Research – Reflection

I analysed 5 different magazine front covers,

applying to both the rock/pop genre. All three magazines ‘NME’ ‘Q’ and

‘VIBE’ stuck to three main colours on their front cover, often to attract

attention. From looking at the front covers, I liked the simple modern

front covers, that were not over crowded but still had a positive effect

and attract attention. Also a front cover that attracts attention quickly is

really good and I noticed that all of the musicians on the front covers,

would be looking directly at the audience. For example one of the front

covers I annotated from ‘NME’ featuring Kasabian had a really cool

effect because both band members were looking at the audience,

however it appeared as if they were leaning on the title – instantly

attracting attention.

From the content pages in which I analysed, I noticed that a simple

contents page is the best. One with a large picture to attract attention

and a small amount of text showing the best features of the magazine.

The Katy Perry contents page was a great example of this.

From looking at the 5 double page spreads, it was obvious that a big

picture of the particular artist/band in question, is really important, as its

what attracts attention and makes the audience want to read the article.

Often the image would take up one whole A4 page and in some cases

continue. An article with small font always seem to appear to the right of

this, however a title is just as important as the main image, and from the

ones I saw they are often extremely creative. I personally liked the double

page spread of Kasabian as it followed this structure and its

effective picture and title, attracted my attention.

Overall from my research I have come to a conclusion as to what my

target audience will be. Mainly older teenagers/young adults from 17-23,

interested in both the ‘pop’ and soft rock genres. From my audience

research I have learned that technological convergence and current trends

will play a massive part in how I focus my magazine. I learned that my

audience use websites such as ‘Youtube’ , ‘Facebook’ & ‘Twitter’ a lot and

shop at ‘top brand’ shops such as Topman, Superdry, Hollister’ ect.

From the result I got from ‘find your tribe’ being ‘Rah’ in some ways this

suits my target audience and reflects some points of my audience

research in regards to what shops my audience like, however I’m not

targeting them primarily because of this. I don’t want my magazine to

appear targeted at a certain type of individual.

Overall I believe my research will have a positive effect on my magazine,

as I now have a more clear idea of the needs of my target audience and

what will attract them to my magazine.