Font Analysis

Font Analysis

Lucida Handwriting

Lucida Handwriting is a calligraphy-type font which would usually be used to represent softness or success. This is because the flow of the handwriting is elegant and natural. It would mostly be seen in vintage books or scripts.

 Kristen ITC

Kristen ITC font appears as a young child or teen has scribbled on a piece of a paper. It could be used to represent something messy, casual or rebellious. On Wikipedia it is described as “an organic structure suggesting a child’s handwriting.”

Jokerman

Jokerman is a wild and energetic type font that looks like it’s been created in a carnival or arcade. Jokerman is a fanciful display font which exudes excitement and vitality.

Arial

Arial is associated with the Microsoft Software, Apple Mac and Microsoft Windows. Therefore it has to be simple and easily readable for a wide range of people.  It’s clean and refined to portray a professional appearance.

Matisse ITC

Matisse ITC font represents a lot of things, such as a character from a Japanese manga series. It is a font often used for Chinese shop names or channels. However, it also looks edgy and terror-like and is often used in horror films or stories to portray something scary.

Questionnaire Results

I surveyed 22 people with a questionnaire and these are the results; some questions allowed multiple answers. Firstly, as the survey shows, there was a greater population of people that weren’t influenced by a free gift than who were. However, for my magazine I will still include free offers and prizes to attract a bigger audience, as the number of people who said they were influenced by free gifts was a substantial amount.

Secondly, most of the people surveyed bought their magazines monthly and were also asked out of the following options, how often they preferred magazines to be published: weekly, monthly, seasonally or fortnightly. The final results illustrated that the majority preferred them to come out monthly. Therefore, my magazine will be published monthly as for both questions it was voted for the most.

Furthermore, a good number of people spent between £1.50 and £3.00 for a magazine. However, the selected fraction of individuals who bought magazines monthly spent over £3.50. Therefore, my magazine will be priced in the region of £3.50 to £5.00.

The front cover of my magazine will consist of bold, vibrant colours and be titled “Tuned.” This is because the survey exemplifies that most people would rather have a simple meaningful word than something catchy and cheesy. This is also a normal convention for a rock magazine. Moreover, when surveyed, the majority of the population stated that bold, vibrant colours caught their eye on a magazine as opposed to “black, white and one other colour” or “soft pastels.” Lastly, when the question “which of these would persuade you to buy a magazine?” was asked, then most of the population chose “the articles.” Therefore, I will ensure that my articles incorporate interesting stories or contain celebrity gossip.

Finally, the music genre of my magazine will be rock, as when surveyed, most people’s favourite was the rock genre.

Questionnaire

Here is a copy of my questionnaire that I used for my research. The results are above.

What Influences My Magazine #2

What Influences My Magazine #1

Music Magazine - Double Page Spread Analysis #2

Double Page Spread Analysis #2

Firstly, VIBE has used a monochrome color scheme, but left the model in color, wearing a bright red dress; this is done to emphasize the most significant object on this page and make her stand out to the audience.  Red is often correlated with energy and passion, which portrays her music genre; it also shows the readers her vibrant personality. The other color that is included is blue, blue is frequently related with purity and cleanliness which again, makes the celebrity have a positive outlook. Additionally, red and blue together often connotate royalty; this makes the double page spread appear noble and expensive, having a bigger impact on the readers. Lastly, blue is also used to highlight the celebrity’s name, making the audience more aware and impressed with who is featured.

Moreover, the layout consists of an image rolling across both pages, then a bigger image covering half of one page; it also has an image caption, leading text and pull quotes. The image caption is incorporated in the background image, making it clearer for the audience to know what it’s informing them about. Secondly, the leading text briefly summarizes the commentary; it’s bigger than the rest of the font to draw attention to the audience, instead of them skipping the page. In addition, the pull quotes also influence the audience to read, the quotes are from the celebrity featured which makes the audience feel as if she’s inviting them to read. It also makes the readers feel important, as she is so high-class and idolized. The page numbers are located in the bottom right corner, along with the topic of the article. This represents organization and creates an easier navigation for the readers.

Briefly, the double page spread follows the conventional ‘c’ pattern eye-flow. This starts with the background image and passes through the text, onto the main image of the celebrity. This allows the audience to read the article easily without any other distractions, it also lets them view everything easily.

Lastly, the language is used is sanguine and positive which maintains a refreshing and welcoming foundation on the page; it also grips the readers onto the page and influences them to read more. This double page spread doesn’t appear to have any mode of address in the big font quotes; however this isn’t necessarily a negative thing as it doesn’t daunt a sensitive audience. Also it emphasizes that the article is all about the main celebrity and it’s bursting with information about her. This builds a positive relationship with an audience, as they can be impressed with the amount of facts incorporated.  Lastly, the writing style is formal which is inviting to an older and mature audience, additionally it makes the double page spread appear more professional and noble, which may formulate the audience to feel superior when reading.

Music Magazine - Double Page Spread Analysis #1

Double Page Spread Analysis #1

This double page spread features a band called 'Echo and the Bunnymen'. On the right hand side is an image of the main band member which fills the whole A4 page. The main image is a medium shot, which reveals his facial features clearly. There is also a microphone in the photograph, which represents music and singing; this informs the audience of what the band member does. The photograph is in a sepia tone which usually represents something old or vintage; this is effective because it embodies their style of music and makes the audience more aware. The sepia tone also associates with his pose and feelings; he’s looking away from the camera as if he’s in a dream or fantasising about something. The sepia tone emphasizes his emotion and allows the audience to feel the atmosphere of it too. Additionally, the title of the article is “the killing moon.” The moon is often correlated with peace and heaven, so his emotion, pose and sepia-tone all connect with the theme of the article.

Similarly, the colour scheme of this double page spread is black and gold, which is often connoted as elegance and prosperity; this will have an impact on the audience, causing them to be impressed. As stated before, the main image has gold undertones as it is shot in a sepia tone, therefore it complements the gold and black theme, making it appear more professional and organized.

Moreover, on the far left of the page are headshots of other band members and contributors towards their song “The Killing Moon;” this consists of the bassist, vocalist, video director and guitarist. This is a good attribute to have on the double page spread because it highlights their dedication and hard work. It also shows the audience that the production of the song had a lot of support, which makes it emerge as superior and significant.

Lastly, the only other image included is a smaller one in the middle of the text on the left hand page. It’s in black and white so it isn’t as emphasized as the main image. However, as it is located in the depth of the text, it still accentuates as it provides the article with something to help explain it. It also makes it look less boring, so it’s not just a chunk of text to the audience.

Music Magazine - Contents Analysis #2

 Contents Page Analysis #2

Initially, Q’s page layout follows all the conventions of a music magazine contents page. The main image is of a famous band, The Courteeners, located at the top of a hill as they pose in black and white clothing. Black and white usually represents formality and wealth, so it will make readers idolize the band members. The lead singer is also wearing sunglasses with shaggy hair, which is a common trait of a rock star; this creates a bigger music atmosphere on the page. The second image positioned at the base in the centre is of the artist Nick Cave in a formal suit, he is also clothed in black and white to portray formality and intelligence. This isn’t a common convention of a music magazine, as they’re usually represented crazily; jumping about or lying down. This makes the Q magazine appear more sophisticated and serious.

Furthermore, the entire page’s text is similar and in drop capitals, although the colors are different, abiding by the color scheme.  The layout consists of bold, red page numbers, black sub-headings and brief descriptions of the articles in lower case black text. The page numbers are in a different color from the sub-headings to make them more recognizable. Following after the “features” contents, is an “OASIS SPECIAL!” this, along with the page numbers are written in gold, unlike the rest of the contents page. This alerts the audience of the most significant matter they have to offer to influence them to purchase the magazine. Also, every sub-title is in block capitals, this is done to draw interest from audience and make it seem extra stimulating.

Additionally, the contents page is split into three dissimilar sections; “features,” “every month” and “Q reviews.” This achieves an organized and smart representation of the page; it also makes it clearer for the audience to find specific details.  However, the main image takes up most of the space, becoming the centre of attention. This isn’t specifically a negative aspect, though if Q was to recreate their contents page, I would recommend them having more images to appeal to a wider audience. However, if many “The Courteeners” fans saw that they were featured in this magazine, they would be more likely to purchase it.

Lastly, the color scheme of Q’s contents page is red and black. Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, power and strength. Black is a mysterious color related with fear and the unknown, it usually has a negative connotation because of words such as blacklist, black humor and Black Death. However, black also denotes strength and authority; it is considered to be a very formal, elegant, and prestigious color, for example a black Mercedes or black tie.  These colors are used because they’re identified as typical rock band colors; this encourages the correct, specific audience to buy the magazine, which in this case, everyone with an interest in rock music.

Music Magazine - Contents Analysis #1

Contents Page Analysis #1

Initially, at the peak of MOJO’s contents page, 'MOJO', is printed as opposed to the common “contents.” However, the reader perceives that this is a contents page due to the typical conventions, for example, images, page numbers, bold subheadings and information about articles. The title text 'MOJO' is bold, large and in a simple font, making it more prominent to the audience. It’s also identical to the cover title, promoting tidiness and consistency throughout the magazine which would receive a good impact amongst viewers.

Secondly, despite only enclosing a main story on the front cover; 'MOJO' does not focus its contents page on only one aspect. As an alternative, various images related to the articles are scattered in the background. By doing this, it opens up more options for the audience, as not much was exposed on the front cover. It also explains the articles in more detailed way, creating a bigger emphasis to purchase the magazine. As the images are arranged in a collage like technique, it makes the atmosphere of the page relate to a younger audience as it can be seen as “effortlessly cool.” It can on the other hand also be seen as creative and fun, possibly relating to the remainder of the magazine.  

Furthermore, included on the left hand side of the page are the content listings, introducing the audience to what is within the magazine. The sub-headings and page numbers are bold to be conspicuous; this allows the reader to clearly browse what they’re looking for rapidly and without difficulty. Located beneath every sub-heading is a description (in italic), informing the audience of extra information on the article. The descriptions differ from lengthy to brief, though in every one it is not revealing too much, which influences the viewers to discover further.

Additionally, the page numbers and text relating to an article are also presented on top of the images. This is to direct anybody interested in an image, to the correct page without having to scroll through the list of contents; it makes it easier and faster again, leaving an impression on the readers. The text is white and diminutive; though a red background is used to emphasize the contrast which makes it project more. On the other hand, a quantity of these images, do not link with the articles as they’re used as a substitute of text. This not only gives the page a good ratio between text and image but it attracts readers as there’s no explanation as to what the image is regarding – the only method they obtain an answer is if they read on, which influences them to purchase the magazine.

Lastly, the initial color scheme is red, white and black; however it isn’t really prominent because of the multiple color images. This gives the page a fairly chaotic appearance; it isn’t necessarily a negative factor though, as it could be used to represent their genre of music and the editor’s down-to-earth personality.

Music Magazine - Cover Analysis #3

Music Magazine Analysis #3

Kerrang! is a rock music magazine published in the United Kingdom, first launched in 1981 initially as a one-time supplement in the Sounds newspaper. The magazine's name is onomatopoeic and refers to the sound made when playing a power chord on an electric guitar. The target audience for Kerrang is anybody of the age 14-25 who is interested in the rock/metal genre of music. A secondary audience for Kerrang would be anyone with an interest in rock instruments or a member of a band.

Firstly, presented on the front cover is a famous rock band, “you me at six.” They’re in a mid-shot frame from an eye-level angle, providing the audience with a realistic perspective of the band. They’re also giving the audience a direct mode of address, inviting them in to read or purchase the magazine. Additionally, their expressions are free and energetic, which portrays them as down-to-earth and welcoming; their emotions can also be seen as representing their genre of music. The audience will recognize this and be drawn in to the magazine to increase their knowledge on the band. Also, presenting a celebrity on the front cover will attract a greater audience, possibly even beyond the targeted addressees. What's more, the main image overlaps the majority of the masthead, suggesting the popularity of the magazine; this is also a consistent factor on the majority of Kerrang’s front covers.

Furthermore, the masthead of Kerrang is positioned across the peak of magazine beneath the skyline. It is the biggest font size on the cover and regularly follows it’s house style; apart from the colour change from white to black occasionally. The colours black and white are often correlated with the connotations of formality, wealth, modernity, sophistication and style. All these factors will contribute towards an audience’s judgment on the magazine and will further influence persuade them that it’s a luxury worth purchasing. The masthead has white lines running through the letters, implying that something is broken; this could be representing the instrumental sounds of rock music, creating a rock atmosphere to the magazine which will appeal to an audience with an interest in that genre. Contributing to this factor, “Kerrang” is also onomatopoeic, emphasizing the “rock atmosphere” of the magazine.

Additionally, the strap line at the peak of the cover advertises popular celebrity names. This element engages the audience and persuades them to read the magazine because a lot of people admire or look up to these celebrities. It also insinuates that if idols are incorporated inside, then you’ll be up to date with the latest gossip and celebrities. However, there’s also a skyline at the bottom of the magazine, further emphasizing the large quantity of celebrities involved with the magazine, impressing an audience into purchasing it.

There is only one sell line on Kerrang, advertising a chaotic story on a band member; it’s also the smallest image and font, possibly implying it’s not the finest best the magazine has to offer to the audience. As an alternative, Kerrang has applied 3 other images as an advertisement of free posters. This would visibly grasp a reader’s eye as the images are outlined in red, overlapping each other to fill a greater space. The words “free poster” are a contrasting colour against the black background, highlighting the significance.
This cover doesn’t pursue the conventions of other music magazines since they utilize more than three colours, using five colours instead. This creates additional colour and variety on the cover, as well as it making it seem full of activity.

This cover doesn’t pursue the conventions of other music magazines since they utilize more than three colours, using five colours instead. This creates additional colour and variety on the cover, as well as it making it seem full of activity.

Music Magazine - Cover Analysis #2

Music Magazine Analysis #2

Vibe is a music and entertainment magazine which started in 1993; the publication predominantly features R&B and hip-hop music artists, actors and other entertainers.  The magazine's target demographic is predominantly young, urban followers of hip-hop culture.

Firstly, featured on the front cover is a famous rap star, Eminem. Featuring a celebrity on the front cover will attract a greater audience, possibly even beyond the targeted addressees. The photograph is taken as a mid-shot from an eye-level angle. It shows the subject as we would expect to see them in real life so it gives the audience a better perspective of him; his direct mode of address also invites the audience in to read the magazine since it makes them feel welcomed and acknowledged. However, his pose and facial expression indicates attitude and edge, which represents the genre of music the magazine is about. The audience will identify this and be drawn in to the magazine if they’re interested in that specific variety of music.

Furthermore, the masthead of the magazine is in a gradient of black to red; these colours correspond to fire, danger and power which may be perceived as the type of beat and style the magazine characterizes. The actual name itself, “Vibe” embodies an atmosphere of a place as communicated to and felt by others, so the audience feels involved and appreciated by the magazine. The masthead is in a large, simple font, positioned across the top of the magazine. The position and font of the masthead never alternates, however the colours vary; this would be done to familiarise the audience with the house style so they can immediately glimpse at the magazine and identify that it is Vibe. In addition, Eminem’s head is overlapping a couple of letters incorporated in “VIBE”, signifying that the magazine is popular enough without revealing the full title; this is also a habitual factor on the majority of Vibe’s front covers.

Additionally, the strap line featured on Vibe advertises popular celebrity names then concludes with a rhetorical question. This element engages the audience and persuades them to purchase the magazine to observe the responses to the question they were left with. The celebrity names also induce a greater audience to read the magazine because a lot of people admire or look up to them.

Lastly, Vibes’ sell lines are situated around the exterior of the magazine on the left and right hand side. The text is in a contrasting color from the background so it’s more prominent to the audience. It’s a smaller font size than the title because it’s less significant although the most important articles are highlighted in red to inform the audience of the “hottest gossip;” this persuades people to purchase the magazine to cause them to believe they’re up to date with news. They’re in the colour red as it is often connoted with warnings and danger; therefore it’ll be prominent to any viewers.

Music Magazine - Cover Analysis #1

Music Magazine Analysis #1

The New Musical Express (better known as the NME) is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved towards a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. The target audience of NME is approximately 70% male and 30% female. Also more young people aged between 15-30 years old purchase this magazine.

Firstly, featured on the front cover is a famous rock band member from “My Chemical Romance.” Featuring a celebrity on the front cover will attract a greater audience, possibly even beyond the targeted addressees. The photograph is taken as a long shot from an eye-level angle. It shows the subject as we would expect to see them in real life so it gives the audience a better perspective of him; his direct mode of address also invites the audience in to read the magazine since it makes them feel welcomed and acknowledged.

Furthermore, the models clothing also corresponds with the color scheme of the magazine which is red and black. Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, power and strength. Black is a mysterious color related with fear and the unknown, it usually has a negative connotation because of words such as blacklist, black humor and Black Death. However, black also denotes strength and authority; it is considered to be a very formal, elegant, and prestigious color, for example a black Mercedes or black tie.  These colors are used because they’re identified as typical rock band colors; this encourages the correct, specific audience to buy the magazine, which in this case, everyone with an interest in rock music.

Moreover, NME uses a clear-cut, bold, crimson, font for their masthead and it is the largest size text on the cover. As stated before, red often has the connotations of power and strength. However it can also be recognized as the colour of romance and love; rock bands frequently sing about these topics so the aim of the masthead being red provides the audience with an enhanced sense of what the magazine encloses. NME is also in block capitals so it gives it an edgy, powerful appearance; this is executed as it helps the magazine relate to the precise audience. A further factor I have perceived is NME’s masthead is easily recognizable as it remains in a consistent position and style from issue to issue, the color only changes occasionally.

NME’s sell lines are situated around the exterior of the magazine on the left and right hand side. The text is in a contrasting color from the background so it’s more prominent to the audience. It’s a smaller font size than the title because it’s less significant although the titles of the articles are in highlighted in red to symbolize importance. The skyline is located at the top of magazine which is a normal convention; it’s the second biggest font on the cover in black and red, advertising an update on a band. Positioning this at the top accentuates the significance to the audience; it draws them in to the story and influences them to purchase the magazine.