In this post I will be analysing some existing products in my potential market area. I will be looking at regional magazine front covers, content pages and double page spreads. I will be looking at their common codes and conventions and how I could apply them to my work. I will be looking at two regional magazine features and then ill be looking at a lifestyle magazine too. I want to analyse these magazines successful in order to get a good feel of what features are effective on a regional magazine and then ill be able to incorporate some of these features onto my own my products.
Front Covers:
Coast:
Coast magazine is a regional lifestyle magazine located at a potentially younger target audience. As you can see the masthead is all in lower case which makes it look informal as it has a casual feel to it. This is friendly to the consumer and invite them in. The masthead is slightly bigger than the stereo typical regional magazine as this one dominates the whole top quarter of the font cover. The colour is bold and sharp and stand out to the potentially target audience. The masthead its self looking as casual would defiantly attract a younger audience and this supports Dick Hebdige theory when he said ' youth is fun'. Even though the masthead is blue along with the background the masthead still stands out well due to the shades of the blue used. Coast has done this cleverly because they wanted to keep the colour scheme blue and by doing this the whole front page as a whole attracts the eye, ill touch more on the colour scheme later on. It has been placed under the skyline which follows the common codes and conventions of a regional magazine.
In terms of colour, Coast have used the same colour on the background and the masthead which doesn't follow the common code and conventions of a colour pallet because it could potentially stop the masthead jumping out at the target audience and appealing to them. Although what Coast have done well is incorporating loads of different shades of the same colour. Not only the masthead but the sky, sea, car and the text all also blue but yet it all still appeals well to the target audience. Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility and calmness. This might distort from a potentially target audience as G. Stanley Hall said 'Youth seeks excitement.' The masthead is in a sans serif font style which is slightly unconventional for regional magazines and can be argued that this font style is more favourable for a younger target audience.
In terms of typography on this front page the designer follows a lot of the common codes and conventions as the the lines are neatly organised and there is not significant gaps in between lines. The font follows the masthead along with the colour for the exception of the sweet spot. Coast have also made all their text stand out to the consumer so that there is a story/article to attract most of the customers base and also follows the common codes and conventions by making the text stand out unlike some regional magazines make the text barely visible to make the image stand out even more.
Again, Coast follows more common codes and conventions of a regional magazine by only incorporating one image on to their front cover and this allows for a simplistic design. This is a long shot capturing the 'coast' in it which relates to the title of the magazine. The most important job for the main image on a regional magazine is to promote what is in the region as well as promoting for what is there magazine, so by inputting a picture of a rare coast with a bright sky allows this to be strongly connoted. The choice of the blue car next to the blue see and blue sky also Blue is a masculine color; according to studies, it is highly accepted among males.
In terms of layout, Coasts is very similar to many of its competitors as its very neat and structured yet busy and informative. There must of been a lot of design work gone into this as the cover manages to include a lot of information about the region yet the text isn't that overpowering that the audience no longer pay attention to the mast head, main image etc.. Many people when they first see this cover might think that because there is a lot of information on the front of the magazine there will be a lot inside the magazine and this might increase sales.
Cornwall Today:
I will now be looking at the regional magazine 'Cornwall Today'. Cornwall today is a very professional magazine and covers a lot in there magazine from locations, to nature to events happening all over the region. Cornwall Today's primary target audience is primarily aimed at people between 35 and 65, who are also in social grades A-C1. Due to Cornwall not having a wide mixture of ethnicity, Cornwall Today will be generally be aiming at a white target audience.
Cornwall Today's masthead fits a lot of common codes and conventions of a regional magazine as its located at the top of the magazine and using colours that contrast the background in order for it to jump out to the audience. They also have the first line of the masthead in capitals to make it stand out to the audience so they realise the region of the magazine and then the line beneath is in lower case which contrasts the upper line. This masthead though has a serif font which is different to the last one and this font style works with Cornwall Todays target audience. A serif font is more traditional used when attracting a older target audience and therefore works well on this masthead.
The first content page that I'm going to analyse is this one from the region magazine, Coast. This contents page breaks a lot of common conventions for a contents page as the contents page is split over two pages, not a double page spread, but you literally have to turn over to a new page to view the second half of this content page. This is very inconvenient for the consumer and doesn't give the contents page a very professional look. Coast keep the same genre on this contents page as the front cover because of the colours used, images and typography. The layout used includes a lot of images but is very simplistic and effective.
Coast don't incorporate there masthead on their contents page but this is unusual for a contents page as most in this genre don't include the masthead either. This contents page does include small sub-headings to help the consumer navigate around the magazine. These sub heading are then partnered with the page number which a nice feature because it tells the consumer where to go to find what they're looking for.
The typography used on this contents page relates towards to audience and the genre and also follows the same scheme as it did on the front cover. The fonts used here are commonly used on regional magazines and fit the common codes and conventions. There is two different font sizes used crossed both pages on the contents page. The upper case font is used for sub heading and important information where as all the other font is in lower case and spaced closely together. In terms of the lexis on this page, its not too formal neither too casual as Coast tries to attract a wide range of audiences.
Unconventionally there is seven images used on the contents page. The contents page is meant to direct the audience to the particular information that they may be interested in and visuals are normally included. On some regional magazines only one main image is used but here there is 7 images, all of different sizes, representing different stories. All of these images relate to the target audience and genre and show culture. Most of the images used here relate to the title of the magazine 'coast'. Although they also include other images to attract people to other content inside the magazine. There is a photo of a man abseiling down the side of cliff. This may attract Coasts target audience as Stanley Hall said: 'youth seeks excitement'. The images give the contents page a professional look by the colours used.
In terms of layout, its simplistic and very effective. On the first page the text is separated into two different columns which makes it easy for the eye to follow and they're spilt by a faint blue line which tells the eye not to read over the line. On the second page there is only one lengthy column but is still easy to follow as its broken up by the sub headings. This kind of layout is conventional for a regional magazine. All the photos take up on the right hand side of the page so the audience will view these after reading about the topic first. This is also done so that the audience can focus on part of the page at a time.
In terms of layout, Coasts is very similar to many of its competitors as its very neat and structured yet busy and informative. There must of been a lot of design work gone into this as the cover manages to include a lot of information about the region yet the text isn't that overpowering that the audience no longer pay attention to the mast head, main image etc.. Many people when they first see this cover might think that because there is a lot of information on the front of the magazine there will be a lot inside the magazine and this might increase sales.
Cornwall Today:
Cornwall Today's masthead fits a lot of common codes and conventions of a regional magazine as its located at the top of the magazine and using colours that contrast the background in order for it to jump out to the audience. They also have the first line of the masthead in capitals to make it stand out to the audience so they realise the region of the magazine and then the line beneath is in lower case which contrasts the upper line. This masthead though has a serif font which is different to the last one and this font style works with Cornwall Todays target audience. A serif font is more traditional used when attracting a older target audience and therefore works well on this masthead.
The overall look of this front cover is very bright and vibrant and the photo captures the flower in its full depth and beauty which will attract and stay out to the majority of Cornwall Today's target audience. Another way the consumer might view this is see the amount of effort and detail the photographer and editor has done and see that a lot of effort goes into this magazine so there will a lot of content inside. This could link in with the fact that the magazine is trying to appealing with everyone and with this high quality image it adds in a sophisticated level and could attract to a wide range of people. I believe that the magazine is presenting which can be clearly seen through the main image as this references a group of people who are interested in nature and gardening. Therefore stereotypically this would be an older age group as this is something the young are likely to find boring. This means that this front cover too could also link back to Stanley Halls theory of 'Youths seek excitement'. This means even though the magazine would like to attract everyone it has a primary target audience of an older generation.
In terms of typography there is two different styles used. The first one is the more dominant one which is in a bold text and even slightly bigger. This line is also in a different colour to really contrast from the background and make it stand out. The job of this line is to attract the audience and believe more important information. The larger text stands out a lot and is conventional for magazines to try and attract a larger target audience.
In terms of the colour scheme I believe that there sophisticated and yet subtle as all the colours from the text blend in well with the main image to keep this as the main focus for the consumer. Even though all the fonts don't overpower the main image they are still effective by contrasting the background so they still get some attention form the consumer. Along with the masthead being a simple white font is contrasts the background to make it stand out from the other aspects of this front cover.
Taking into consideration of all the aspects of this magazine front cover I think its clear that this magazine is not suitable for all ages as I don't believe the feature would attract a younger target audience. This is why I believe it suits an older target audience and potentially people who are retired and want to visit places or do something in there spare time.
Devon Life:
The final regional magazine that I will be analysing is Devon Life which is published in the county of Devon. This magazine is aimed at people within the ages of 35-65 in the social brackets of A-C1. Its time at both males and females and also aimed at a white target audience because this is the dominant ethnicity in this area.
The masthead is very large and dominates as the focal point on this front cover. The masthead takes up roughly 1/8th of the front cover which fits convention and there is very little spacing which also fits convention. The typography style for the masthead fits common codes and conventions as its in capitals and there is no space between the two words. Like many other regional magazines this masthead is in a white colour so it will contrast the background at become a focal point for the audience. The masthead can also connate the target audience as the font style is archaic, this is normally associated with an older target audience. Again like the last magazine this masthead adopts a serif font style which again attracts an older target audience.
In terms of the main image its very bright and vibrant and its job is to show the consumer of the beauty of the county while still engaging them in the magazine. It includes a very bright blue sky which connate happiness and joy with a lively atmosphere. The photo works really well as the sea and the skyline split in order for the masthead to contrast from the sky to stand out more. This cover does break some conventions as it includes more than just the one image. You mainly just see one image on a regional magazine (Main image) but on this one they have also added in some other visual aspects related to different stories in order to grab your attention. There is a lot of the colour blue used on the main image such as the sky, sea and the camper van. Blue is a colour which is strongly linked with males but as there is a female in the main image this means that the cover is aimed at both genders.
Devon life follow a lot of conventions in terms of there layout which may indicate that they are targeting a wide demographic market rather than a niche one. All the text and content is positioned around the outside of the main image which is quite possible the main selling point for this magazine. Like I touched on before there is also three other smaller photos positioned neatly with a subtle white border surrounding the photos to that they 'pop out' to the potential consumer.
In terms of the colour platte for this magazine the main colour used is white which is used for a lot of things on this cover. It is used for the masthead in order for it to contrast the background along with all the text on this cover which is why for the same reason but this text is not in bold or as large as its not supposed to overpower the masthead. Another colour used was a pinky colour. This colour was used as a background at the bottom in order for the text to stand out and this strip of colour will catch the attention of the potential consumer. Its also used on some of the text maybe to outline its importance and make its stand out to the consumer. If the front cover used many more colours it would of distracted the consumer from the main image.
The bar code is congenitally postponed on the bottom right of the cover but un-conventially is placed vertically. This could be beaches the designer wanted to but text in that spot but couldn't because the bar code would of been in the way. Also the price is positioned smaller but beside the bar code which does follow convention. The bar code almost hides the price in order to not off put the potential customer.
Devon Life:
The final regional magazine that I will be analysing is Devon Life which is published in the county of Devon. This magazine is aimed at people within the ages of 35-65 in the social brackets of A-C1. Its time at both males and females and also aimed at a white target audience because this is the dominant ethnicity in this area. The masthead is very large and dominates as the focal point on this front cover. The masthead takes up roughly 1/8th of the front cover which fits convention and there is very little spacing which also fits convention. The typography style for the masthead fits common codes and conventions as its in capitals and there is no space between the two words. Like many other regional magazines this masthead is in a white colour so it will contrast the background at become a focal point for the audience. The masthead can also connate the target audience as the font style is archaic, this is normally associated with an older target audience. Again like the last magazine this masthead adopts a serif font style which again attracts an older target audience.
In terms of the main image its very bright and vibrant and its job is to show the consumer of the beauty of the county while still engaging them in the magazine. It includes a very bright blue sky which connate happiness and joy with a lively atmosphere. The photo works really well as the sea and the skyline split in order for the masthead to contrast from the sky to stand out more. This cover does break some conventions as it includes more than just the one image. You mainly just see one image on a regional magazine (Main image) but on this one they have also added in some other visual aspects related to different stories in order to grab your attention. There is a lot of the colour blue used on the main image such as the sky, sea and the camper van. Blue is a colour which is strongly linked with males but as there is a female in the main image this means that the cover is aimed at both genders.
Devon life follow a lot of conventions in terms of there layout which may indicate that they are targeting a wide demographic market rather than a niche one. All the text and content is positioned around the outside of the main image which is quite possible the main selling point for this magazine. Like I touched on before there is also three other smaller photos positioned neatly with a subtle white border surrounding the photos to that they 'pop out' to the potential consumer.
In terms of the colour platte for this magazine the main colour used is white which is used for a lot of things on this cover. It is used for the masthead in order for it to contrast the background along with all the text on this cover which is why for the same reason but this text is not in bold or as large as its not supposed to overpower the masthead. Another colour used was a pinky colour. This colour was used as a background at the bottom in order for the text to stand out and this strip of colour will catch the attention of the potential consumer. Its also used on some of the text maybe to outline its importance and make its stand out to the consumer. If the front cover used many more colours it would of distracted the consumer from the main image.
The bar code is congenitally postponed on the bottom right of the cover but un-conventially is placed vertically. This could be beaches the designer wanted to but text in that spot but couldn't because the bar code would of been in the way. Also the price is positioned smaller but beside the bar code which does follow convention. The bar code almost hides the price in order to not off put the potential customer.
Contents Page:
Coast:
The first content page that I'm going to analyse is this one from the region magazine, Coast. This contents page breaks a lot of common conventions for a contents page as the contents page is split over two pages, not a double page spread, but you literally have to turn over to a new page to view the second half of this content page. This is very inconvenient for the consumer and doesn't give the contents page a very professional look. Coast keep the same genre on this contents page as the front cover because of the colours used, images and typography. The layout used includes a lot of images but is very simplistic and effective.
Coast don't incorporate there masthead on their contents page but this is unusual for a contents page as most in this genre don't include the masthead either. This contents page does include small sub-headings to help the consumer navigate around the magazine. These sub heading are then partnered with the page number which a nice feature because it tells the consumer where to go to find what they're looking for.
The typography used on this contents page relates towards to audience and the genre and also follows the same scheme as it did on the front cover. The fonts used here are commonly used on regional magazines and fit the common codes and conventions. There is two different font sizes used crossed both pages on the contents page. The upper case font is used for sub heading and important information where as all the other font is in lower case and spaced closely together. In terms of the lexis on this page, its not too formal neither too casual as Coast tries to attract a wide range of audiences.
Unconventionally there is seven images used on the contents page. The contents page is meant to direct the audience to the particular information that they may be interested in and visuals are normally included. On some regional magazines only one main image is used but here there is 7 images, all of different sizes, representing different stories. All of these images relate to the target audience and genre and show culture. Most of the images used here relate to the title of the magazine 'coast'. Although they also include other images to attract people to other content inside the magazine. There is a photo of a man abseiling down the side of cliff. This may attract Coasts target audience as Stanley Hall said: 'youth seeks excitement'. The images give the contents page a professional look by the colours used.
In terms of layout, its simplistic and very effective. On the first page the text is separated into two different columns which makes it easy for the eye to follow and they're spilt by a faint blue line which tells the eye not to read over the line. On the second page there is only one lengthy column but is still easy to follow as its broken up by the sub headings. This kind of layout is conventional for a regional magazine. All the photos take up on the right hand side of the page so the audience will view these after reading about the topic first. This is also done so that the audience can focus on part of the page at a time.
In terms of the colour scheme on this contents page it has three main colours which follows the 'rule of three' convention. The three main colours used here is Black, White and Blue. Blue is the colour of the sky and the sea and this is why its so effective in a regional magazine. The blue used on this contents page is fairly dark and this connotes knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness. The white is represented as a positive connotation and contrasts very well against black. Thats why conventionally white is used as a background for a powerful and elegant black to be used as the typeface on top. There is other colours used on this contents page but there in the images and don't really count towards the colour scheme. These images do add more colour and liveliness to the contents page as a whole.
Cornwall Today:
Cornwall Today:
This contents page is extracted from the regional magazine 'Cornwall Today', which is located in Cornwall. This contents pages is spread out over a double page which follows a lot of common codes and conventions for a regional magazine. The contents page of Cornwall Today also follows the same target audience as the front cover as its contains the same stereotypes that would appeal to this target audience in this genre.
The masthead is located large in the centre of the left hand side page. This is quite unconventional for a contents page as there more known to be in more of a bold font located at the top of the contents page. The masthead still stands out to the consumer b because of the colours constructing against the background. This is also supported by many sub headings which helps the audience navigate around the magazine with ease.
In terms of typography, there is quite a lot of light text which indicates and connotes feminism. There is also a heavier typeface which connotes a male audience and this is how the typography reaches out to their target audience. The heavier typeface may also represent that the the text may carry a more important message. Most of the typeface is quirky which is rounded and connotes an inviting atmosphere. This is done because all the font is lower case so it doesn't come across to powerful to the audience. All the subheadings though are in bold in order to stand out as it contrasts from the background and also symbolises importance. Further more I like this feature as it adds creativity and purpose.
The main image breaks some conventions as the image is incorporated also as the background on this contents page. This is a feature I'm unaware of before but it is effective and does look very professional although it does break conventions of a regional magazine in this genre. The colour used on this image is like a water effect because of the sea and this is carried across all over the contents page. This world well as its contrasts the type above well and complements it well. The waves in this image connate a calm and relaxed themes and allows the audience to focus on the content and not be too distracted by the image. There is also a graphic small ma of Cornwall on the right hand side with certain places labelled which could mean feature later in the magazine.
The layout is basic by using short columns across the top of the pages. Columns allow your eyes to easily follow the content down the page. There is sections of text which is separated by sub headings. This contents page also doesn't contain any text boxes and rely the text to stand out by contrasting against the background of the image. The image then cover the bottom half of the cover and an overall look of the layout is creative and professional.
In terms of the colour palette they have the same main three colours as the last contents page that I analysed which is down to the the genre and location. The three main colours are Black, White and Blue. The blue is a typically connotation for Cornwall as it represents the sea and sky. The black and white is used to make the typeface stand out a draw in the audience.
Dorset Life:
Dorset Life – The Dorset Magazine is an independently owned county magazine. It is not part of a national publishing group, rather Dorset Life is produced in Wareham by a small, dedicated team, all of whom live and work in Dorset. The magazine was founded in 1968 and its August 2015 edition was issue number 437. Dorset life's target audience is a more mature audience and of 31+ in the social brackets A-C1.
Dorset life's masthead is not actually incorporated on there contents page which is quite unusual for a regional magazine in this genre. As the contents page as so much information and visuals on it if they inputted a masthead it could make the final contents page look crowded and it may loose its professionalism. It does include 'Dorset Life in Dorchester' which does attract your eye immediately and this represents there main story within the magazine and potential acts as the masthead for this contents page.
In terms of typography the style of font used in thin and light which invites the reader in and could also connate feminism. They also incorporate a serif style font on the left hand side which represents to their mature target audience. On the right hand side they include sub headings which are made into bold for easy navigation around the magazine. This is really conventional for a regional magazine as we have seen. Each of these sub headings are also relatively short as this is easy for the target audience to read and even some sub headings include a question mark which engages the audience into their magazine. Underneath these sub headings is a brief description about that article so that the audience can gain a further feel about the general topic before reading it. The sub headings are also in a different colour in order to stand out above the description below and catch the readers attention. Overall the language is formal which suits Dorset life's target audience.
This contents page has one main image but is partnered up with two other images which are previous magazines. The main image is located in the upper right hand corner of the contents page just underneath the bold title of 'Dorset Life in Dorchester'. This is positioned here in order to stand out by the title so the image doesn't over power the rest of the contents page. This image is related to the main article in this magazine so by adding in visuals of this articles it will attract more potential customers too it. The other two images are the front covers of two previous magazines. They are fairly large and located in the middle/bottom left hand side of this contents page. These two imaged add more colour to the contents page as they're vibrant but don't take too much attention off the rest of the contents page.
In terms of layout, this contents page is slip into two right down the middle. The left hand side talks about Dorset Life magazine itself by telling their audience who they are and what is include in their monthly magazines. All this text is sitting on top of a blue text box which is done for this text to stand out so the audience reads it. This text is also partnered with the previous copies of the magazine along with their general information at the bottom but all inside this blue text box. The right hand side includes the actual content of this magazine. It has all of this months features along with those subheadings which stand out for easier reading and for the audience to find certain pages faster. The bottom right contains website links along with their social media links which shows that they may also be marketing towards a younger target audience plus this text is significantly smaller in order to not overpower the contents page and bore their audience with this information. The main image is located at the top of the page because you generally start reading from the top so you will notice this image first and its partnered with the main article which will attract people straight away.
In terms of the colour palette, its conventional because it follows the common codes for a magazines which is the 'rule of three'. the three main colours used here are Blue, White and Black. This is no surprise to me as all of the regional magazine content pages I have analysed in the South West use these colours. This indicates to me that these colours are very effective to this genre and location so I will be most likely in incorporate these colours into my contents page. There is two shades of blue used on this contents page. There is a lighter blue used as the text box on the left hand side and the font of the sub headings. Light blue connotes health, helpfulness and softness, this relates to their mature target audience. There is a dark blue text box used underneath the main title in the upper right section. The darker blue connotes, knowledge, power, integrity and seriousness which again can relate to their target audience. Blue as a general also could represent the sea and sky which is commonly featured in Dorset and inside their magazine. The white and black primary use is for how well they contrast. The white is conventionally used as the background and for black text to overlay on top to stand out to the audience.
The masthead is located large in the centre of the left hand side page. This is quite unconventional for a contents page as there more known to be in more of a bold font located at the top of the contents page. The masthead still stands out to the consumer b because of the colours constructing against the background. This is also supported by many sub headings which helps the audience navigate around the magazine with ease.
In terms of typography, there is quite a lot of light text which indicates and connotes feminism. There is also a heavier typeface which connotes a male audience and this is how the typography reaches out to their target audience. The heavier typeface may also represent that the the text may carry a more important message. Most of the typeface is quirky which is rounded and connotes an inviting atmosphere. This is done because all the font is lower case so it doesn't come across to powerful to the audience. All the subheadings though are in bold in order to stand out as it contrasts from the background and also symbolises importance. Further more I like this feature as it adds creativity and purpose.
The main image breaks some conventions as the image is incorporated also as the background on this contents page. This is a feature I'm unaware of before but it is effective and does look very professional although it does break conventions of a regional magazine in this genre. The colour used on this image is like a water effect because of the sea and this is carried across all over the contents page. This world well as its contrasts the type above well and complements it well. The waves in this image connate a calm and relaxed themes and allows the audience to focus on the content and not be too distracted by the image. There is also a graphic small ma of Cornwall on the right hand side with certain places labelled which could mean feature later in the magazine.
The layout is basic by using short columns across the top of the pages. Columns allow your eyes to easily follow the content down the page. There is sections of text which is separated by sub headings. This contents page also doesn't contain any text boxes and rely the text to stand out by contrasting against the background of the image. The image then cover the bottom half of the cover and an overall look of the layout is creative and professional.
In terms of the colour palette they have the same main three colours as the last contents page that I analysed which is down to the the genre and location. The three main colours are Black, White and Blue. The blue is a typically connotation for Cornwall as it represents the sea and sky. The black and white is used to make the typeface stand out a draw in the audience.
Dorset Life:
Dorset life's masthead is not actually incorporated on there contents page which is quite unusual for a regional magazine in this genre. As the contents page as so much information and visuals on it if they inputted a masthead it could make the final contents page look crowded and it may loose its professionalism. It does include 'Dorset Life in Dorchester' which does attract your eye immediately and this represents there main story within the magazine and potential acts as the masthead for this contents page.
In terms of typography the style of font used in thin and light which invites the reader in and could also connate feminism. They also incorporate a serif style font on the left hand side which represents to their mature target audience. On the right hand side they include sub headings which are made into bold for easy navigation around the magazine. This is really conventional for a regional magazine as we have seen. Each of these sub headings are also relatively short as this is easy for the target audience to read and even some sub headings include a question mark which engages the audience into their magazine. Underneath these sub headings is a brief description about that article so that the audience can gain a further feel about the general topic before reading it. The sub headings are also in a different colour in order to stand out above the description below and catch the readers attention. Overall the language is formal which suits Dorset life's target audience.
This contents page has one main image but is partnered up with two other images which are previous magazines. The main image is located in the upper right hand corner of the contents page just underneath the bold title of 'Dorset Life in Dorchester'. This is positioned here in order to stand out by the title so the image doesn't over power the rest of the contents page. This image is related to the main article in this magazine so by adding in visuals of this articles it will attract more potential customers too it. The other two images are the front covers of two previous magazines. They are fairly large and located in the middle/bottom left hand side of this contents page. These two imaged add more colour to the contents page as they're vibrant but don't take too much attention off the rest of the contents page.
In terms of layout, this contents page is slip into two right down the middle. The left hand side talks about Dorset Life magazine itself by telling their audience who they are and what is include in their monthly magazines. All this text is sitting on top of a blue text box which is done for this text to stand out so the audience reads it. This text is also partnered with the previous copies of the magazine along with their general information at the bottom but all inside this blue text box. The right hand side includes the actual content of this magazine. It has all of this months features along with those subheadings which stand out for easier reading and for the audience to find certain pages faster. The bottom right contains website links along with their social media links which shows that they may also be marketing towards a younger target audience plus this text is significantly smaller in order to not overpower the contents page and bore their audience with this information. The main image is located at the top of the page because you generally start reading from the top so you will notice this image first and its partnered with the main article which will attract people straight away.
In terms of the colour palette, its conventional because it follows the common codes for a magazines which is the 'rule of three'. the three main colours used here are Blue, White and Black. This is no surprise to me as all of the regional magazine content pages I have analysed in the South West use these colours. This indicates to me that these colours are very effective to this genre and location so I will be most likely in incorporate these colours into my contents page. There is two shades of blue used on this contents page. There is a lighter blue used as the text box on the left hand side and the font of the sub headings. Light blue connotes health, helpfulness and softness, this relates to their mature target audience. There is a dark blue text box used underneath the main title in the upper right section. The darker blue connotes, knowledge, power, integrity and seriousness which again can relate to their target audience. Blue as a general also could represent the sea and sky which is commonly featured in Dorset and inside their magazine. The white and black primary use is for how well they contrast. The white is conventionally used as the background and for black text to overlay on top to stand out to the audience.
Double Page Spreads:
Coast:
I am now going to analyse a series of double page spreads from regional magazine which have the same genre and location as I'm planning on. The first double page spread that I'm going to look at is this one from coast.
The main header of these double page spread is thin which gives a laid back approach and relates to Coast's target audience. The top half of this heading is in italics which connotes that this section is important and it will grab the attention of the reader. In then goes into a regular font but also goes into capitals. This is done to again attract the target audience but so it also stands out from the background. This is also done because now the two lines contrast each other in font style and this will grab the attention of the audience. The spacing is very close which means they have taken a stylistic approach and and this will been seen as attractive and creative to their target audience.
The body of the text is below this heading and is a neat box shape which all fits underneath the heading. The text is relatively small but contains a short story for the reader which is interesting but because if the size of the font its not overpowering anything else on this double page spread. The font although is darker than the heading and potentially even bold. This is done so that the text can still been seen against the background and makes it easier for the audience to read. In terms of spacing its conventional for this genre and fashionable for their target audience.
The main image is conventionally the main focal point of this double page spread. This is done so that the audience can get an understanding of what the articles includes before actually reading it. As this image has been taking outside they are trying to attract people who enjoys being outside. The main image takes up 95% of the double page and this is unconventional for a regional magazine. Regional magazine double page spreads can normally be quite informative while still having a powerful visual product. In this case there is not a lot of information which could off put their target audience. Although this is a very professional and appealing main image, I think more text still can of been involved without distracting away from the beauty of this image.
Unconventionally, this double page spread doesn't include any page numbers. This is not a big feature but it would of reminded the page the audience was reading and added a more professional feel to the double page spread as a whole. There isn't really a colour palette to this double page spread as the only colours visible are the ones that are in the image which are dark and gloomy but creates a nice atmosphere about the page.
Cornwall Today:
The next double page spread Im going to analyse is one that features in Cornwall Today's regional magazine. This spread is formal and represents lifestyle through the imagery, layout and the text used. This spread will attract the same audience as their front cover and contents page which is 35 - 65 in the social bracket of A- C1. This is represented again through the imagery, text and the layout.
The main masthead/heading on this double page spread uses two different typefaces along with a small image which is unconventional on a regional magazine. Although this masthead does stand out and attract the audience through the two different typefaces contrasting each other. There is a boat which is used as imagery instead of the letter A in 'Boatshed', which is a clever as the imagery plays on the words used. This again is eye appealing and look professional. The heading is also all in block capitals along with the middle line also being in a bold font. This is done to make emphasis on the word 'Boatshed' to make it stand out and the rest above the rest of the heading. Overall this heading gives the audience a formal approach while also inviting them in with the use of imagery in the title.
Looking at the typography, excluding the masthead, there is only one typeface actually used which connotes simplicity and formality to the reader. This is because the typeface doesn't regularly change which could potential confuse the audience and create an informal spread. This typeface follows the same colour used for all the text along the page which again creates simplicity and allows the reader to scan through this page and read it without any issues.
Unlike the last double page spread I analysed this spread follows conventions by using multiple images to attract the audience. There is three images used on this spread but in a way that they merge and look attractive to the audience and create a formal and professional feel. The images also possess a lot of colour to make the spread more appealing. Further more the images are relevant to the content and all concern culture and lifestyle.
In term of layout, this spread looks very formal an professional through the use of colour, text and imagery. The text and images are used in such a way that they compliment each other but yet not overpowering each other so the audience doesn't get distracted. Two of the images are blended in with the background, they're also large and run across the top of the spread so the viewer will clearly see them. The third images is not supposed to be as important but still contain's relevance so they placed a white boarder around it so the image still get recognised. Furthermore, the text is in neat and organised columns which makes it easy for the audience to read and follow the article.
Finally, in terms of the colour palette, there only two main colours used which seems conventional for a double page spread. This colours again include black and white. The background is made up of black with the white text overlaying this. This allows the text to contrast the background and make it appealing to the audience.
Devon Life:
The final double page spread that I'm analysing is this one from Devon Life. At first glance this spread loos very sophisticated and for a more mature audience in the social bracket of A - C1 at the ages of 35 - 65.
The main heading is located in a conventional are in the top left of the page. This is conventional because this is were the audience would start reading, so the masthead would be the first thing they will read. The heading is then attracting the audience in through the use of words 'Beauty and Function'. The use of these words will appeal to this target audience and they will continue to read the article. There is only one typeface used although the words 'Beauty' and 'Function' are in a slightly bolder font in order to make them stand out and to give them a feel of importance. Overall this heading gives the spread a formal and sophisticated approach.
The typography on this spread stay the same throughout to continue the sophisticated and formal approach along with a simplistic and professional feel to it. We seen this used on the last spread that i analysed and its used so that the text doesn't potentially confuse the audience. All the text on this spread including the heading is in the same colour to carry the theme of simplicity on this cover.
This cover also like the last one uses multiple images. There is one main image which dominates the first top left section of the spread. This image is used as a background for the heading and its main aim is to draw the attention in of the audience. The rest of the images also represent the rest of the article. There positioned in places in order to break up the text and add in visuals to the audience. The images relate to the story and are all wood products.
This brings me onto the colour palette. As the article is related around wooden products the main use of colour used in the photos, text and even the heading is brown colour which matches the wood used in the images. This is an effective feature as the colours word together and looks professional to the audience. This kind of feature also relates to the target audience.
Finally, in terms of the layout in this double page spread its follows common codes and conventions for a lifestyle regional magazine. The images are used to break up text so the reader is not reading for too long and potentially get bored. The images are a visual break for the reader. These images also relate to the story so that the audience can flick between the two. The text is also conventional as its split into columns so the text is easy for the reader to read and follow.
Overall looking at all these existing products from regional magazines in my genre and location, I have learned a lot about these products and now I know a lot of common codes and conventions that I can follow when I start to create my products.
Unconventionally, this double page spread doesn't include any page numbers. This is not a big feature but it would of reminded the page the audience was reading and added a more professional feel to the double page spread as a whole. There isn't really a colour palette to this double page spread as the only colours visible are the ones that are in the image which are dark and gloomy but creates a nice atmosphere about the page.
Cornwall Today:
The next double page spread Im going to analyse is one that features in Cornwall Today's regional magazine. This spread is formal and represents lifestyle through the imagery, layout and the text used. This spread will attract the same audience as their front cover and contents page which is 35 - 65 in the social bracket of A- C1. This is represented again through the imagery, text and the layout.
The main masthead/heading on this double page spread uses two different typefaces along with a small image which is unconventional on a regional magazine. Although this masthead does stand out and attract the audience through the two different typefaces contrasting each other. There is a boat which is used as imagery instead of the letter A in 'Boatshed', which is a clever as the imagery plays on the words used. This again is eye appealing and look professional. The heading is also all in block capitals along with the middle line also being in a bold font. This is done to make emphasis on the word 'Boatshed' to make it stand out and the rest above the rest of the heading. Overall this heading gives the audience a formal approach while also inviting them in with the use of imagery in the title.
Looking at the typography, excluding the masthead, there is only one typeface actually used which connotes simplicity and formality to the reader. This is because the typeface doesn't regularly change which could potential confuse the audience and create an informal spread. This typeface follows the same colour used for all the text along the page which again creates simplicity and allows the reader to scan through this page and read it without any issues.
Unlike the last double page spread I analysed this spread follows conventions by using multiple images to attract the audience. There is three images used on this spread but in a way that they merge and look attractive to the audience and create a formal and professional feel. The images also possess a lot of colour to make the spread more appealing. Further more the images are relevant to the content and all concern culture and lifestyle.
In term of layout, this spread looks very formal an professional through the use of colour, text and imagery. The text and images are used in such a way that they compliment each other but yet not overpowering each other so the audience doesn't get distracted. Two of the images are blended in with the background, they're also large and run across the top of the spread so the viewer will clearly see them. The third images is not supposed to be as important but still contain's relevance so they placed a white boarder around it so the image still get recognised. Furthermore, the text is in neat and organised columns which makes it easy for the audience to read and follow the article.
Finally, in terms of the colour palette, there only two main colours used which seems conventional for a double page spread. This colours again include black and white. The background is made up of black with the white text overlaying this. This allows the text to contrast the background and make it appealing to the audience.
Devon Life:
The main heading is located in a conventional are in the top left of the page. This is conventional because this is were the audience would start reading, so the masthead would be the first thing they will read. The heading is then attracting the audience in through the use of words 'Beauty and Function'. The use of these words will appeal to this target audience and they will continue to read the article. There is only one typeface used although the words 'Beauty' and 'Function' are in a slightly bolder font in order to make them stand out and to give them a feel of importance. Overall this heading gives the spread a formal and sophisticated approach.
The typography on this spread stay the same throughout to continue the sophisticated and formal approach along with a simplistic and professional feel to it. We seen this used on the last spread that i analysed and its used so that the text doesn't potentially confuse the audience. All the text on this spread including the heading is in the same colour to carry the theme of simplicity on this cover.
This cover also like the last one uses multiple images. There is one main image which dominates the first top left section of the spread. This image is used as a background for the heading and its main aim is to draw the attention in of the audience. The rest of the images also represent the rest of the article. There positioned in places in order to break up the text and add in visuals to the audience. The images relate to the story and are all wood products.
This brings me onto the colour palette. As the article is related around wooden products the main use of colour used in the photos, text and even the heading is brown colour which matches the wood used in the images. This is an effective feature as the colours word together and looks professional to the audience. This kind of feature also relates to the target audience.
Finally, in terms of the layout in this double page spread its follows common codes and conventions for a lifestyle regional magazine. The images are used to break up text so the reader is not reading for too long and potentially get bored. The images are a visual break for the reader. These images also relate to the story so that the audience can flick between the two. The text is also conventional as its split into columns so the text is easy for the reader to read and follow.
Overall looking at all these existing products from regional magazines in my genre and location, I have learned a lot about these products and now I know a lot of common codes and conventions that I can follow when I start to create my products.
Excellent research into similar products. Excellent communication skills.
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