Magazine Analysis- Case Study

Leanne Oxley

CLASH MAGAZINE FACTS

•Genre: alternative/ rock•Target Audience: Youth (18-30), fans of rock music, doesn’t have a specific gender, from all background, mainly British/American.•Price:£3.99•Issue Size:120•Distribution: all local stores.•Publishing Company: John O’Rourke•Editors Name: Simon Harper•Date of first Publication: 2004

Detailed Analysis of Front CoverThe masthead of Clash Magazine is iconic in that it is always bold, white and the same font. This creates recognition and branding.

The layout of Clash magazine is simplistic and sophisticated which would be general attraction for the reader.

Cover lines are displayed to let the reader know what will be contained inside the magazine, therefore deciding if the magazine is right for them.

The same font is used throughout the front cover of the magazine. This makes it look more sophisticated and follows the conventions of a magazine.

The main image is of a well-known artist of the alternative genre to attract the target audience >

Barcodes and issue numbers are displayed. It makes the magazine look more official as these are conventions of a magazine. Barcodes are obviously away in which you pay to buy the magazine.

Unisex colouring is used to show that Clash magazine isn’t just for men or women but for both genders. This is usually the case with music as its more about your taste in music rather than age, gender and ethnicity.

Detailed Analysis of Contents Page

The type face for the contents page, will only be fond on the contents page, allowing it to become more iconic to the magazine.

They have displayed page numbers so that the reader can find what they are looking for instantly with out having to flick through all of the pages.

Images that are shown make people more attracted to what is inside the magazine. It makes it look more interesting rather than just having a blank page.

The layout is very unique which separates them from any other music magazine.

Categorical headings are shown , which makes is even easier to find what page and what you’re looking for under the right, specific heading.

Detailed Analysis of Double Page Spread

The title fits the colour theme of black and white. The type face is sophisticated, therefore looks more appealing.

The colour theme chosen looks more authentic and fits the style of rock/alternative magazine.

The main image is of a famous rock artist which will attract the magazines target audience, as it would be someone they’d be interested to read about.

Article is present to inform the reader about a certain subject/issue.

Bold lettering stands out to the readers and makes them more intrigued.

The smaller font used for the article would draw more focus onto the main image.

Q MAGAZINE FACTSGenre: alternative/rockPublishing Company: BauerEditor: Andrew HarrisonDate of First Publication: October’86Price: £3.90Frequency of Publication: MonthlyDistribution: Local storesTarget Audience: youth (older teens-30’s) those who listen to alternative and rock music. From all backgrounds but mainly those who live in Britain.

Detailed Analysis of Front CoverThe masthead is more of an iconic, branding symbol rather than a word.

Sub heading usually contains the slogan for the magazine or issue numbers. This is mainly covered up, which indicated that the magazine is well-known.

<Barcode/ Issue Numbers

< Puff circles and more colour to the magazine.

List of artists are shown on the front cover which will attract a certain target audience to buy the magazine.

^Famous, idealistic main image^

Cover lines are present to show the reader what is inside the magazine, allowing them to decide whether the magazine can attend to their needs.

Detailed Analysis of Contents Page

Iconic symbol for the magazine, creates branding.

< Issue number/date so the reader knows if they are up-to-date with the recent issues of the magazine.

Cover lines/heading of articles help the reader find what they want to read.

Page numbers help the readers find what they want to reader easier, rather than flicking through all of the pages.

There are categorical headings so the reader can further narrow down what they want to read in the magazine.

< famous rock/alternative band, creates attraction to the readers to buy the magazine.

Detailed Analysis of Double Page Spread

A relative picture to the article so the reader can see who they’re reading about.

Article relating to the band in the main picture, so the readers can learn information about the band they can see.

Page numbers, so you can refer to the contents page

< secondary image is more conventional to the main.

Bold type face is used so you it will appeal to the readers.

Name of band so people know who they’re reading about.>

INFLUENCE ON MY MAGAZINE

After studying both magazines I have come to a conclusion. I feel that the Clash front cover as shown above is too simplistic and doesn’t show hardly any of the main conventions of a music magazine, but I do like the way it is sophisticated. However Q magazine (shown above) shows the typical codes and conventions such as, puffs and cover lines. I will be combining the two of sophisticated yet involving all main codes and conventions. For the double page spread I preferred the clash magazines as I think it looks more organised and theme of black and white is sophisticated and appealing and also conveys alternative/rock music. Same for the cover page for Clash, I think that it is creative and busy and gives you the correct information you need to find what you’re looking when reading the magazine.