FRONT COVER 1ST DRAFT ANALYSIS L- shape layout which is conventional for a magazine because the content can be read in three sections, hence following the rule of thirds convention. For example, the masthead is read first, followed by the main image and then all of the cover lines which will ensure that the content is embedded and memorable to the audience. This means that they will feel more inclined to purchase the product again.

MastheadThe masthead is a conventional serif font and this is to follow in the footsteps of other fashion magazines such as VOGUE. This is so that my institution will look of an equivalent status to bigger institutions so it will seem more trust worthy to the target audience, thus, meaning that the institution is more likely to be respected. Therefore, by using this typography it means that the genre of my magazine ( fashion and lifestyle) will be conveyed clearly as the typography will be associated with other fashion and lifestyle magazines. Additionally, another reason why I have chosen to have a serif typography is because it is conventional for a women's magazine because it looks feminine and girly to insinuate that the content in the magazine will be suited to their needs, showing how the cover can give the reader an insight into what to expect. I have also, used a white typography for the cover of my magazine and this is because firstly, white is conventional, it suits a soft and delicate colour palette which many institutions use because it again, adds femininity. White is also a clear colour and to make it stand out more, I used a black blur behind it in order to give it more prominence, therefore, making it more legible so that the product looks more professional and to build brand identity, to increase familiarity of the logo. White has other connotations too, for example, it links to purity, therefore it could symbolize that when individuals read my product, they are a blank canvas and are able to reinvent themselves through the style and beauty inspirations. Therefore, implying that the product can help to build personal identity as individuals can discover their personal style, therefore, meeting the aim of gaining status as part of The Uses and Gratifications Theory. To anchor this, I used capital letters and placed the logo at the top of the page so that it gives the institution prominence and a sense of superiority and this will reflect the position of the company in the industry, again to allow it to gain a higher reputation.

MAIN IMAGE

The main image of my magazine is set in a countryside setting in rural Leicestershire, I chose this setting because it is picturesque and represents another side to Leicester, therefore, demonstrating a board yet realistic representation. However, one weakness of the image is that the leaves appear to look particularly green which is unusual for an autumn magazine where they would usually have a more golden, red or brown look, therefore, to improve my front page, I will try to change the colour of the leaves so that it is more likely to anchor the seasonal theme. I have chosen to do a mid close up shot because this is conventional for most magazines because it is more engaging. This is because the audience feel closer to their idols as the direct eye line match that I have used is connects the reader to the image and makes them feel more involved which will essentially hook their interest. Also, it means that the model is more likely to be recognized which will build brand identity because the iconic look of the models blue hair will show that they are associated with my product. Therefore, this will add to making people more familiar with ‘GRACE’ magazine. When I booked this model, I actually thought that they had blonde hair but when she turned up it was blue, at first it was a shock but actually, it adds a pop of colour which makes the cover more eye catching and is actually more suitable to the main of my production which is to embrace individualism. Therefore, the quirky look of the models, blue and short unconventional hair will connote that it is okay to be unique, allowing my audience to express their style. Thus, this will again reach the aims of the uses and gratifications theory as personal identity will be achieved as people become more experimental with the way that they look. I told the model to wear red lipstick as it adds a flirtatious look the cover and this will allow the male gaze effect to take place as men will purchase due to sexual attraction, therefore, expanding the demographic of my target audience. Also, because red is only a low key symbol of sex, it does not seem disrespectful and overpowering to the audience. Also, her red lipstick became helpful when I began to construct my product because to get the peachy colour of the typography and the banner across the masthead, I used the colour picker to anchor the colour of her lipstick. Even though they do not exactly match, it still links the page together and has helped to create a conventionally pink colour scheme to clearly convey that my product appeals to women. I told the model to wear minimal makeup and this is because I want to embrace natural beauty which will prevent the pressure on young girls to change the way that they look, thus, giving my institution a caring representation. Unlike Vogue magazine which is known for being cut throat and harsh, which was emphasized in the 2006 film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. Therefore, I will hopefully avoid bad press which could be off putting to consumers. I chose for the model to wear a shearling coat in Khaki because it is a current and fashionable coat so it will show that the editors are aware of the current trends. Additionally, khaki is an autumnal colour so it anchors the theme but also the black fur trimmings add a sense of glamour so it connotes wealth which is stereotypical for a model. Thus, it meets the expectations of the reader. The model that I have used is young and this is important because she will be a relatable figure for my young target audience, therefore, the dyer star theory is more likely to take place because the audience will idolize the models style. Thus, seeing her as a commodity and aim to purchase her clothing in order to feel as though they have her status.

DATE The date that my product will be published will be an October, this is because it will anchor the mise-en scene on the cover of my product. For example, when we think of Autumn, we think of brown, cosy coats and winter walks and this is what the image of my page symbolizes, thus, linking everything together so that it looks more iconic. I decided to place the ‘October’ at the top of the page in black typography, this is because black will stand out from the background so that it is legible but also it means that the black juxtaposes from the white typography, therefore, it means that the page has a neater finish. I have placed ‘October’ in capital letters and sans-serif typography, not only does this give it a bold finish but the sans-serif typography instantly gives the page a modern and contemporary look which will assure the reader that the content they read is up to date and relevant. Thus, the typography can engage with the audience through building assurance and trust. I decided to place October in a font that is particularly small because it is not a unique selling point but it is important that it can still be seen in order to inform the reader about what season the fashion and trends are based on, without it dominating the page. Therefore, as it is only a small font, it will allow more attention to be drawn to the main image which is crucial in order to build brand identity.

TOP BANNER- OVER MASTHEAD The top banner is placed on top of the masthead to look like a ribbon and this will make the magazine look as though it is a gift or a prize which will make the reader feel as though they are being rewarded. Additionally, I have also placed it here so that attention is drawn to the subheading which mentions that the product is regionally focused and this is important to make the product feel especially catered to people in Leicester as it will also be more relatable which will add a sense of exclusiveness. By mentioning that the product is ‘Leicester’ focused it could perhaps allow The Uses and Gratifications Theory to be achieved as personal identity can be built because it will make individuals feel proud to be from Leicester so it will create regional identity. I have designed the subheading to be a sans-serif font to match the typography in the cover lines which symbolizes brand continuity which will make the product look more organized and also more recognizable. I have also highlighted the word ‘Leicester’ in bold because it will make the region clear and to attract people in my region through curiosity to see if they will be able to recognize their friends. Underneath the word ‘Leicester’, I have used a puff to make the magazine look more successful and established to the reader so they may feel more inclined to give it a read. Through describing it as a No1 magazine, it gives it a professional look which will build the status of my institution and therefore make the product more desirable. However, the word ‘magazine’ slightly cuts off at the end so my next task will be editing this so that it is completely on the page and this will make the product appear of a higher status. The colour of the banner anchors the models lipstick and the cover lines and this ties the page together. Also, the peachy colour makes the page look more feminine as the rest of the colours on the page are more masculine such as blue and green so this is how I have made it more specific to my target audience.

COVER LINES AND FEATURES For the main cover lines and features, I have used mostly the same typography which is sans-serif and this is to juxtapose from the masthead so that the page looks varied and this will assure the reader that they can be entertained from reading the content, meaning it is an effective way to hook the readers attention. I have used capital letters for almost all of the cover lines because it works as a puff to make them look loud and exciting so it instantly makes us feel as though we can engage more effectively. The same typography has been used for most of the cover lines too which will make the page look neat, organized and also contribute towards brand identity. Other institutions do this, such as Cosmopolitan which explains why it is identifiable to us. I have again used the pink and white colour scheme because it is simply, girly and also is a way to brighten up the page, so it makes it again look more engaging to read. However, in order for the white typography to be seen clearly, I had to place a black blur behind them. At the moment, I think that this looks to dark and does not blend very well into the page so I will change this to make it look more gradual and this will add professionalism and make it appear of a higher quality. Therefore, the reader will feel special due to reading a luxury product. A few of the cover lines look slightly different and this is to make it look more visual and interesting to read because if they all look the same, for example, I have used numbers in a larger font to show the quantity to make it seem worth the money and again it gives the reader an insight into what to expect. I have also highlighted the word autumn in this particular cover line to again inform the reader as part of the uses and gratifications theory and make them aware of the seasonal theme in the magazine. Again, to anchor the theme, I have used italic serif typography to promote the ‘A/W trend edit’ and this is to promote some of the fashion features and the serif typography adds a look of elegance, to imply that the trend edit will be of a higher quality. I also wanted to link the image and the cover lines together so I have used italics to make the models name ‘Kaitlyn Elverson’ stand out and also give her a poised and superior reputation because italic typography has connotations to wealth. Therefore, she appears more important to the reader. Again, this will allow The Dyer Star Theory to be achieved because the reader will follow the hegemony of the celebrity and become a loyal fan, meaning they may repurchase my magazine in order to follow their idols. I decided not to change the name of the model because I actually think the quirk of using a ‘K’ to spell ‘Kaitlyn’ adds an unusual and unique look which is conventional for celebrity names.

KEY LANGUAGE IN COVER LINES The word ‘exclusive’ is inviting to the audience because it has connotations to hidden information, therefore, the reader feels urged to read deeper into the magazine. Underneath I have used positive adjectives to sell the interview through the use of ‘juicy’. This word connotes that the feature will be exciting and bursting full of information, therefore, it makes the reader feel as though they are missing out if they do not read into the product. I have also used the word ‘Leicester’ to show how the magazine promotes local talent and this could allow the reader to achieve their goals if it seems realistic that they will be recognized by the audience. Additionally, as a puff, I have used to word ‘superstar’ as it makes the celebrity look well established and professional which means that the audience are more likely going to respect and idolize them, meaning that this can lead to audience allegiance.

The use of the word ‘tips’ in ‘beauty tips’ is informal, it is another word for advice but it has friendly connotations and is a word that a person would use in casual conversation, therefore, it will be relatable language so directly speak and connect to my target audience. I have used a list to mention all of the features in the beauty section and this makes it seem differentiated. This will allow The Uses and Gratifications Theory to be achieved because the reader will feel as though they will reach the aim of being entertained because varied content will keep them stimulated. Using the word ‘plus’ emphasizes the idea that the beauty category is full of content and to pair this with ‘competitions’ will create a change for the audience to get involved so it is direct and inviting, meaning more people will want to engage.

‘Spice up your life!’ was used because I wanted to mention another form of entertainment that people can get from my magazine as this links to my lifestyle sector. The saying has connotations to the famous ‘Spice Girls’ song who would embrace ‘girl power’ so it clearly coveys that my product appeals to a female demographic. Additionally, the word ‘spice’ links to something hot which suggests that this is a popular activity to do, additionally, the word ‘spice’ is associated with autumn, for example, in seasonal drinks due to the use of cinnamon, therefore making it relevant. I have used direct mode of address to invite the reader and make them feel more involved which is crucial to build effective relationships wit the consumer. I have used an exclamation mark to make it seem exciting and lively which means that it is more likely going to attract my audience by making them feel acknowledged. This breaks the so called ‘fourth wall’, a barrier which blocks the reader and the institution from connecting, therefore, as the reader feels closer to the action, it means they will repurchase to relive the feeling. I have used the words ‘seasonal’ to make cocktails associated to autumn as conventionally, we think of Pina Colladas that we drink in the summer so it gives them a twist and makes the reader curious. The orange tree is additionally a Leicester based bar so it will be attractive to my audience as it is easily accessible too.

MAIN HEADER

The main header of my magazine is a slogan which is ‘revive your look’, the language I have chosen is inviting because the use of ‘revive’ implies that the reader can update the way that they look, therefore, insinuating change. This anchors the theme of my magazine which is autumn which is a transitional period, hence linking my page together. Additionally, I have used direct mode of address which again involves the reader and the fact that I have highlighted it in white makes it stand out and makes it more personal to the reader. This is the second largest font on the page and this is to suggest that by ‘reviving your look’ it will bring confidence, so this is what the size of the font represents. Also, using different font sizes is important in order for it to look varied on the page which is important when the reader has a first impression when they read my product. Through using different colours, it breaks up the main header whilst sticking to the congruent colour scheme and this is crucial both to make it visual and to create brand identity. I have used a basic sans-serif font in capital letters to make it look modern and bold and this works as an insight into what the reader can expect and this will build assumptions among my target audience. This embraces the main notion of my product which is to build individualism through personal style.

PLUG The plug is highlighted by a light grey circle and this is because the circular shape will make it stand out but as it is a light grey, it does not look cheap and overpowering, so by using the light grey colour it gives it a contemporary look. It also shows that the institution is aware of the popular colours at the moment, for example, grey is a huge colour to use in terms of interior design. Perhaps, because it is a simple colour which gives the page a neat look. In addition, by adding a plug in a circular shape makes the magazine look more exciting to read because it has a novelty about it because it stands out from the rest of the page. The reader will then feel curious to find out whether there will be more novelty within the magazine so it will create a buzz and a climax up to the publication date. Additionally, I have used sans-serif, white typography for the plug because it is easier to read, hence, ensuring that The Uses and Gratifications Theory can take place by informing and educating the reader. Increased legibility therefore means that there will be greater understanding among my target audience. Furthermore, I have highlighted the word ‘WIN’ in bold and this is to make the reader feel special and remind them that they have an opportunity to be rewarded, which will increase consumer engagement. The language used shows that the audience will have an opportunity to win free tickets to ‘Leicester Fashion Week’, this links to my dominant genre which will attract young, fashionistas looking for inspiration but it will also link to my region and emphasis the exclusive feel to my product. In addition, ‘Leicester Fashion Week’ has intertextual links to ‘London Fashion Week’ which is a huge event where many fashion idols go to, for example, socialites such as ‘Olivia Palermo’ attend these events. Hence, curiosity will be build other whether a celebrity face will attend. Perhaps, this will allow The Dyer Star Theory to take place as some individuals will want to follow the hegemony and the lifestyle of their idols and attend to feel as though they have this kind of superiority.

Olivia Palermo at London Fashion Week

BAR CODE AND PRICEI created the bar code on barcode creator , this would ensure that it was authentic so that my product will look more original. I also placed the price on there so that it denotes that the product is for sale which will instantly boost the status of my product due to being priced. I was happy with the bar code at first however conventionally they have more numbers on them, so I will edit this so that it looks more realistic and convincing to the consumer. I decided to price my magazine at £1.99 as most people stated that they would be happy to pay £2.00 for a regional magazine in my survey, so this will allow profits to be built but also it is a reasonable and affordable price for my student target audience. Therefore, it prevents criticisms from Marxists, stating that my product exploits those of a low income, meaning that there is increased accessibility.