Magazine analysis’

-Jessica Southgate

Full BleedThe full bleed image is of The 1975 which shows that this is who the feature article of the magazine will be about. Immediately you can tell who the lead singer of the band is as he is very close to the camera compared to the other three members of the band. The lead singer (Matty Healy) is gripping his neck as if he is strangling himself with his mouth open and his eyes looking up as if he is dead. This portrays him as unique and not conforming to the stereotypical boy band, clean-cut image, connecting to the alternative music that he produces.The other three members of the band are significantly smaller than Matty and a lot further away from the camera. This demonstrates how Matty is the frontman of the band and the other three aren’t seen as much.

MastheadThe masthead is a Q in a pink square. Usually Q’s masthead is a Q inside a red box but this one is in a baby pink box. This could show that the magazine is a limited edition version, specific to The 1975 as that is the colour of their latest album work. Also, it is placed in the top left-hand corner, which is the first place people will look.

Facial ExpressionsThe band members in the back tend to have quite neutral facial expressions. The one standing right at the back looks quick cocky which could show tat the aren’t a stereotypical boy-band and are more rocky/alternative. The lead singer (closest to the camera) is gripping his neck as if to strangle himself with his mouth hanging wide open and looking up lifelessly as if he is playing dead.

LayoutAt the very top of the contents page there is a full bleed image of a man dressed in all black, looking over his black sunglasses at the camera, this shows that the main article in the magazine could be about him. It also gives us an idea of what sort of music this man produces. Fans would know that he is Slash (the guitarist from Guns N Roses) but to others they would recognise him as a stereotypical 80s rock star. Also on the top page there are previews of articles that are in the magazine. This gives the reader an insight of what is going to be featured in the magazine. On the bottom page it gives information on everything in the magazine and tells you what page each article. It is set out in columns with yellow heading on a black background so it is easier for the reader to understand. Secondary ImagesThese aren’t as important as the main image but they are still important to the promotion of the magazine. There are many images on the contents page, for example, there is a picture of the editor and also of people who are most likely going to be featured in the magazine.

Fonts and ColoursThe font is consistent throughout the whole page except for the titles which are different to the text. The colours are very consistent, mainly using black, white and yellow. This gives an element of edginess to the magazine and its all in your face.MastheadThe Masthead is the title of the page, this is usually the biggest piece of text on the page as it needs to catch the reader’s attention. This magazine seems to be targeted at a male audience because of the colours used and the fact that it is all quite dark. Also most of the pictures are of men or of something of male interest.

Date and Issue numberThe date is just to let the reader know when the magazine come out and see when the next one will come out. The issue number is to let the reader know what issue it is if they wanted to read the in order.

Full BleedThe model (Dave Grohl) is featured on a white background by himself, showing that he is the main focus of this issue of Q. The model has long hair, a beard, tattoos and is holding a guitar. This leads us to believe that he is a rock star (most people would know that he is part of the Foo Fighters and formerly part of Nirvana.) He is looking down at the floor, seeming to be sad. This could link with the cover line as it says “This will kill me!”

Cover LinesThere is only one cover line, which shows that the magazine is mainly going to be focused on him. The quote says “THIS WILL KILL ME!” This could show that he is talking about some personal issues in his article. Also it would intrigue the audience to read the article as they may want to know what it is that is supposedly killing him.

MastheadThe masthead is a big Q in a red box in the top left hand corner. This is where people will look first if they are reading something. Also the colour red is bold and will attract attention. The model and his guitar is overlapping the masthead, which could be showing his importance and presence.

Date and PriceThe date shows the reader when the magazine was produced and is placed in the top right corner. The price of this magazine is £3.99 which is quite expensive for a magazine. This could show that Q is quite a prestigious magazine.

LayoutThe title of the contents page isn’t as bold and in-your-face as the title on the front page as it isn’t as important. The main focus is the content. The purpose of a contents page is to show the audience what is going to be featured in the magazine. This is listed down the left hand side, the title is in a red box in white writing which is quite eye catching.

ImagesNext to the features is a large picture which takes up most of the page of The Courteeners. This is one of the only images on the page which shows that the feature article of this issue is most likely about this band.There is also a smaller image underneath of a man leaning against a pillar, indicating that there is something about him in the magazine.

Every Month Underneath the features is a section titled “every month.” This shows what is in every issue of Q and includes mail, essential tracks, a crossword etc.