Double Page Spread

Main image: the main image is of Florence Welch other known as lead singer of the band Florence and the Machine. Because the image is so big and is centre of attention, readers will understand that the article is most likely to be an interview about her. At a guess, I think the target audience for this magazine is around 17-35+ this is because Florence Welch is an older music artists and only some of her songs can be classed as pop, where as she goes down the more indie route. You can see that the magazine is attempting to relate to a middle age social group as sophistication seems to be the theme of this magazine. This is done by simplicity. This means, instead of a busy and bold colour scheme, there are just a few darker, simple tones and only a pop of colour. The main image shows confidence and maturity. The model may be seen as a sex symbol as she is wearing a short and rather revealing dress, high leather heels, looking straight down the camera and the picture has red colours which could have a sexual reference/link. This entire picture links into maturity as she is showing readers she is early not a child, and has matured thoroughly, yet still shows youth and can appeal to youth. The image has been positioned on the left hand side of the spread and is very large. This could show that the image is following forms and conventions of a music magazine’s double page spread. This puts the readers at peace and makes them comfortable as this is what they are used to. This is a long shot of Florence which shows her full body posture and costume. This highlights her importance and reveals that she is the main priority of the magazine and the double page spread. Her facial expression is also risky and aggressive, which could relate to the eccentric costume choice. The mise en scene is elegant and simple with not many props used. The props that are used is a box which she is sitting on with a white and red sheet over it. This matches the colour scheme and the American references throughout the double page spread.

Colour scheme: the colour scheme shows sophistication. Rather than being bright and bold, the colours are more subtle and relaxed, with only a burst of colour. This is a predominantly three way colour scheme of red, white and black. There is also blue and grey as well but only a little amount to give the colour scheme variety. One thing I really like about this colour scheme is that the background is white which contrasts with the models black, edgy costume. This makes the model stand out against the pure background. The colour could also portray the indie rock theme of Florence and the Machine’s music. This is done my incorporating typical rock colours such as black text and red props and red hair. Also dark makeup is used to portray this in a more subtle sense. The overall colour scheme is black white and red. These colours are quite straight forward and easy on the eye. The red is to add a pop of colour to maintain interest from the reader. The text behind the image says “USA” The colour scheme represents “USA” by the white and red in the flag, the red hair and the blue font. This may be because the magazine is an American billboard magazine and Florence is vey notorious and successful and cab be appreciated by an American audience.

Fonts: The biggest style of font is a large text bold font saying “USA” all in capitals, suggesting the theme of the article, which is about Florence’ Welch’s success within America. This is also followed by a much smaller, sophisticated font, which may be appealing to a female audience as it is feminine and sophisticated. This says “got the love” which is the title of her best selling and well known song. This confirms Welch’s success in America. It is now clear to the reader that the article will be based oh her success in America. The drop cap “D” shows sophistication and style and may again, appeal to the more feminine audience and could appeal to higher class social groups and older people than youth. The res o the text fonts are pain and simple and easy on the eye. This is an understatement. But because of the subtle boldness of other elements, this looks attractive and pleasing on the reader’s eye.

Hair and costume: her hair and costume are out there and slightly in your face yet could be seen as still youthful. Her costume looks age appropriate as, even though she has her legs on show, her arms and other areas are covered up. This make her look naturally younger and not like she is trying to act younger than what she is . her hair is bright which matches with the colour scheme and could appeal to youth, from the stereotype, that younger people tend to be more bold and outrageous. Red and black are two colours that compliment each other and represent her genre of music which is indie rock. This is represented front eh colour of her dress, shoes and dress.

Other notes: I like this music magazine double page spread, as it is simple and sophisticated. I love the colour scheme as it fit the genre of music the main model is representing and also matches the content of what is in the article. I do however believe that this magazine may just be appealing to people who are not quite in the target audience I am trying to appeal my media product to, as it may be a bit too simple and sophisticated. I would like to appeal my magazine to a more youthful audience of 11-19+. It may be that I use a wider colour scheme with more brighter and bold statement colours, yet evening them out with black and white. Doing this may also represent my genre of pop/chart music. Lastly, the style of photography is artistic and quite fashionable. This may be positive as the preferences of the magazines target audience may be fashion. However, ido not want to confuse my target audience into thinking my music magazine is a fashion magazine. This means I will not be using such a serious pose like this.