Magazine Case Study

Q Issue 298

Q Background Information • Q is a popular music magazine published monthly in the United Kingdom.• Founders Mark Ellen and David Hepworth were dismayed by the music

press of the time, which they felt was ignoring a generation of older music buyers who were buying CDs — then still a new technology.

• Q was first published by the EMAP media group in October 1986, setting itself apart from much of the other music press with monthly production and higher standards of photography and printing.

• In the early years, the magazine was sub-titled "The modern guide to music and more". Originally it was to be called Cue (as in the sense of cueing a record, ready to play), but the name was changed so that it wouldn't be mistaken for a snooker magazine.

• Another reason, cited in Q's 200th edition, is that a single-letter. title would be more prominent on newsstands

Genre, Audience, Purpose A In terms of audience, this text screams out to rock fans and heavy metal fans everywhere. For this specific issue, the target audience is mostly males, ages 16-30, whom are probably the bulk of the Foo Fighters fans.

The secondary audience would be older males, 30+ and onwards. This appeal can be taken from both the age of the artist, who is the lead singer. And from the surrounding cover lines which feature reference to Artic Monkeys and " sex drugs and golf" this therefore can rule out women. the majority of whom would not be concerned into buying this magazine based on it's aggressive nature.

In terms of statistics , we would assume the target market of males are lower/middle class, probably with families and 9-5 jobs, who are probably seeking distraction through their favourite band.

The purpose is to inform and entertain the audience/ viewer and reader. The image on the front cover can be perceived as ‘wild’ and ‘wacky’, therefore illustrating as more entertaining and enjoyable.

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The genre is obviously a music magazine. However sub genres can be extracted from the perception of the main image and the text written. “This will kill me,” may be perceived as having an ‘emo/gothic’ style genre. Where as “sex, drugs” can be emphasised as being stereotypical ‘gangster, thug, rap’ etc.

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Cover Analysis

The bar code, issue number and date are all used to show more information for the audience and potential customer.

The lists of band names near may also attract the audience as they are specific to the main genre. Thus being enticing to the audience as they may relate in the context of a favourite band etc.

The top right hand corner showing a preview of an “exclusive unheard Foos album.” This attracts the audience because of the vibrant colours and layered puff effect.

The name of the magazine is In the prime fixed location of the top left hand corner.

The large scroll at the bottom of the page states “ Dave Grohl saves rock. Again.” This shows additional information which the reader may want to know.

The callout on the side is simplistic yet with the variety of colours becomes more inviting to the eye. The font and size also accentuates the typography on the front cover.

Contents Page The colour scheme of red, white and black is consistent with this page. The main article doesn’t have a title, only the page number is featured larger than the others alongside another image of Dave Grohl. The audience will automatically be drawn to this since it stands out quite vividly. The background remains white to keep with the minimalistic image where as if it was colours it could make the page appear messy and chaotic.

The masthead is again featured in the top left hand corner. It may also be repeated in the bottom right hand corner to keep the masthead brand.

All the images featured relate back to the musical genre of rock.

The artists and articles are shown within the contents text to help the reader pinpoint specific articles/reviews or information faster rather then flicking through.

Q have used a separate cover for non- subscribers so the subscribers can be seen as having priority and exclusive covers. This is a way of encouraging more people to subscribe.

Review Page

The layout of this double page spread is similar to a typical magazine article. With images littering empty space and quotations highlighted in transparent scrolls.

There are a variety of images on this double page spread which are enticing and an interesting use of edits and filters. This grasps the readers the attention as they have more then one standard image to look at.

The article is a minimalistic design which can be perceived as ‘boring’. However Q may want the layout not to distract the reader from the importance of the article.

The typography in the spread is also simplistic and minimalistic creating a fresh and calming atmosphere/ image.