Looking at magazine layouts

These magazines are both aimed at different target audiences which is shown through the colour, fonts and images used. However, they share some similarities in the way they are layed out. Firstly, the title is shown in the top left hand corner of each magazine but is partly covered by the image. However, this is done because the magazines are well known and so the audience will know which magazine it is without having to read the full title. Across the top of both is a header which provides information about what the magazine contains. It effectively provides another way for the cover to provide information other than listing artciles beside the pictures; both are in different colours which ensures it will attract the audiences attention. Futhermore, both include circles containing information which attract the audiences attention as they are bold, obvious shapes:

The 'sneak' magazine includes an image of a celebrity in the bottom right hand corner which is a taster of the poster inside. This will show the audience exactly what the magazine contains, encouraging them to purchase it.

Choosing a Magazine Name



Magazine font research

I have researched different fonts which I believe would be ideal for my magazine title.

These two fonts are similar in the way that the letters are all capitals and they have an eroded affect. The letteres are also bold which will attract the viewer but the eroded affect makes it more interesting and not just bold black. The style of these fonts would fit well with a rock magazine.

This font is more elegant than the previous fonts; the letters are finer and thinner. The letters are quite curly and surrounding the letters is an eroded style background which makes the font look quite old and mysterious.

Here is another font with an eroded effect. However, the white parts are in the shape of palm leaves which portrays is as Summery. It would therefore go well with a beach style image. However, the letters are easy to read and I believe the palm tree patterns make it very interesting but it may only work with a certain style picture e.g. beachy.

This font is quite different to the previous ones. The letters are less bold and are not eroded. It is quite simple but has a glamourous style which means it would work well with the images I will be using.

This font is mainly lower case except for the first letters of the words 'Action' and 'Time'. It is also bold which makes it easy to read for the viewer. Furthermore, there are white lines in a scratched affect across each letter, making it interesting.

I like the eroded style fonts best because the size and boldness of them are shown in typical magazine fonts, while the eroded characteristics makes it more interesting and unique. I believe the 'beyond wonderland' font does not look very magaziney and looks quite magical and inappropraite. Similarly, the bellerose font has a different style to the others and looks like it would be better suited as a restaurant name font.

My favourite fonts are:

• Capture it
• California
• Action of the Time

So I will use one of these as my magazine title font. Before choosing the final font I will create the title in each of them and decide which is most attractive.

Out of these names I have decided to call my magazine 'decode'. I believe it is an appropriate name as it means to find the meaning of something, which magazines do by writing articles about events.

Here is the title 'decode' in each of the different fonts:

The first two fonts are the same but the background and font colour has been reversed. Each of these fonts looks effective being in black and white. However, I believe the california font (third down) is hard to read as the palm tree shapes replace gaps in the letters; this makes the name of the magazine hard to read. The fourth font is easy to read but can only be written in lower case letters which looks less sophisticated than the first two. I believe the fourth font would consequently appeal to a younger audience and if it wasn't for the eroded affect, it may be seen on a childrens magazine. Therefore, I will use the font 'capture it'.

The font with the background, however, will mean it cannot go across the image as it will block out anything behind. I therefore believe the first font will be most appropriate.

My magazine font

Mood Board

Research

This image shows a close up shot taken of the model. the colours are simple and pale, making it overall quite bright. However, her dark eye make up and ring add contrast and make parts of the image stand out more. The blonde hair adds to the light colour scheme. The pose is quite natural and portrays her as calm and thoughtful - it is not an intimidating pose or used to create a significant mood.

This image is similar to the previous one in the colour scheme which is light. In addition, the models eyes are made darker through make-up to make them stand out. The make-up is slightly more harsh on the model and the pose is more dramatic. The images are similar but show how different moods can be shown through make-up, emphasising the eyes. Her hair is blowing backwards so it is not over her face; the adds to the natural mood.

This image is almost black and white, however, the lips, cheeks and hair do show very faint colour. Once again, though posed, the image is quite natural and overall a similar colour sheme is used. The black jacket links to the eye make-up so her eyes stand. Furthermore, her hair is blowing slightly back which looks natural and shows she has not been styled too much. This also links with the Taylor Swift image. Unlike the previous two images, this one does not lighten her whole face as a shadow from her hair crosses her eye.

Magazine Research

Lighting 

The left dark, shadowed picture is more mysterious and intimidating. The right hand magazine, however, is much lighter which allows the reader to fully see the model and therefore understand their mood. This image portrays a depressed, thoughtful mood.

Clothing

All of these magazines show the models wearing black and white outfits. The black and white clothing is simple and makes the model stand out as the colours are bold against each other. This also means the text can be different colours without clashing with/ taking over the image.

Different poses are used in each of these covers but all are forced poses. The Rolling stones magazine shows Jay-Z looking very sophisticated through the clothing and pose, while the XXL magazine cover shows Lil Wayne wearing casual clothing and looking intimidating through an aggressive pose.Their clothing and poses gives them completely different images. The magazine featuring Taylor Swift shows her posing in a relaxed way, making her look laid-back. Contrastingly, the Paramore magazine shows a more forced pose, conveying her attitude. Finally, the Duffy magazine shows quite a laid-back pose but also shows her confidence. The way she is leaning forward makes her face the main focus of the image.

In contrast, this image shows a model who is wearing a colourful, themed outfit. The model has a very forced pose which give her attitude.

 

In addition, the background contrasts to those above as it is patterned. However, the focus is not taken off of the model. It also links with the models outfit as the flowers in the background link with her hair accessories. Furthermore, a shadow can be seen outlining the model which makes her stand out of the cover.

In some of these magazines, the title is shown in the top left hand corner; spin and XXL show this trait, while the rest show the title in the centre, across the top of the page. Most magazines show the font without a coloured background but 'spin' magazine has a red box around it making it very bright and bold. Unlike the other magazines, rolling stones magazine has changed the font colour on each cover. This shows the magazine is clearly well-known enough to not have to stick to a colour scheme.