For my second feature article analysis, I have chosen a page from the magazine "NME". NME is a indie/rock magazine that is published by the well-known, popular company "IPC". With a circulation of 33,875, NME caters for predominantly males at the mean age of 23.
When analysing this feature article, 2009, there are many features and techniques combined together to create the most appropriate magazine for the target audience chosen. I would suggest by looking at this feature page that the publisher has attempted to aim this magazine for individuals aged between 18-30. In my own personal opinion, I would say that the magazine suits both genders for the reason of Lily Allen's appearance. In stereotypical female magazines, the most dominant female model’s appearance will be a tight fitting dress, skirts, long blonde hair and plenty of “natural” make-up. In spite of this, Lily Allen has been dressed in a baggy, men's shirt, covering up her bare skin, with short black hair and black eye make-up. In contrast, it is likely that there will be female viewers that are into the rock and roll life style and prefer to be seen in the same light as Lily Allen's appearance.
On the other hand, the magazine suits men by virtue of the style of the writing. It is stereotypical that all men have untidy writing and that they do not take pride in their own written work. Due to this assumption, the producer has matched the uneven piece of writing that is far too big for the page to associate the magazine with a male figure. As addition to this, the font style, the context of the sentence, along with Lily Allen's body language and size of the photograph also creates a sense of rebellion. The likely viewer of NME will be an individual that will listen to rock and roll, indie music and may be classed as an insubordinate individual. Not only has the headline been highlighted with the unusual font style, but the writing, “Lily Allen” has been altered from black to red and copied the style to outline the similarity between the model and the rebellious signifier.
Linking in with the idea of colours, there are three main colours used in the magazine. These are white, red and black. Whilst the background is a simple, sophisticated shade of white, the writing overlapping is a contrasting black. White and black are two colours used to prove seriousness, elegance, and used to determine temperatures. I feel that these colours have been used to suggest the colours that would best suit an individual who will be viewing the magazine. White and Black are often used to emphasise love and hate combined together (“Yin and Yang”).
On the other hand, red has been used to overpower the calm colours and to create an eye catching picture to state the main focal point on the feature page. Red is often used as a signifier of danger or passion. Both of these themes could be appropriate for this article as shown in Lily Allens facial expressions. Whilst the image of Lily Allen and her name are the only objects shown in red, the audience’s eyes are guided towards the main theme of the feature page and can then determine whether or not they would like to read the article.
The text provided on the article is divided into four equal columns. The magazine has been organised for the ease of reading and to prove that the magazine is not the equivalent of a formal newsletter. This will persuade younger audiences to promote the magazine which will confidently increase the amount of people reading the magazine and then lead to he magazine gaining money. The font used is another technique used to help all ages ranging from as young as 16 to ages over 40. The font used is a typical conventional style of writing that is used within many different magazines and used throughout NME. We are introduced to the text with a drop capital. A drop capital is used to prompt the beginning of long pieces of writing and to guide the audiences eyes to the appropriate section that is needed for their interest. Whilst creating an enticing piece of writing by the small quantity, all of the appropriate information has been squeezed into the four columns to give the audience enough knowledge on the music and featured subject to intentionally brainwash the audience to buy another.
When analysing this feature article, 2009, there are many features and techniques combined together to create the most appropriate magazine for the target audience chosen. I would suggest by looking at this feature page that the publisher has attempted to aim this magazine for individuals aged between 18-30. In my own personal opinion, I would say that the magazine suits both genders for the reason of Lily Allen's appearance. In stereotypical female magazines, the most dominant female model’s appearance will be a tight fitting dress, skirts, long blonde hair and plenty of “natural” make-up. In spite of this, Lily Allen has been dressed in a baggy, men's shirt, covering up her bare skin, with short black hair and black eye make-up. In contrast, it is likely that there will be female viewers that are into the rock and roll life style and prefer to be seen in the same light as Lily Allen's appearance.
On the other hand, the magazine suits men by virtue of the style of the writing. It is stereotypical that all men have untidy writing and that they do not take pride in their own written work. Due to this assumption, the producer has matched the uneven piece of writing that is far too big for the page to associate the magazine with a male figure. As addition to this, the font style, the context of the sentence, along with Lily Allen's body language and size of the photograph also creates a sense of rebellion. The likely viewer of NME will be an individual that will listen to rock and roll, indie music and may be classed as an insubordinate individual. Not only has the headline been highlighted with the unusual font style, but the writing, “Lily Allen” has been altered from black to red and copied the style to outline the similarity between the model and the rebellious signifier.
Linking in with the idea of colours, there are three main colours used in the magazine. These are white, red and black. Whilst the background is a simple, sophisticated shade of white, the writing overlapping is a contrasting black. White and black are two colours used to prove seriousness, elegance, and used to determine temperatures. I feel that these colours have been used to suggest the colours that would best suit an individual who will be viewing the magazine. White and Black are often used to emphasise love and hate combined together (“Yin and Yang”).
On the other hand, red has been used to overpower the calm colours and to create an eye catching picture to state the main focal point on the feature page. Red is often used as a signifier of danger or passion. Both of these themes could be appropriate for this article as shown in Lily Allens facial expressions. Whilst the image of Lily Allen and her name are the only objects shown in red, the audience’s eyes are guided towards the main theme of the feature page and can then determine whether or not they would like to read the article.
The text provided on the article is divided into four equal columns. The magazine has been organised for the ease of reading and to prove that the magazine is not the equivalent of a formal newsletter. This will persuade younger audiences to promote the magazine which will confidently increase the amount of people reading the magazine and then lead to he magazine gaining money. The font used is another technique used to help all ages ranging from as young as 16 to ages over 40. The font used is a typical conventional style of writing that is used within many different magazines and used throughout NME. We are introduced to the text with a drop capital. A drop capital is used to prompt the beginning of long pieces of writing and to guide the audiences eyes to the appropriate section that is needed for their interest. Whilst creating an enticing piece of writing by the small quantity, all of the appropriate information has been squeezed into the four columns to give the audience enough knowledge on the music and featured subject to intentionally brainwash the audience to buy another.
This is looking very good Anna, I am concerned you have not posted anything recently. Get cracking on your mood boards and keep them to the same standard.
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