Emotive and Colloquial Language in Magazines.

Magazines target their audiences through the use of language. Many magazine aim to attract their audience by using emotive and colloquial language. For instance, "Glamour" magazine consists of many cover-lines and is targeted towards females from age 25+. One of the headlines states:"I'm married - but date other men." This is not a topic in which a person would just tell a random stranger due to the fact that it is personal information; this suggests that the editor of the magazine wants the magazine to sound like a friend talking to the reader - it also hints at the content of the article, so the reader will be expecting some inside information about this topic within the magazine article. Here, the editor aims to make the audience feel comfortable and at ease. In addition to this, another cover-line says: "Katy reloaded sex, success and surviving her darkest days." This cover-line again also consists of personal information about Katy Perry that is exclusive to the "Glamour" magazine; essentially, this magazine encourages the reader to read the magazine by hinting at confidential and inside information. These cover-lines make the magazine have a more personal feel which perhaps women may be able to relate to.

The colloquial words 'hot', 'make-up', 'glamour' and 'chic' appeal to a female target audience; these are words they would use, it also makes the magazine sound friendly therefore allowing them to feel accepted and as if they were talking to a friend. Colloquial words and phrases are often used in order to make the reader feel comfortable and at ease in which this magazine has achieved.

The "marie claire" magazine uses a commonly used french name as the magazine headline, this straight away makes the magazine personal - every individual has their own story and journeys so "maria claire['s]"  journey is within every magazine issue that is published and shared with the public, typically for women from the age of 18+. 

A medium close up of Amanda Seyfried is used as the magazine's main image in order to draw in the attention of the audience; she is a very well-known and successful actress. Red is supposedly used to make Amanda look bright in which she is physically and mentally; she is an inspiration to many women due to her success at a young age which gives an all the more reason for the target audience to want to read the magazine.

The word 'motherhood' appeals to a female audience of 18+ as this is typically the age where females are classified as "adults" and begin to think optimistically about their future such as marriage, career and children. Other words such as 'tinder' and 'fakers' are informal to make the magazine sound like a friend talking to the reader- the magazine editor wants his/her target audience to feel comfortable and welcomed as if having a one to one conversation about individual lives where there is bound to be personal information. 'Tinder' is a dating site for people from the age of 18+ which makes the target audience for this magazine very clear and straight-forward; the editor really aims for this magazine to appeal to their target audience.

Planning:

In particular the colour code has made me think about the stereotypical ways of which females are represented in the media. From my research i have gathered that, a majority of females are sexualized and objectified. For example, in the second magazine Amanda Seyfried's dress is red, which is initially a colour associated with love and passion perhaps hinting of that her main focus being the main image of the magazine front cover is to attract male viewers. Her bright red lipstick is used to specifically capture the attention of male viewers.

Additionally, in the first magazine, Katy Perry's dress is quite body revealing and she shows a lot of skin, which is again appealing to male viewers.

This relates to Laura  Mulvey's male gaze theory where she claims that women are looked at through the male gaze; they are represented in the 'ideal' way in which men like to view women.

Analysis of the content of a magazine.

The 'Marie Claire' magazine contents page consists of all the features of the magazine by separating them into different four different categories: 'On the cover' , 'Beauty news' , 'Style files' and 'Fashion features.' It is neatly organized and is sectioned into its own category; it includes the title of the article and the page number in order to make it all the more easier to help the reader find their way around the magazine; the page numbers are helpful because it guides the reader to the specific magazine article in which they're looking for, making the magazine more accessible and simplistic for readers who are fascinated by a particular and specific category/magazine article. The contents page is easy and understandable for the reader to find their interests faster. 

'Maria Claire' being a popular, well-known and desired magazine, attracts females who are into fashion and the latest trends. This magazine is clearly a fashion/beauty based magazine as hinted by the subheadings for all four categories. On the right hand side of the magazine contents page, a long shot of a women has been used in order to make it clear to the reader that the magazine is fashion based; the photographer has intentionally used a long shot to allow the readers to view her whole outfit. The women's dress code is stylish and mature looking, it may have been particularly chosen in order to appeal to the female target audience of 18-35; it is suited for this age range because the women looks quite young, mature and fashionable (young adult) and her outfit follows the common trend within that age group.

The magazine title's name is justified on the top of the contents page in big, black and bold font in order to stand out from the white background therefore, ensuring that it catches the eyes of the potential reader/buyer drawing attention to the title whilst in turn, emphasizing the significance of the title name. It is professional and sophisticated looking.  Below the magazine's title, 'contents' is written in  bright red font to make it eye-catching for the reader so they know what page to look at when trying to find a specific category or magazine article. 

 'Vogue' is supposedly the most-popular, most-read and most-liked magazine. It is an American  fashion and lifestyle magazine published monthly often high in demand, and usually featuring a celebrity as the main image on the front cover. In this case, Beyoncé has been selected to feature in the Vogue March 2013 magazine front cover. The photographer for this magazine has used a close mid-shot of Beyoncé. Her image being positioned on top of the magazine title's name signify's that she is more important: her being the main image emphasizes that. Additionally, the cover-line on the top left hand corner that say's "Beyoncé rules the world" explains as to why her image is placed over the title: simply because she 'rules' and overtakes the world. It also reinforces her fame; her appearance is recognizable to a broad audience. Beyoncé looks directly at the audience in a confident manner with a slight smile, reinforcing the notion that the magazine is a friend. It makes the magazine more approachable. Main images are usually used to visually draw in and capture the readers attention, due to 'Vogue' regularly using celebrity's as their main image, the readers are usually captivated and mesmerized, inviting them to the magazine. The image of Beyoncé is conventional for this genre of magazine.The background is a simple grey colour, which allows Beyoncé to stand out.

The main cover-line on this magazine is written in a red font; it says "Spring Surprises" suggesting that this magazine is based within the spring season and includes information on lifestyle and fashion trends regarding this time of the year. Below the main cover-line is written "strong and sexy suits" in which Beyoncé is wearing or advertising; essentially 'Vogue' magazine are offering and providing their readers exclusive tips and advice on how to look as "simple, sleek [and elegant]" as Beyoncé, this makes the reader feel as if they're being given inside information on how to produce a sort of glammed up and celebrity look for themselves. 'Vogue' magazine are building a close relationship with their readers by providing them with beneficial information such as "how to repair winter-damaged skin," its as if this entire magazine is a conversation between a friend. Cover-lines are used in magazine front covers to give the reader an idea of the type of stories or articles the magazine consists of; it gives a good indication about what to expect inside and it aims to interest the reader encouraging them to read on.

The magazine is targeted for young female adults (18+), this is shown through some of the cover-lines such as "shockingly chic accessories" and "simple, sleek elegance." Overall, the magazine cover is neat, organized and eye-catching. The main image plays an important role and Beyoncé slightly smiling gives off a friendly vibe which encourages the reader to pick up a copy of the magazine.

Planning:

Analyzing and discussing the content of a magazine's Contents page and Front cover has further allowed me to understand and learn the importance of features within a magazine. For instance, i have learnt that cover-lines are essentially used to give the reader an idea of what to expect inside a magazine, main images are used to in a sense, to promote the magazine and images within the contents page gives the reader and insight of what they are most likely to see in a majority of the articles. The 'Vogue' magazine is perhaps popular because they often use celebrity's as their main image, this makes the magazine attractive and appealing to a broad audience. 

Research - Music magazine front cover (Representation)

In the 'Maria Claire' magazine cover, Selena Gomez is represented as seductive, sexual and fierce. The colour red on her dress signifies and has the connotations of passion, love, desire, strength and danger. the color is used to make the audience realize that the magazine is primarily pitched at a 18+ male and female target audience. It is almost as if Selena is attracting the readers attention and luring them into reading the magazine with her beauty and bright red dress; she is tempting the reader. Selena Gomez is mesmerizing, captivating and enchanting. Here it can be seen  that Selena Gomez is sexualized for instance, her slight lip pout tells us that she is trying to be sexy along with the fact that her dress is in a sense, body revealing. The editors choice to position Selena Gomez's image in front of the magazine title is subtle but important; it highlights that Selena Gomez is significant and prioritized over the title itself - essentially it hints at the fact that Selena herself is more well known than the name of the company due to her fame and popularity; here, composition and layout is shown to be crucial within 'Maria Claire' magazine front cover. Another essential point to add is the fact that the title, cover-lines and Selena's red dress are all the same colour: red. This makes the overall presentation impressive as it is very vivid, arresting and eye-catching.

Furthermore, within this magazine Selena Gomez is represented as powerful, fierce and confident which is shown through the positioning of her hands, For example, one of her arms are slightly touching her hips whereas the other hand is gently resting against her thigh; this gives of an impression that females can be tough and confident like males, as of which Selena physically demonstrates. The editor is challenging stereotypes; often females are stereotyped as weak and passive however, in this case they are strong and confident - the editor establishes her viewpoints on the way in which women should be represented through Selena Gomez.
The fact that Selena's makeup is natural may suggest that women can be naturally beautiful and don't need to wear a lot of makeup to be considered attractive so although, Selena gives off a sexy feel to the magazine, she can also be viewed as elegant.

In contrast to the previous magazine, Selena Gomez is represented as classy, formal and cheerful. Her dress code being a white shirt and what looks like a black dress, is very formal as if she were wearing appropriate uniform for work. In addition to this, her facial expressions portray her feeling of happiness. The verbal code states "i feel confident, i feel empowered, i feel in control" which is reflected by her facial expression. The message that the editor is trying to get across is quite direct; women are powerful and optimistic. Similarly, to the previous magazine, the editor of "flare" magazine is also challenging stereotypes; It is often the case that men are represented as dominant and powerful whereas in this case, women are too. Instead of females being sterotypically represented as weak, helpless and submissive in the front cover of "flare" magazine, they are represented as elegant, independent, confident and positive.

Planning:
As an designer, i have learnt that it is crucial to point out specific details and reflect it to its meaning within a magazine front cover. For example, the editors choice to position Selena Gomez's image in front of the title; it is subtle but important, highlighting how important layout and composition is for my own magazine. Also, it is quite interesting that both editors have challenged Stereotypes which may suggest that over the generations, women have changed in society and are not all look upon as weak and submissive, for they are now viewed to be powerful and confident. From this i have learnt that in my magazine production, it is vital for me to put across my own views and opinions.

Analysis of school magazine: front cover.

Planning:
Whilst analysing the school magazine, i kept in mind the target-audience throughout and how the features used in this magazine appeals to them. For instance, the target audience for this specific magazine is parents and teachers hence why the writing is formal and includes magazine articles that would appeal and interest them.
The ideology behind this magazine is used to encourage parents to buy the magazine due to its main focus on learning; buying this magazine will ensure that parents will be able to secure and ensure the best education possible for their child.

Analysis of magazine editor's letter.

Editors Letter – Cleo magazine 

The editor’s letter encapsulates the overall themes of the magazine: health, weight and attitudes towards physical appearance.
The magazine’s editor’s letter writes in a way that sounds like a person talking to a close friend. For instance in the magazine, when the editor says “For a magazine girl, I like to think I have a pretty balanced attitude towards diet and exercise,” she uses personal pronouns throughout the letter in order to engage the reader. In addition to this, the editor also uses direct address to engage the reader when she says “this month’s story on the fat acceptance movement is a reminder of the damage our words and actions can do, and the power that comes from embracing the way your look.” The words ‘our’ and ‘your’ directly addresses the reader. The combination of personal pronouns and direct address throughout the letter makes the text personal and more likely evoke an emotional response from the reader which in turn, helps the reader interact with the letter; this represents a comfortable relationship between the reader and the writer.
Additionally, at the end of the letter, the editor writes “Your friend, Sarah xx.” The obvious ‘your friend’ makes the reader learn that the editor refers to her readers as friends rather than just readers, along with the “xx” which helps build a close relationship between the reader and writer. The word “friend” makes the editor seem approachable, friendly and close - It also makes it feel as if the reader is on the same side and want the same things as the writer.
Moreover, in the begging of the letter, a rhetorical question is used (written in blue font at the top). The rhetorical question asks “Does your brain send an automatically generated negative response when you’re in front of the mirror?” this directly interacts the reader and encourages them to ask themselves the question; it entices the reader to keep reading in order to discover the answer. It gives the reader an insight of what the rest of the letter and magazine will be based upon; from this we can infer that the letter will involve the issues regarding negative attitudes towards physical appearance.  Also at the end of the letter, the editor uses another rhetorical question: “what do you think? Anyone want to join me?” the rhetorical questions are effective in a way in which the writer is able to make her readers stop and think. Another essential point to make is the editor’s informal style of writing; the editor is writing in a relaxed, casual way, the way you would talk if you were having a conversation with a friend. She engages her readers in order to maintain a close relationship with them. The editor aims to make the reader view her as a friend rather than just an ordinary editor of the Cleo magazine.
The editor makes the reader feel more like a friend by putting them at ease through her use of colloquial language and humour. She says “I’m going completely cold turkey on complaining about my body.” Here she uses exaggeration to make a point that she is going to stop with her usual negative attitude towards her body and try to be positive for the first time. She aims to sway the reader over to her viewpoint and win them over so that they too will have a positive mind-set; she wants her readers to be able to relate in order to prevent any further insecurities.  Essentially, the editor wants to prevent her readers from feeling insecure instead, she wants them to feel confident about their bodies; she speaks from her own personal experience. 

Editors letter – seventeen magazine

The editors letter gets to the point of what the whole text is about; natural beauty. The editor explains that most of the readers left comments about “photo-shopping or digitally enhancing photos.” A lot of the readers were concerned that the magazine company ‘seventeen’ had strayed from their promise to show real girls as they really are.

The editor’s use of informal language suggests that she is speaking on a personal level to her primary target audience of 18+. For example, when she says “I get so many tweets and FB messages asking what my job is like at seventeen” she uses an abbreviation for Facebook, ‘FB.’ Also, there is no capital when she writes “hi from ann.” And finally, when she uses slang such as “gig” as a replacement for a live performance. This informal style of writing is not usually used in formal and professional writing. However, the informal/colloquial language is effective due to the fact it sounds like the editor is talking to a friend; she uses language in a way in which her primary target audience will understand. Additionally, the appearance of the editor - shown within a small photo of her near the letter- shows that she is quite young and is of a similar age as her target audience. The editor uses a personal pronoun on the word ‘I’ to maintain a close relationship with her readers. In order to empathise with the readers comments, the editor aims to build a close relationship with them which is shown through her use of personal pronouns throughout the letter.

Furthermore, the editor welcomes the reader by introducing herself with “hi from ann.” From looking at this carefully, I have noticed that this short, three word introduction of herself does not contain a single capital letter which I personally find interesting seeing as she is an editor and is therefore expected to have some sort of written qualification including a good use of punctuation however, it did not take too long to figure that she had done this for a purpose. The editor deliberately wrote her name without a capital letters in order to convey that she does not want to give herself any sort of significance or priority over the reader; she wants to make herself seem ordinary along with the readers so that she can relate, empathise and build some sort of connection with them. 

Ann (the editor) ends her letter with “XOXO-A” making the reader feel as if they have a bond with the editor; a friendship has been built seeing as friends often send x’s to each other within their texts/emails. The editors initial is used at the end of the letter due to the fact she had already stated her name in the very beginning of the letter; in the beginning the editor is an ordinary person called ‘ann’ however, by the end of the letter, the reader is now personal and close to the editor – it’s almost as if they’ve become friends through her clever writing techniques. 

Preliminary task: Front cover/Contents page.

Preliminary sketch - Layout.

Preliminary titles

Preliminary title/ main image ideas/ possible coverlines and articles.

Possible titles:

o   Hampstead insider

o   Hampstead tattler (gossip)

o   Hello Hampstead

o   Hampstead times

o   Yo Hampstead.

o   What’s Hampsteading?

o   The common room

o   The Hampstead buzz

o   Hampstead news

o   Hampstead daily

o   The Hampstead standard

o   The Hampstead mail.

o   Hampstead gossip.

o   Hampstead update

o   Hampstead monthly.

o   School talks.

Possible main images:

o   Student working: Medium close-up of a student sitting at a desk working.

o   Group of students playing sports.

o   Group of students chatting: Medium long-shot of a group of students laughing/talking.

o   Medium long shot of a student walking down the corridor.

o   Medium close up of a student reading a book.

o   Medium close up of students standing outside the school building.

o   Birds eye view of students in the playground.

Possible coverlines/articles:

o   Trivia: win tickets to our school production ‘of mice and men’

o   Free revision timetable template inside

o   Agony aunt section – “you are not alone”

o   Plans to help you manage your time available.

o   Feeling stressed? Book a counselling session.

o   Creative writing competition results released.

o   Class president elections.

o   Updates on the building construction.

o   Revision tips

o   Upcoming trips

o   Best reads of the week.

o   After school activities. Get involved and invite your class mates!

o   Prefect elections.

Analysis of Questionnaire.

Questionnaire.

Questionnaire for the school magazine.

Name: ………………….............

Year Group: …………....

Gender: male/female

1)       What sort or articles do you like to read? (E.g. sports, interviews etc.)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...........

2)       What images would you associate with a school magazine?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3)       How often would you expect a new issue of the magazine?

weekly	monthly	yearly	everyday	other

      If you selected ‘other’ please specify: ................................................................................

4)       What sort of sections/articles would you like to be included? [you may tick more than one]

Agony Aunt	Revision Tips	Sports	Trips	After school clubs	other

      If you selected ‘other’ please specify: ……………………………………………………………………

5)       What colour scheme do you prefer to be used in a school magazine?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

6)       Do you have any title suggestions?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7)       Would you prefer: [tick your chosen option]

More text	More images	A balance of both

8)       What are you willing to pay for the school magazine?

Free	10-30p	30-50p	50-70p	70p+

9)       Is there anything else that you would like to be included in the magazine?

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

10)   Do you think my magazine should be targeted to: [tick the box below]

Sixth Formers	The whole school

     Why? ....................................................................................................................................................

Analysis of magazine contents page

Analysis of magazine front covers