Thursday, 27 September 2012

Preliminary Task - Front Cover Analysis

By Deanna Hammond-Blackburn

Masthead 

Purple and orange colour scheme


Background: work environment

Headline promoting main article


More info on main article

Other main story

Flash promoting a different story



Analysis

The colour scheme of the front cover, purple and orange, are effective and I chose them because together they both have positive representations; purple has connotations of luxury, orange has connotations of happiness, brightness, energy. This is good for a college magazine and appeals to the audience. The masthead is effective as it is bold and clear, catches the eye and is easily readable. I decided on the blocky font as it has connotations of solidity and support; this is a direct representation of the Sixth Form and the slight patches on the masthead make the title more interesting and fun. The main photograph for the background fits the purpose and audience; the subject is a young student who attends the college and therefore can relate to the student audience, the image is located within the college and shows a good working environment. The image fits the brief of a mid-shot. The cover stories for the magazine are good, I chose them as they are stories which most students at college would be interested in, if they are first years then they will want to see the prom photos, those students wishing to further their education can find information in the magazine and the students taking particular courses can find more info on any trips.

If I did this magazine cover again I would improve the background photograph, make it more eye-catching and refine the mise en scene. However overall I think the front cover is effective and matches purpose and audience, fits the brief and is overall aesthetically pleasing. I would perhaps change the colour scheme though as it is more feminine currently and could be improved by making it more gender neutral.


My design transposed onto my front cover pretty well, the basic layout is the same and the main colours are the same. The main differences are in the typography. For the masthead the font on my design was more spiky and layered with two colours on each letter, but the masthead on the actual cover looks more effective as it is clearer and better fits the purpose/audience. The headline on my design was also more colourful, each word was a different colour, but on the cover I stuck to orange and purple which again looked much more effective and professional.

Similar Product Research


This college magazine is very different to what you would expect, it looks very professional and uses a photo of a famous singer in their background. With a pale blue and yellow colour scheme it promotes a calm but happy environment, which is good for a college atmosphere. I don't think the main image is a good representation for a college although it is a good way to make the magazine popular.

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