Analysis on Media

I looked at existing magazines and focused on the 3 areas I would have to be creating. This is helpful as I’m able to see exactly the features needed in order to make my pieces look like they are from a magazine and look professional. Below is my analysis of my discoveries of the look of these parts of a magazine and also the part the artist plays. I found that specific features on a magazine help to promote an artist in a specific way.

MAGAZINE FRONT COVER

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MAGAZINE CONTENTS PAGE

MAGAZINE DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

Vibe DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD: Solange Knowles

The page is split 50% text of a detailed article about the artist and the other is 50% is of images of Solange. This is typical of a double page spread and keeps the page looking exciting and the layout clear. Other features used are a quote from the artist which serves as a advertisement for the article so you can stay and read it rather than flicking the page. At the bottom of the image is information on the photography which includes what the artist is wearing. Also included in a factfile which is a box of text that tells you something quick about the artist and keeps the page looking interesting.

Solange wears a short, red prom dress, blue fur coat and purple heels and the odd mix of colours shows she is crazy and kooky; she isn’t afraid to be different. This is also demonstrated with her dark wavy locks; she is free and untamed. The reader is immediately drawn to Solange’s outfit and the shortness gives her sex appeal as the reader sees the exposure of her long legs. She is looking directly towards the camera big eyed and pouty with her hands behind her back in a sort of innocent manner.

There aren’t any instruments present as many R&B artist use their voices and use article/interviews to show the representation of themselves- their stage persona.

There is a strip of images dedicated to the artist which is different from the main one. She wears the same attire as the main image however the images are in black and white as if to show different representations of the artist: in one image she is slanted with her hands flicking out as if dancing. This could suggest she is someone who likes to have fun while another suggests she has a more glamorous side. In another image she stands feet apart and her arm resting on her head.

The article starts with a small paragraph that introduces the article. This is useful as the introduction briefly sums up who the artist is and what the article will be about and indicates to the reader whether they should read it. The font is grey which is uniform with the article but the artist ‘Solange Knowles’ name is in blue to highlight the importance. The capitals make it bold, easy to read and catch attention.

NME DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD: Florence and the Machine

The page is also split 50% text and 50% image which is typical to a Magazine double page spread.

The headline is a play on words as it refers to Florence’s most popular song ‘You’ve Got the Love’. The font is in a rounded script way and is very feminine in contrast to the ‘USA’ which is in capital and bold which could suggest that she will bring her flair to their country. The size of it takes up nearly all the page which shows that it is a significant headline and emphasises that Florence is a big deal.

The image represents Florence as a sex object with the long shot allowing the show of her bare legs. Florence wears a tight, black leather playsuit and matching heeled boots that outlines any curves that she possesses and especially the chest area. The top half is like a coned corset similar to an outfit that was worn by Madonna and shows that she could as well fall into her international/legendary status. This image is all about attitude; her red mid-length hair flows down which shows she likes to stand out of the crowd. This is true as the genre of music she does, the way she performs, dresses and sings is all very different and unusual. Red is a very intense colour that suggests fire and passion and added with her direct glaze is quite flirty.

The article begins with an introduction and again highlights the artist in a different colour. The first letter of the article is extremely larger than the rest of the article which is common is Magazine double page spreads as well as having the article in columns.