than the man in the foreground. It also suggests mystery.
The man in the poster is also holding a fgun in his hand. Guns represent alot of power.
In the background you can see a landscape of the city, cities are normally very busy places which could also suggest a chaotic lifestyle.
He also has a very serious stern facial expression in the picture.

Magazine analysis

NME

Front cover-The mast head is in the left hand corner as it is a 3 letter name it doesn’t take up much room. So they have made it quite big to make it stand out also in this issue they have made the title bright red which stand out the white background. It has a close up view of Liam Gallagher which most readers who like their music should recognise straight away. It shot in black and white which makes it look very dramatic. He is wearing ray bans which are quite a popular trend with the younger generation. They have only put his first name on the cover so they must feel he is a very important figure who everyone knows, they have made the font bigger than the masthead, and this shows the importance. The colours they have used are red, white and black which all work well together and make each story look important. It also has a small extract from one of their interviews on the front page. It is quite a comical pull quote which could interest potential readers. All the text is written in capitals which just draws attention to it. This magazine seems to be for entertainment and maybe for someone to find their personal identity in the music.

The contents page and front page haven’t followed on very well as they don’t have any of the same colours but the person on the front is in the central image of the contents page. They use quite a lot of pictures to show their feature main stories. Then their regulars are smaller down at the bottom without any pictures just page numbers. It has a big font at the top in quite sophisticated font. It is also laid out quite neatly using thin lines and borders. In each main story they have an image then a pull quote and their own personal opinion. Also they have an advertisement for their own benefit at the bottom of the page.

The double page links from the contents page as it uses the same font. It also uses the red from the front page to outline the quote marks and some of the names in the interview. The lead image is on a whole page which is of the interviewee.  He is not posing in any particular way. But he is modelling clothing which is advertised at the bottom of the page. A pull quote from the interview is at the top is the page in very large font. This makes the reader want to read on and find that quote. There is a mix of language used in here in some parts they use quite informal words like ‘japey mood’ then use more sophisticated words like fannish inquisition. There could be a mix of audience they are targeting here. They also use swear words in the interview so it could be an older audience they are aiming for. They wouldn’t want children reading this. In the interview part they are using quote marks so it’s just as they said it. It is also clear who is talking and what their answers are. Another pull quote was used and then put into a coloured circle to make it stand out in-between the interview.

Magazine analysis 2

Mixmag

Front cover- The masthead is always across the top, it uses a quite spread out font which makes it look quite young looking which matches their target audience. It also has the same pattern above the letter ‘i’ this is the same for every issue. The writing on the front cover is quite spaced out easy to read text. It has certain buzz words like ‘dance’ and ‘event’ which tells the reader that the magazine is obviously about club/dance music. The person they have chosen on the front cover is a famous dj and people who like dance/club music could instantly recognise him and want to buy the magazine. He has quite a serious pose but he still looks young looking. The image has been edited by lighting and contrast which makes it stand out against all the text. They have outlined the central image and coloured in the shadows which the magazine look quite fun looking. The dj’s name and the name of the event is highlighted in yellow which makes it stand out. That makes the readers think it’s important.

The contents page doesn’t link from the front page very well but it does have the same colour text. It is quite neatly laid out and has lines to separate certain text. The lead image is a picture of young girls in bikinis (party scene). This magazine could be aimed at both sexes but this picture makes it seem more aimed at males. It uses white on black for the text which stands out against the background. The font for ‘contents’ looks quite futuristic and bold. At the bottom of the page there is an advertisement for the free gift included with the magazine, it has a quite detailed paragraph next to it explaining the cd.

Double page spread- A full sized picture of the interviewee takes up a whole page and has a pull quote layered on top of the picture. The quote they have chosen was ‘I was almost a scaffolder- i was earning good money’ this could relate to some of their readers. If they see someone successful had a job like that and now be an international dj it could aspire them. A drop cap was used on the first name. It is quite large and has a unique font. It uses a border at the top of the pages to link them together also makes it look a lot neater. It has a simple layout but looks effective and easier to read. The questions of the interview were made in bold and the answers in normal font. In the interview it uses quite simple language like ‘chatting’ and ‘good looking girls’ sounds like he is talking directly to the reader. It also aims it more at the younger generation, he doesn’t overcomplicate the words and reaches out to anyone who wants to be in that particular business. The magazine is mainly about dance/club music so it is quite a

niche market.

Magazine analysis 1

Kerrang magazine

Front cover- The mast head of the magazine is always across the top in the same font style and size. The font looks like it has been smashed; maybe simulating a guitar smashing it or the loud music causing it to crack this is a clue to the whole vibe of the magazine being heavy metal. It uses a long shot of a man who is in a band, but the shot is titled so it almost looks like he is leaning out of the magazine at the reader. The readers could aspire to be like him this could be why they read the magazine. He has a very rock and roll look wearing leather. This connotes an authenticity of rock as he seems like a typical feature of Kerrang magazine. His facial expression looks angry and he looks like he is screaming. This is the main perception of rock being very heavy and angry. The look stands out quite a lot which could attract the readers to buy the magazine. The cover is very busy with all their top stories on it. The text of the magazine is very bold and simple to read. It uses buzz words like ‘metal’ and ‘heaviest’ this indicates what will be in the magazine. This magazine is quite unique as they specialise in just heavy metal rock which is a niche market so they must have loyal customers. Also subscriptions to this magazine are available. The background used seems very icy and cold. It seems to be aiming the magazine at the male gender but this doesn’t rule out girls reading it. Using Blumer & Katz theory to the 4 needs of media this magazine does seem quite entertaining as they have articles with stories which could entertain the readers, also to help with their personal identity and support their values and beliefs.

The contents page has the same feel from the front cover. It has the Kerrang mast head on the page. The bold text and the overall layout of the contents page are easy to follow. The editor’s letter is quite informal feels like he is talking directly to the readers, which sometimes could be comical and could appeal to their target customers. The lead image of the page links onto one of their double page spreads, so it could be easier for someone to find that story. The magazine is quite clever and uses screen shots of their double page spreads so they are easier to find.

Double page spread- The lead image takes up most of the first page. The column of the main story is on the left side of the page. It uses white on black which makes the text stand out clearer. Also Kerrang magazine have their own rating system of the bands/singers live. This is useful for the readers who are thinking about going to see them. Other the next page there are other pictures of members of the band which little captions underneath them. In the opening of the text it uses very sophisticated language and using words like ‘revolution’ and ‘economic Armageddon’ making 2011 sound very dramatic. Instead of using a drop cap the first word they use is all in capitals which really emphasis the point they are trying to make. As well as segmenting their market by just publishing stories about heavy metal bands but also readers who can understand the technical terms. The double page spread gives a rock and roll feel as there props include microphone and guitars by the band. There isn’t much white space as just using the main image doesn’t make the page look busy.

How does the journalist use written language to appeal to the target audience?(Morrisey article)

The tone of the article is very uplifting as there are many positive words like ‘sense of excitement’, and ‘his moment of glory’ these suggest that this gig was highly popular and he had many fans that was excited to see him. The language for this article is slightly more mature than other articles, which wouldn’t appeal to the younger generation.  Using words like ‘eligible’ which is quite a sophisticated word. He described the fans as ‘fanatical’ they are seen as slightly over the top to listening to the Morrissey.  He uses a quote like ‘you could barely hear the band for the scream’ this shows how great the atmosphere must have been. It could make the readers wish they were there, or if they were remembering what happened.  The words that could appeal to his target audience are words like that ‘capture the rapport between band and audience’ it has good imagery and a lovely tone this could appeal to the more mature readers of the magazine. They could also understand some of his technical language but most of it is kept quite simple so it is open to all types of reader.  The quote that has been used was from the bass player saying ‘Here you can have it, Kevin; it’s yours’ this was talking the writer of the article. The quote sounds very spur of the moment and sounds like an exciting lifestyle where anything can be just given away. The lead image is a very large picture of Morrissey which takes up most of the first page of the double page spread. This is very bold and instantly you know what the article is about. The stand first is underneath the main title, it is clear what the article is about, they use a bigger font than the rest of the article. The columns have been made into short paragraphs which describe the pictures in the article.

Audience Profile for the magazine.

16-21 mixed sex readers. Social grade of B, C1, and C2 the reader’s values are making sure they have fulfilling lives and it’s important to live life to the full. People who doesn’t take life to seriously and like to have fun. Social people who are interested in being up to date with the music world. They like to go to festivals on a regular basis loves parties and generally like being around their friends having a good time.

How women are portrayed in 50 cents video ‘candy shop’.

It is quite a negative view of women in this video as immediately at the start of the video when the doors to the house are opened and 50 cent starts singing candy shop  there are a couple of girls walking around in just their underwear looking at him seductively.  Also making things like chocolate and apples sexy, eating them and feeding each other. The other woman in the video singing could be seen on the same level as 50 cent but she is still in the background and still wearing just her underwear for the most part. Also one of the girls is just lying on the bed indicating sex and also there is a video of them in the background which makes it look more sexual.  One of the girls was dressed up in a nurse’s outfit which is supposed to be a respectable job but has been turned into something sexual for 50 cents pleasure.  There are half naked women dancing in the background. There not really seen as individuals just groups of women dancing. The outfits they were are very revealing when they move around.  All the girls are wearing very revealing outfits which show of parts of their bodies. Also the camera’s close up on certain areas of the girls when the music is going on. Sometimes not showing the girls face. The girls aren’t really acknowledged as anything else but something to look at. Also shows some of the girls to be quite kinky for him using whips. The girls just seem like they are easy as they don’t have any clothes on and aren’t afraid to take them off. Near the end of the video there are two girls that are being quite sexual towards each other, most boys like it when that happens with girls, they find it sexually pleasing.

How motely crue are represented in ‘girls, girls’ video.

-          They are very Rock and Roll

-          Dangerous (riding motorbikes without helmet)
-          Wearing leather jackets

-          Go to strip clubs and pay strippers

-          They act hard, using knifes

-          They like when girls dress in a sexual way

-          They smoke and drink (not caring about their health)

Magazine Front Cover

This is my college magazine front cover, as it is called social life I had a group of friends on the cover to show what the magazine is about. I used a simple but bold font for my masthead. Also put City College in the corner so they know it's a college magazine. You can also see this as the models are holding up their college id badges. I left the background white so everything else would stand out. Also I kept the text small so you most of the focus is on the title and the models. But you can also see what is going to be featured in the magazine.

Magazine contents page

This is my contents page for my college magazine; I put all the stories on bold simple to read fonts. Also to make it stand out I used different colours for the text. Also for the pictures I made it look like the images are Polaroid pictures just taken and placed onto the contents page.

Magazines and Gender

Defining Gender
Gender is different to sex. Sex is biological given. Gender is a social construct.
Traditional male order of society and culture knows as ‘patriarchy’ like other aspects of post- modernity, current attitudes towards gender politics have become fragmented, characterised by playfulness and irony.

Front covers

Zoo and Bliss seem to reinforce the confused assumptions that are being made about gender. Example- Both covers are low angle medium shots of slim and youthful female figures with long hair and careful make up.

The connotations are different however the cover of bliss the clothing codes and facial expressions connate openness and sisterly friendship.  Zoo has a more seductive pose and partial nakedness there photography connotes sexual passivity and permanent availability.

The binary opposition is inverted when looking at the representation of male figures on the cover of Q and Smash Hits. The main photograph of Smash hits is a boyish male figure framed by 2 female figures whose body language suggests they find him irresistible. Contrast to this his manicured appearance and peroxide blonde hair connotes a more feminised representation of masculinity- he seems purposely de- sexualised.

For Q there is a black and white medium close up of John Lydons snarling face. The staring eyes and unkempt appearance connote aggression and authenticity- all together more violent representation of masculinity.

Gendered audiences
Bliss has the youngest demographic of readers- Mid teen age range. Zoo has a median age of readership of 23. They both have substantial sales.

For bliss the editors letter is chatty and conversational, it uses hedges and polite forms to address the audience.  By contrast there is no direct letter addressing the audience of zoo. Fashioned from lists of facts and bullet points.

Q has a specialist’s status as a music title. This intimate relationship between Q and its readers is reflected in the high level of what Bourdieu would describe as ‘cultural capital’ that is required to access the magazine’s editorial. Understanding of the magazine is dependent upon high literacy levels and a familiarity with a range of popular music performers and genres. There is a 70/30 split among readers it does favour certain kinds of male stars: cultural history and the history of masculine culture are presented synonymous.
For smash hits they closed in February. They could no longer compete with titles like Bliss. Smash hits emphasis on celebrity gossip as opposed to popular music have taken it away from the product that dominated the market during the 1980s.   

Ownerships and assumptions
All 4 magazines are owned by the same media company- Emap. It was launched in 1947. All 4are multiplatform brands with synergised websites; both Q and Smash hits also exist as digital television and radio channels. The diffuse range of assumptions about gender that these magazines embody is a reflection of Emaps move to embrace the niche market of ‘defined communities’.  

How I use Media.

For entertainment and diversion I watch television programmes like One Tree Hill for entertainment and to get away from real life problems. Another for entertainment is listening to music, people like Ed Sheeran and Wretch 32, Labrnyth and Tinie Tempah. For learning about the world I find a lot of information in newspapers like the sun to learn about international news and news from this country, and magazines like chat or love it. To enhance the personal relationships I have I use Facebook to talk to my friends and family. It also feels good to have the knowledge that there are people to talk to on the computer.