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.
No comments:
Post a Comment