PRINT BASE- MAGAZINE RESEARCH AND PLANNING

SOPHIE HUDSON

• Masthead – So recognisable no need for the whole word “VOUE”Large font- recognisable, old fashioned style relating to comeback vintage on trend style.Formal font- Black connotes seriousness/ glamour .

• Model Image- Iconic model, wearing latest trends , representing magazine and image. Powerful gesture code with hand on hip, suggesting strength and seriousness,Direct mode of address- entice reader But also looking down on you, Confident- male gaze theory, attracting male gender to be attracted to this magazine. The camera shows a long shot of the model, to show what she is wearing and her femininity.

• This magazine cover would fit into the social needs and esteem needs of Maslow’s Hierarchy's theory of needs, as it shows the reader the latest trends and the perfect buys, which makes the reader feel good when they know they are up to date with fashion, and beauty tips. Also it fits into the social needs group, because if the reader feels good about themselves, people surrounding them will also feel good and want to be with them more, creating a larger range of friends.

• The date and month are shown to the near left of the mast head of this brands magazine, which is useful to the audience, although vogue magazine is expensive at £4.10, so it is shown in small print to ensure the audience do not notice the price at first glance, before seeing the facts and model image. The month is stated above the price of the magazine, because the vogue magazine is issued monthly, so it tells one months issue apart from a other which is useful for its audience. Also, vogue customers usually purchase this magazine regularly, so the price and specific date do not need to be stated clearly as they know the details of the brand already.

• Cover lines- all black coloured, some italic and some bold to give variety to the cover, capitals make the writing stand out and attract the audience to the catchy phrases used to encourage the reader to buy the product. The pink writing gives a sense of femininity and colour, relating to the model image which is also bold and colourful. The cover lines fonts’ are relatively small as they are extra information on the page, so it is important that these are bold and engage the reader so they do not get ignored.

• Main sell line- This pink curly font is much more feminine than the head mast, suggesting that the model on the front cover and this issue of the magazine is very feminine. It is of a larger font to stand out more to the reader than the other cover lines catching the readers attention before, and also gives the reader an idea of the reason what the model is advertising or celebrating inside of the magazine.

- Model image- The direct gaze from Justin Timberlake shows confidence, addressing the reader directly, and the slight frown he gives shows seriousness although it also suggests strength and power. The gesture codes – hands in pocket represents a casual and laid back image, which will attract the reader to want to read more about this model to have their style. Also this model will attract female and male, as he is an iconic figure and will be seen as a role model. The jumper, shirt and tie with formal jeans shows that JT is smart and successful, although he is still cool and young as the jeans and jumper do not make him too smart. It is a medium camera shot to show the style and image of the model.

- Cover lines- The capital letters attract the readers attention, making them want to read more about the catch phrases, the white, blue and black colours make the cover lines look more interesting and give the magazine cover some colour, which is vital for a successful magazine, as the magazine cover needs to stand out to other magazines.

- This cover fits into Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, relating to the social needs group, being able to discuss the latest news with peer groups, and also relating to the model, which could be included in the uses and gratifications theory.

- The date and issue number are not shown on the front cover of this ‘detail’ magazine, which could connote that the company are trying to hide the price so the audience of the magazine do not get distracted by the figures, but by the information and model image on the front cover.

- The main sell line on this cover is not of such a large font unlike other main sell lines on other magazines, although the writing on this cover is bold, which still engages the reader. The model image on this cover will also attract the audience to look for more information of what he is promoting in the magazine. The white and black fonts for this main sell line connote formality, and class.

- Head mast- Large, blue font, suggests that this magazine is masculine, along with the grey background, capital letters attract the reader to this magazine rather than others on the shelf, and the bold writing also helps to make this possible. The curvy edges of the writing create a slick, cool look which suggests that the brand helps to give this image.

Head mast- This title is so well known that the whole word does not have to be visible, and the models head can cover some of the letters. The sharp, original font of this ‘Look’ cover title is powerful although it is feminine with its bold, tweaked edges to give a sophisticated style. The yellow font is bright so it stands out against the light blue background colour contrasting and emphasising the title.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs- Esteem needs, as the clothing and accessories in this magazine and revealed on this cover making the reader more confident.

Model image – this shows a medium shot of Kelly Rowland, in which she is smiling, connoting happiness and her direct contact to the camera also connotes friendliness to the reader. Her quite low dress and glowing skin, perfected hair and appearance appeals to the male gaze, although the cover clearly implies that this magazine is aimed towards the female gender, because of the female clothing and accessories, and colours used on the front cover. Janice Winship also stated that the woman's face hallmark showed young, white females, although this cover shows that this statement has changed over the years, as other ethnicities have been more included in our modern day society, and many are seen as iconic figures, such as Kelly Rowland.

The issue number and price of this magazine is hidden on this cover, with it being stated at the bottom of the page next to the barcode. This is useful if you know that a few brands of magazines place the price here, but if you did not know this it would not be helpful to the reader as it does not stand out. Although the fact that the price is not clearly shown, does not stand out, because this magazine attracts its audiences’ attention by its bright colours and images, so it should not matter how much the magazine is if the reader is interested in its contents.

Main sell line- This is also of a yellow bold bright, capitalised font, although it is very sharp and connotes confidence and strength, as well as being a larger font.Then the writing changes colour to white, which also contrasts against the skin colour of the mode, and the background colour of the magazine.

Cover lines- there are no specific cover lines of this brand of magazine, although there is a column down the right side of the cover, showing different styles and on trend fashionable heels, with good priced tags next to them, to show the reader that this magazine will find you bargain buys at appropriate prices on the high street.

The strap line above the head mast on this magazine is outlined with a black box, so the white font of the information is bold, and draws the readers attention to this key information and gossip. The boldness of the celebrities name ‘CHERYL’, stands out so the reader knows who the strap line is talking about before they read on. Also, the capital letter in front of each word is a trademark of this magazines brand, which gives it a unique style.

Head mast- White font, feminine style, shadow surrounding each letter gives a slight 3D effect to the title, although I think the white does not stand out very much against the light pink background, so would be better if it was a darker colour to contrast this.

Main sell line- The main sell line of this magazine cover is not so clear, as it is similar to the other cover lines, although this is interesting as the reader will want to know who the model is and what this magazine contents making them open it and read on.

The strap line included on the cover of this magazine is also printed in a small, white font, which does not stand out very noticeably, which could cause the reader to miss this information, although the age range this magazine would be targeted to, around 40+ tend to look carefully at magazines to see if it the one they are looking for, so this could suit them.

The price of this magazine is clearly shown in a dark pink circle overlapping the head mast of this cover, which catches the readers attention straight away, so the reader knows how much money the magazine is. This is useful as people always want to the know the prices of products and are not usually very noticeable on magazines, so this is an advantage to the magazine. It is also clearly stated to show that magazine is appropriately priced.

Cover lines- The cover lines of this magazine are black and white, which connote formality and style, as well as wisdom, so the target audience of older people will be attracted to this cover. Also the bold and small, different varieties of font and sized writing give variety to the cover, making the reader read the bold words first, then reading the smaller text if they are interested, which is a clever way to promote a magazine.

Model image- this model is smiling, which suggests happiness and a relaxed image, also shown as she leans on her arms to create a casual effect. This model also looks natural, as she wears natural coloured lipstick and make up, with a neat cropped hairstyle. The direct gaze given from the model suggests genuine happiness and confidence, which is what older people look for and like to be. The colours surrounding the model are very natural, which relates to the older age range, as women want to look youthful, glowing and graceful, as well as looking natural.

I think esteem needs fits relates to this magazine from Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, as it shows its target audience, being older people want to look after them selves, becoming like this model. So it will be useful to help gain readers confidence and esteem.

VOGUEArthur Turnure founded Vogue in 1982, and in this

same year he published the first issue. This magazine has been issued monthly since in

eighteen national countries, and has grown and become more well known for its on trend

items/news.A men's Vogue was published in 2006, and

announced the plans for the American living Vogue. Condé Nast picked up the magazine after Arthur Turnure died in 1909, and from there it slowly

grew.

Vogue has been described as ‘ the world’s most influential fashion magazine’, it has mostly good reviews, even up to five stars,

stating that you have made it if you are seen in Vogue, and that it is the best fashion

magazine around. Although others, giving the popular magazine only one star, state that it is a waste of money, being £4, as it only consists of adverts, and they would

rather read true articles than look through the advertisements.

AUDIENCE OF VOGUEVogue targets women in their late twenties to thirties, as it advertises designer brands

that this age range would be interested in, as well as using models around this age range

to show and model the items in the magazine that are suitable for this audience.

Although there is ‘Teen’ Vogue, which is specifically targeted towards teenage girls, so

all ages can be involved and informed of the latest trends, with their age groups

considered.

Whether the audience are English, or of other ethnicities, Vogue is diverse and uses a

variety of cultural models to relate the magazine to everyone.

The ‘Male Gaze Theory’ could be applied to this magazine, as well known, famous icons

are usually shown on the front, such as ‘Rihanna’, who expressed a provocative image,

engage male readers to pick up this magazine.

The ‘Uses and Gratifications’ Theory could also be applied, whether it is adults or teens

reading this magazine, the models and icons shown in the magazines can relate to the

different age ranges, making the reader want to see the latest trends and the appearance

of the people. It is also useful, as the readers of Vogue can discuss the contents with

their peer groups, or family, as a social aspect. The audience can also be informed of

trends and read information about the icons, which will lead to entertainment.

A few stars that have appeared in Vogue

MISSION STATEMENT

Details continues to revolutionize the men’s market by providing the blueprint to a new era of masculinity for affluent, educated, metropolitan men. These cultural leaders care about more than just their appearances, with interests ranging from design and art/culture to fashion, grooming and fitness. Details’ smart journalism, unparalleled design aesthetic and actionable service provide everything our reader needs to accessorize his lifestyle and embody the new masculine ideal.

Details was founded in 1982, Conde Nast Productions, and is an American men's magazine which is issued on a monthly basis. It includes information about lifestyle and fashion, as well as political and social issues. Paul Jowdy is the publisher of this magazine.

DETAILS

REVIEWS OF DETAILS MAGAZINE

Many reviews mentioned the price of the magazine, being $3, which is exceptionally cheap for a magazine, which boosted some review ratings. Although many other reviews stated that this magazine was similar to a ‘playboy’ magazine, and was not as good as they’d heard. Overall, the magazine rating was seen as ‘ok’.

The target audience of this magazine is men, between the ages of 25-35, as this relates to the models and information included in the magazine. Seeing as the magazine is about fashion and lifestyle, the magazine gives a clear idea of its up to date style and way of living, by placing well known male icons onto the front cover, engaging the reader and encouraging them to buy the product. The front cover models are meant to stand out and make the reader want to read the magazine, so the audience will see the style, fashion and happiness of the models by their body language and facial expression and want to be like them. So they will buy the magazine. The uses and gratification theory could also relate to this, as men can relate to the information and style tips in the magazine as well as the life style articles etc. Which would then help and fit in with the esteem needs category in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, as these men will feel better about themselves, creating a brighter mood and lifestyle as well as being an enjoyable person to be around.

Target Audience

A FEW STARS THAT HAVE APPEARED IN DETAILS :

LOOK

Looks’ company is based in London, and each issue is around £1.50, so this magazine is not too expensive, but still provides on-trend styles, the latest fashion bargains and tips for hair, make up and more.

Look is associated with Marie Claire, NOW and InStyle.

REVIEWS OF LOOK MAGAZINE

Overall, this magazine received positive feedback, with customers saying that this magazine gives it’s reader the latest trends for reasonable prices. Although some readers did think the magazine was a little too invasive on celebrities lives, such as their love lives and the articles included inside of the magazine. However, a couple of readers said that this magazine was very stereotypical, and similar to other magazines, including the same photos and facts as other magazines. But there were not many reviews that gave this magazine less than three stars.

TARGET AUDIENCEThe target audience for this magazine is between 15-26, as it has a range of different styles and articles to suit the needs of this age group.

LOOK is also a diverse magazine, having models of different ethnicities on the cover. Although it mainly uses female models to relate to the audience it is aimed at.

Uses and gratification theory could also relate to this magazine, as women can talk to eachother about the latest styles, new trends n the magazine, helping the social interaction, and also see what their role models are wearing, wanting to wear the same style/ look like them, and then be able to inform their friends of their new finds.

STARS SEEN IN LOOK:

PRIMA

Prima magazine was launched by the German publisher Gruner and Jahr, and this magazine cost £1.5 million to launch. It has been the top selling domestic women’s monthly magazine since it launched. Although it’s sale peak was estimated to be around one million sales, and this has dropped to 350,000 since.

First issue of Prima in 1986.

REVIEWS OF PRIMA MAGAZINE

There were no reviews with less than three stars, which shows that the audience of this magazine enjoy the magazine and it provides them with useful information, and variety. Many of these reviews stated ‘I have been a long time subscriber and continue to enjoy the magazine. I especially appreciate the good value fashion sections--mostly affordable!-- and the recipes, patterns, creative ideas and articles.’

TARGET AUDIENCEThis magazine is most likely aimed towards late 30’s-50’s, as it consists of many sewing, cooking , fashion and more tips and activities that this age range would be starting to get involved in. Although many readers said that this magazine would be suitable to people of every age, depending on their interests.The uses and gratifications theory would be useful to this magazine, as people can share their interests and the tips they have learnt with friends and family, and also be able to relate to people/celebrities in the magazine that have the same interests.This magazine would help with the social needs section of Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, as it will help to build a strong relationship with friends as tips and information gained from the magazine is shared.

COVER STARS OF PRIMA MAGAZINE

MY QUESTIONNAIRE LINK:

http://www.survey.com/cgi-bin/pollxtl.pl?poll=PM2U1AR9V6Q8

The first question of my survey revealed that the public enjoyed reading about ‘celebrity gossip’ the most. Which means to achieve the best in my magazine I should add a lot of celebrity images and gossip!

The second question in my questionnaire asked the surveyor their age, and the most popular age group to complete my survey was between 10-17. Although the 51+ age group came second which I was surprised about, so I think variety of gossip/ fashion and contents in a magazine is important.

The third question showed that most people enjoy reading magazine related to fashion, although 15% did not, so again I think variety is needed in a magazine to suit different peoples needs.

The fourth question of my survey gave a wide range of ideas for the contents of my magazine. Many people mentioned images, trends and models representing fashion.

The last question in my questionnaire also showed that colour, celebrity images and stories included in the magazine were important for the front cover of the magazine.

MY QUESTIONNAIRE HELPED

I found my survey useful, as I found out what the public most

enjoyed reading in magazines, instead of just predicting what

they liked in magazines myself. This information will now help me

towards creating and building further ideas for my print base

production.

THEORIES

I think the uses and gratification theory is the most important theory

for my magazine, as I need to ensure the people in my magazine can

relate tot he readers, and be able to be interesting enough for the

readers to want to talk about and discuss with peer groups and family

etc.

Although I think it is important that I include Maslow’s Hierarchy of

needs into my magazine, with the main groups relating to the social and

esteem needs, as I want my magazine to make the readers feel good, and

for people around the readers to feel good aswell, being able to talk

about the magazine to create a stronger friendship/relationship.

Two step flow theory will also be useful, as I would

like to widen the range of target audience. So the

readers that I am targeting will lead others to want

to read and discuss the magazine, being able to trust

in the creator of the magazine and peers.

PREFERRED READINGS

An effective and informative

magazine that entertains its audience

and gives a variety of different news,

gossip and facts/information.

OPPOSITIONAL READINGS

The magazine does not interest the

reader, or make them want to read it. It

does not include enough variety and is

a stereotypical text to read.

MY TARGET AUDIENCE PROFILE

Age: 13-20

Gender: Female

Occupation: Students/ part time jobs

Income: Most likely little income, enough to

purchase the magazine regularly

Media Interests: Internet, print base, adverts

Demographics: E- Students, unemployed or

part time jobs, little income

Mainstreamers, aspirers, explorers.