Magazine Analysis – ‘Q’

KATIE WINN

Title-The title of the magazine is just a simple letter, portraying how well established the magazine is, as it is recognisable and well-known. This gives the magazine a sophisticated tone which suggests that the demographic of the magazine is mixed gender, middle aged, and at the higher end of the middle class spectrum. The title used to be ‘Que’ which shows how the magazine has grown and become well-known enough to create a new brand identity and shorten it’s title, while still being recognisable.Masthead-The typography is sophisticated and legible, showing the simplicity of the brand, while appealing to it’s middle aged, middle classed demographic. The red background connotes that it is informative, allowing the reader to denote the sophisticated style and informative context of the magazine. The contrast between the text and it’s background makes it stand out and clear to the reader.

Front Cover Analysis

Front Cover Analysis continuedFeature article photo-The feature article photo is a low angle shot, making the cover star ‘Florence’ seem intimidating and superior, she is also making eye contact with the camera which makes her seem patronising, but she is holding her hand out block the readers view of her, this connotes that she is pretentious and reserved, however, it could also be seen as her reaching out, trying to connect with the audience. The image chosen is a mid shot which allows the reader to recognise the artist and get a general sense of the vibe of the article/magazine. Her face is the main focus of the picture as it is the most brightly lit, whereas the rest of the picture is low-key lit as it shadowy and has harsh contrasts, this creates a dark and mysterious tone and makes it feel quite eerie. Her makeup is quite simplistic which creates the vibe that the cover star is somewhat carefree and laid back. All the colours she is wearing fairly neutral, placing emphasis on her face and hair. From the cover I denoted that she is holding a microphone which reveals that she is a singer and makes it clear what the article is about, also she is wearing silver rings which connote luxury to suggest that she is privileged and cares slightly about how she is portrayed. Cover lines-The main part of the cover line is very large and written in red to draw attention to it and make it stand out. It says the artists name to make it clear to the reader who the cover star is and what her name is. The typography of the cover line is sophisticated and interesting, suggesting that the typical ‘Q’ reader is classy and well-educated. Additionally, the interview is described as “triumphant” making it seem impressive and authentic, enticing the reader. The majority of the cover line is written in bold text to highlight it’s importance and to help draw attention to it. The typography is also in a smart looking, legible font, making it easy to read, enhancing the magazines sophistication, portraying that the readers would probably have a very refined, mature taste.

Puff-The puff on ‘Q’ magazine is placed above the title, meaning it captures attention and stand out. It is in a bold, legible typography to make it very easy to read and to highlight its importance. Also it uses the superlative “greatest” to boost the magazines status and to help in its advertisement, this suggests that the magazine’s target audience is a high-middle classed person, who has a disposable income to spend on luxury items.Plugs-The plugs are conventionally flushed down the side of the front cover, they are written mostly in neutral shades of white and grey, this makes them easy to read as they contrast with background, but they do not take away attention from the feature article photo. The typography is all capitalised to make it seem important and informative, suggesting that the readers are intellectual and interested in the lifestyle side of music. There are occasional pops of yellow which create a warming effect, as well as stimulating mental activity. The bright yellow colour uses is also associated with attention and warnings, making the reader alert and fully invested in the magazine.Strap of plugs-There is a strap of plugs at the bottom of the page which contains a list which reveals artists inside the magazine, helping to advertise the contents and allow the customer to familiarise themselves with the genre and artists who are featured.Language-The language used on the front cover is quite simplistic revealing the laid-back tone of the contents. It also uses lists to give as much information as possible, and to entice the reader by advertising as many artists as possible.

Front Cover Analysis continued

Contents Page Analysis There isn't much negative space on the contents page which shows the reader how busy and informative it is.

The monochrome and red house style is continued on the contents page, this shows the reader how serious and sophisticated the magazine is. It also creates a professional, well established brand identity. The pictures are a lot more

prominent than the writing on the page, this shows the reader that it is a very laid back, easy to read magazine, this suggests that the demographic of this magazine is people who enjoy music as a hobby, rather than a serious profession or lifestyle.

The language used is persuasive, encouraging the reader to read the articles. It is also short and to the point, highlighting how casual the magazine is, suggesting that its readers are laidback.

The page numbers are all very clear and legible, as they are written in a bold typography and placed on a contrasting, coloured background, making them stand out and user friendly.

The pictures selected are all posed-candid or candid giving the magazine an authentic, uncut vibe. This also makes the magazine feel relaxed and reiterates its laidback tone.

Contents Page AnalysisThe typography of the title is bold to make it stand out and to highlight its importance, which entices the reader. It is in a white font and placed on a black background; this contrast of colours makes it legible and user friendly. Additionally, its positioning on the top left hand corner of the page means that it immediately captures the readers attention as that is when they would naturally begin to read.

The font of the artists names corresponds with the font of the title, therefore creating a professional, neat tone that establishes a sophisticated brand identity. It is also written in bold and capitalised to make it seem important and to create interest.

The logo of the magazine is used on the contents page to familiarise the reader with the brand and to create a consistent colour scheme, improving the brands identity.

The date of the magazines issue is published at the top of the page and along the bottom to remind the reader how up to date they are, additionally, it helps to make the magazine have a current, fresh tone when it is first published.

The typography is all sans-serif which makes it very easily readable, while also marketing a unisex demographic as serif fonts can sometimes look more feminine, whereas the font use appeals to both genders.

Summary There is a very clear, well established house style throughout Q magazines front cover and contents page, connoting that it is a serious, sophisticated brand. It is priced at £4.50 which suggests that it is targeting a wider demographic than competitor magazines as it is more affordable for people at the lower end of the middle class spectrum, who may not have as much of a disposable income. However, it still appeals the the entirety of the middle class as it doesn’t look cheap and has a luxurious finish. After analysing the magazine, I have understood that the ideal Q magazine customer could be of either gender, in the middle class and probably between the ages of 30 and 60, which makes it a very varied magazine.