Magazine Analysis –

‘Mixmag’KATIE WINN

Title-The title 'Mixmag' creates a strong brand identity as it sounds rhythmic, making it clear to the reader that it is a music magazine, this is reiterated by the word 'mix' as it has connotations of music and diversity. It helps to create a laid back tone as it is simple and relaxed, presenting the idea that the magazine isn't too intense. The title also suggests that the magazine has a young demographic as it is made up of abbreviations, which is generally quite a young trend.Masthead-The masthead is displayed in a young, playful typography which adds to the clubbing, dance vibes the title itself gives off, this is effective as it is appealing to the demographic of middle class men and women between the age of 15 and 25. The masthead is a bold, eye-catching purple which captures young peoples attention as it is exciting and interesting, this establishes a fun, energetic mode of address which is what club and dance music creates. The style of the writing is also exciting as despite it being a simplistic font, it is current and refreshing.

Front Cover Analysis

Feature article photograph-The feature article photograph follows conventions as it is a medium close-up that gives information about the contents of the magazine. The photograph is central on the page, making it look professional and interesting. The picture, despite being male is significantly gender neutral as the colours aren't sexualised, revealing information about it's mixed gender demographic. The silver rings on the subject's fingers connote luxury, allowing the consumer to denote the general class of it's demographic, which is the highest end of the middle class spectrum. The subject's casual attire gives the magazine a laid back mode of address as it is relaxed and the light, neutral colour of it reiterates this. The cover star is making eye contact with the camera to suggest he is interested and of an equal level, however his body language which involves him covering his face suggests he is somewhat reserved and conserved.Puff-Mixmag uses a puff which helps to boost the status of the magazine. the puff is written in a somewhat serious font which makes the statement seem more believable, encouraging the reader to buy it. The typography of the puff is also capitalized to draw attention to it, which is effective as it means the statement is acknowledged. The conventional positioning of the puff also aids in capturing the reader, as it is placed above the masthead, which is one of the first things the reader sees, this ensures that it captivates the reader. Additionally, the wording of the font is effective as it uses a superlative, boosting the magazines status further.

Front Cover Analysis continued

Cover line-The cover line is positioned in the top left hand corner of the page, immediately attracting the reader as it is where their eyes are drawn to. The cover line contrasts with the plugs included on the front cover making it stand out further. The language used in the cover line is intriguing as it anticipates the "return of Loco Dice", encouraging the reader to read the article. The typography in the cover line is all either bold or underlined which connotes importance, making the reader attentive and interested in reading further. The basic language used suggests that the reader is care-free and laid back.Plugs-The plugs on the front cover are unconventional as they are generally supposed to fill up negative space, whereas they leave space around them, however they still fulfil their role in providing information about the contents of the magazine, advertising individual articles to the reader. The typography of the plugs connotes importance as similarly to the cover line they are written either in bold or underlined, this creates the idea that it is imperative that they are read. The plugs follow convention as they are flushed left and flushed right which means they do not obstruct they readers view of the feature article photograph, this shows that they are less important than the main article, however they are still interesting and of enough significance to be placed on the front cover. The colour and font of the plugs makes them easy to read and enables them to stand out.

Front Cover Analysis continued

Contents Page Analysis

The focal point of the contents page is the pictures as they are positioned in the centre of the page. They are large and colourful to help sell the magazine and advertise the good quality of the contents of the magazine. This would be appealing to an audience as it ensures they have an understanding of what’s inside the magazine.

The page numbers are very large ad clear, in a very legible typography to make it easy for the reader to see them. They are placed on slightly transparent contrasting backgrounds which make them even easier to read, without obstructing the background image.

The title is positioned in the top left hand corner of the magazine, immediately drawing the readers attention, this ensures it is clear what the page is and what its purpose is. The typography of the title is quirky and interesting which reveals how the magazine is funky and current. Despite being unusual, it is still legible and easy to understand, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the page.

The text is positioned along the sides of the pages to provide additional information for anybody who is interested, whilst not taking the readers attention away from the pictures, which a the prominent part of the page. The typography of the text is simplistic, making it easy to read and understand, however, the main points/titles of each page are written in bold to capture attention and make them stand out.

Contents Page Analysis continued

The contents page follows a monochromatic colour scheme, with pops of colour in the picture, this makes the pictures stand out more and ensures the writing contrasts with the background so it is legible to the reader. Unconventionally, the colour scheme of the contents page isn’t the same as the front cover’s, this means that it doesn't follow a house style, making it slightly unprofessional. However, this reveals that it has a carefree, laid back brand identity.

There are a variety of pictures shown on the contents page, relating to the title ‘Mixmag’ as it shows that there are a variety of genres inside, and a varied demographic, meaning that it will appeal to a large peripheral target audience. The main two pictures appeal to be taken at festival, however during very different experiences, this shows how exciting and varied the magazine is, whilst establishing a vague genre.However, the pictures underneath contrast with these, as they are posed pictures that have a sepia filter to make them look classic and authentic, showing the magazines diversity and individuality.

Summary From the front cover, the audience gets the impression that the magazine is fresh and current, as it is minimalistic and laidback, this suggests that the demographic of the magazine is young adults between the age of 15 and 25 who have a somewhat disposable income and enjoy dance/club music, and also share an interest in festivals and partying. The magazine doesn't follow a house style as the front cover is very light and has a lot of negative space, whereas, the contents page is very dark and filled up with pictures, this suggests that the demographic is somewhat varied and suggests that the typical reader would be carefree and unique, like the magazines style.