VIBE MAGAZINE

ANALYSIS
FRONT COVER ANALYSIS
Header
In this header in this case of this magazine helps include
more content on the cover in a different form other than
coverlines. This header contains information about one of
this magazines USPs. By putting one of these USPs on the
top of the cover it means that this is the first thing that the
target audience see when browsing magazines, this may
convince them to buy this magazine as appose to other
similar magazines as they see one off the magazines main
attractions first giving them an original advantage. The text
of the header also uses the consistent bold font which can
promote brand recognition as the target audience can
commonly associate the bold font with the Vibe magazine
brand.
Masthead
This masthead does develop convention. As with most magazines
the Vibe masthead is at the top of the page so it is the first thing
in which the customer to sees when browsing the magazine. This
heavily contributes to the brand recognition as if the target
audience has seen and purchased this magazine before they will
be able to instantly recognise the magazines brand, in doing so
they will likely buy this rather than a brand unknown to them.
Convention has been developed with the positioning of the
masthead in the centre of the page. This is developed as most
magazines of this sort tend to have the masthead in the top right
hand corner rather than centralised. This can help make the
brand unique and stand out from other similar magazines.
Because of this magazines long serving and popular reputation
they have the flexibility to adapt their masthead to make it look
more spontaneous with the rest of the cover. For example on this
cover the main image overlaps the masthead meaning that some
of the Vibe masthead is hidden, but because of this reputation
this is ok as the brand is so recognisable to the target audience
the whole masthead doesnt need to be on display. This is
because even with segments of the logo the target audience still
recognise the brand and there is then no confusion on what the
magazine is. This brand is also flexible on the colour of the
masthead. As it is easy to identify to the target audience even
with changes to the masthead, they are able to change the
colour of it depending on certain factors on the cover, which in
this case the masthead is the same colour as the coverstar Kanye
Wests jumper. As is usual convention the masthead is the biggest
text on the cover so the attention of the reader is first drawn to it
when the magazine is picked up.
Main Coverline
This main coverline does follow the usual codes and conventions favoured by most magazines The main coverline is larger than the normal coverlines, this is
because the main coverline displays the main story of the magazine and the biggest attraction so the larger text stands out to the target audience more
making it more likely they will read it first. They make it stand out more by the interchanging colours of the lines. This further attracts people to the story. As the
main coverline is anchored to the main image they put the coverstars name (Kanye West) name in the largest font. This helps the magazine sell as people are
drawn to the large font in which they find out a big star like Kanye West is included and because of this inclusion they feel want to find out what is going on in
Kanyes life. The inclusion of a snap quote in the main coverline tells the target audience that this the story about the coverstar could liken to a personal
account or interview as it gives a direct opinion from the coverstar. By putting a controversial snap quote like I am rap helps intrigue the audience as it
creates split opinion among readers and provokes interest into what the coverstar is saying then they want to read and carry on to see if he says anything else
as controversial. This statement is also advertised by making the text of the statement contrast to other text around it to make it seem more ground-breaking.
Main image
This main image adheres to convention in which most magazines of this type stick by,
this is because the they have used a medium close up shot to capture the model
(Kanye). With a plain grey background and no over people on the cover this means
that the main focus of the cover is on him and allows the audience to understand that
the main story (displayed by main coverline) of the magazine is about him. His pose
could suggest the article about him is a personal account or a personal viewpoint
interview, this is because the eye contact given looks directly at the reader gives the
impression he is talking directly to the reader and giving his opinions directly to the
reader. In this image the mise-en-sen is very basic as Kanye is wearing very dull and not
bright clothes, this means that the clothing doesnt distract from the main focal point
which is actually Kanyes face. Kanyes facial expression on this cover can tell the
target audience about he nature of the article. The reader could cannote that this is a
serious article by the coverstar. This is because Kanye in this image has a very focused
facial expression which does not imply he is talking informally. Furthermore the absence
of a smile or joking like expression also backs up the point that this article is about his
serious personal opinions. This means that the reader could assume that statements
such as I am rap are his actual beliefs rather than an informal joke.
The Mise-en-sen of this image has influenced the front covers features as the shade of
the jumper is the colour of the masthead.
The grey background helps the target audience understand that the article about
Kanye is focused and personal as there is nothing distracting from him. The grey
background also makes features on the page stand out better with the vibrant blues
and pinks which draws the target audiences attention to these features better
informing them about the content of the magazine.
Colour scheme
The colour scheme in this magazine as a hole is very not bias according to gender but as
separate colours there are very masculine and feminine. This is because the blue which is
created by the jumper colour in the main image can be considered very masculine and
male orientated. Because the target audience is mixed gender the blue may not appeal
to the female audience. The pink addition balances out the colours meaning the colour
selection can appeal to everyone. The colours have been made very bright so the
features e.g.- coverlines, masthead and header stand out to the target drawing them
into looking at it an possibly buying it, furthermore the bright colours allow contrast to the
grey background which can be generally ignored by the target audience.
CONTENTS PAGE ANALYSIS
Main image
This main image in on this contents page takes up most of the space
which further ethicises to the reader that Kanye West is the main
attraction of the magazine. The background to this image is black
and white to make the Kanye West the main focal point of the
image. The background is black and white but there is the V from
the Vibe masthead. The target audience can recognise this is the
Vibe logo because of its popularity and reputation. This also
contributes to some brand recognition and a reminder to the reader
what they are reading if they haven't seen the cover. This image
takes on a rather classical theme with the mise-en-sen of the image.
This is because the clothes in which he is wearing is a modern twist on
an old design, this is also accompanied with the black and white of
picture which is reminiscent of back and white films. Equally though
the clothes in which he wears can be classed as quite fashionable in
todays society which gives Kanye the image of being very rich and
successful. Apart from Kanye himself there is only 2 other focal points
on this picture. First of all the sewn on red heart on his left torso draws
the readers attention immediately as it is the only part of the image
which is in colour. The heart is a general symbol for love which could
be a reveal for what the article entails. This is because the image may
be a metaphor for the article as a whole showing Kanye wanting to
show his emotions. But as seen on the page the target audiences
attention then goes to the other vocal point which is a mysterious
women's hand covering part of the heart. This further backs this
symbolism of love as with a the woman reaching to grab the heart its
could symbolise a woman looking for his love. This image could also
promote intrigue for the reader as this image implies that Kanye has
now got a woman in his life, but as this image makes it a mystery the
reader may want to find out in the article who this mystery woman is.
This could also carry different meaning as instead of a woman
chasing him it could be symbolism for a woman who is stealing his
heart as it shows he reaching and attempting to grab it. The first
suggestion may seem more likely based on his facial expression as he
seems classy and almost arrogant rather than someone who is
chasing someone else for there love.
Title
The contents page title follows some of codes and conventions
shown by magazines similar to this but also has managed to
radically develop convention. One of these normal conventions is
putting both the contents page at the top of the page heading all
of the subtitles and pages. This done at the top of the page as it is
the first thing that the reader sees, so by putting the page title
there it increases the ease in which the reader can navigate the
magazine and quickly identify that this is the contents page.
Furthermore to add to the readers awareness of the page have
followed the other code of making the page title the largest text
on the page. This is so the readers attention is quickly drawn to it
which further increases the readers ability to navigate the pages.
Vibe has totally ignored convention in the appearance of the
title. They have done this by splitting up the word Contents up
into 3 rows with a top line on 2 letters, middle row of 4 letters and 2
letters at the bottom. This is apposed to the normal convention
which is as a singular word in a straight line as a whole word. The
abstract way in which the contents page is represented is
suggestive of the abstract style of Vibe magazine. These
alternative style also contributes to brand recognition as no other
magazine presents the contents page title in this way so when the
target audience see this they think about vibe magazine.
The solid black colour of the title is the darkest pigment of black
which makes it stand out better than the other grey colours.
Sub-titles, page descriptions and numbers
Because Vibe magazine isnt just a music magazine it has different sub titles
to separate up the different topics such as fashion, music and entertainment.
By doing that if there is a particular section which peaks the interest of the
target audience it makes it easy for them to navigate the magazine. The font
of the sub-titles is different to the font used in the title itself as the sub-title font
has a classical theme to it similar to the look established by Kanye in the main
image of the contents page. Like the title the page numbers are in matt
black which helps them stand out better to the audience as they are one of
the most important features of the contents page. The page derisions have
been tinted with a grey colour as apposed to the matt black finish which
could be deemed as them being less important as they are less visible to the
target audience. As is usual convention the page descriptions are positioned
next to the page numbers. This is so it can improve the clarity in which the
reader sees the page numbers, improving the ease of navigation. In the
page description is there is something important mentioned in it eg- a feature
star of the story then the name or word is put in bold this is so that things
which would potentially peak the target audiences interest can be seen by
them which makes it more likely for them to buy it if they know about special
features.
Format
On this contents page has a very regular and conventional
format. This conventional as it follow the format of the main
image of the page is on 1 side of the page and then the page
information on the other. The page information is in a standard
1 column format which is normally used by these type of
magazines. This type of format is preferred easy for the reader
to understand making the magazine navigation much easier.
DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD
Secondary Images
This secondary image of this article . Instead of
convention which is to have a single image of the
focus of the article, this article has several pictures
of the star in the background in many different
poses then there is 1 central figure (Main image)
which stands out much more than the other
secondary ones in the background.
The size of the secondary images makes them
seem further away than the main image which is
the vocal point on the page. The fact they are
further away makes them more insignificant in
comparison to the main image. This idea of there
being one main character and other insignificant
ones around it stems from the title wording calling
this main vocal point Outspoken which is how
the target audience may view the people images
of the background. The insignificant characteristics
of the secondary images is further enhanced by
the black and white filter effect put over them. This
is because with the addition of the white
background they seamlessly blend into the
background which is another way to describe an
outspoken person. This gives the reader an inside
insight into how the cover star feels she is viewed in
comparison to her sister. This insignificance is further
amplified by the colouration of the main image
with vibrant colours. This is because it further draws
less attention of the target audience away from
the figures in the secondary image, hence making
them more Outspoken linking to back to the
article. The poses that are made in the secondary
images of the article star in the background
suggest could symbolise the opinionated nature of
the star Solange Knowles as the poses represent
many different emotions. These emotions contrast
with one another (EG- sadness and excitement).
This could suggest her Outspoken nature is not
disserved, implying her emotions may on occasion
be ignored. The poses created in the secondary
images may create intrigue for the reader, this is
because the reader can connote which poses
mean different emotions. With this large range of
emotions the reader may be intrigued into reading
the article to find out what has caused these
emotions for her.
Main Image
This main image in this article has followed the usual codes and
conventions of a normal main image. One of these being that
the main image is the largest image on the page which is
important as it establishes a relationship between itself and the
secondary images. This relationship is centred around the word
Outspoken displayed in the sub-title. With the main image
being larger it draws the readers attention much better which
undermines the images/ figures in the background. This illusion of
out speaking the second image is also expanded by the use of
Mise-en-sen and colouration in the image. The colour of the
vibrant dress in which the star wears makes the image stand out
from everything else on the DPS as very little else is coloured on
the page. This further draws the readers attention towards the
figure in the centre rather than the many black and white figures
in the back ground which are once again out spoken by this
main image. The magazine creators have also draw the reader
towards the image with the appearance of the star. First of all the
dress in which she wears is very vibrant, prestigious and overall
easily noticeable which further draws in the reader to the image
as apposed to those around it. The hair of the star also draws in
the target audience as the hair has been made to look much
bigger than just ordinary straightened hair. By doing this it takes
up a larger area of the page making the image further
noticeable to the reader. The mise-en-sen of the image also says
a lot about the stars social class and success. This is because the
clothes she wears in this image look very expensive and are
normally worn on occasions such as the red carpet so by the
target audience seeing these prestigious clothes the target
audience automatically assume that the star on the page is rich
and successful which may intrigue them into the article to hear
about he success story. The secondary image and main image
do clash further based on the pose of the star Solange both
images. This is because on the secondary image as mentioned,
her poses suggest she is rather opinionated with the range of
emotions she seems to be displaying but is presented as being
Outspoken compared to the main image. But In the main
image when the figure is the centre of attention (which she
seems to crave) her pose suggests she is rather shy and timid
rather than her Other self This suggests to the reader that her
story is far more complex which may intrigue them further to read
about it. Another way these 2 images could be depicted is how
the star herself views herself. For example the secondary image
may be what she sees herself as (talkative and opinionated)
whereas the main image may actually be her outspoken self
which everybody else sees with her being shy and timid. The 2
sided nature creates discussion points for the reader to explore in
the article.
Snap quote
On this page the second largest text on the page is a
snap quote from the star Solange. This suggests that this
article is either a personal piece talking on different
topics or an interview style conversational style piece.
By showing this it may tempt the reader to read the
article as it gives them a sneak preview into the article.
Title
The title of this magazine does not follow some of the normal codes and conventions of normal magazine
article. One of the main ones that it doesnt follow is having the title of the article at the top of the page. This is
normal convention as it is the first thing in which the reader sees on the page which helps inform them about
what the article is about. By having the title lower down the page it means the main image is one of the first
things to attract the reader. The title does follow convention in terms of the look of the title. This is because
they have followed the convention of it being the largest text on the page. This draws its attention to the
reader much first so they can learn about the article before they read it and see the star in which its covering.
The magazine creators also highlight the main attraction of this article in the title by making the name of the
star stand out radically by making the font colour more vibrant and standing out from the white background
and grey title font. By making it stand out like this it means the reader/target audience is drawn to the main
attraction first. Hence making it more likely for them to read the article as the name of main star will intrigue
them to read what has news has this star got.