Magazine Research

 This is my analysis on the front cover/page on many genres of magazine to use as reference and to get a better grasp of what front covers on magazines should be like generally, as well as detailed further analysis regarding 2 magazine front covers on my genre.

Vogue

Author: Dame Anna Wintour

Edition: Vogue British 2023

Vogue British is a magazine published by Vogue. This magazine showcases the latest fashion trends, in-depth articles, beauty tips, lifestyle features, interviews, opinion pieces, as well as artistic photographies, mostly of fashion brand products and a focus on social concerns such as racism. 

Media Language

This Vogue magazine subverts to the codes and conventions of a typical high-end magazine. This can be seen from the high quality of visuals, how the colors are carefully organized to please the eyes, as well as professional high-quality photography, which showcases famous fashion models (e.g. Naomi Campbell). In addition, Vogue uses high quality, glossy paper print which enhances the vibrancy of the images showcased. Moreover, they also have a bold and eye-catching cover, featuring famous models and using bold texts in order to capture the reader's attention. The color palette used for the cover consists of blue and black. As to which blue connotes integrity and "royalty", while black connotes powerfulness and boldness, this implies what image Vogue wants to implement into the reader's mind regarding their brand image; classy and elegant. Supporting this point, Vogue decided to go against the common stereotypes where women are "frail" and vulnerable. The models on the front cover are using bold makeup, as well as black, formal clothing, connoting power and boldness, which is the opposite of frail and vulnerable. 

Representation

As seen on the front cover, Vogue features tall, slender, and primarily white models conforming to high fashion and idealized concepts of beauty. Despite this, Vogue still tries to include diversity in their representation. They feature Naomi Campbell, a black female model, which connotes diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. In addition to this, Vogue represents women from an older age group, as seen from their choice of model on the front page. This representation critiques societal problems, which in this case is ageism. Moreover, this helps Vogue to appeal to a wider range of audience, including older women. Furthermore, Vogue also represents the latest trends and styles in the fashion industry. They showcase the work of designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, as seen by the clothings and makeup of the models on the front cover page. They represent fashion brands' products, which are worn by the models on the cover page. The way Vogue uses only blue and black for their color palette, this looks pleasing to the eyes, as it isn't too monotone nor too flashy, conveying their professionalism.

Audience 

Vogue magazine's target audience is primarily women, typically in the age range of 20 to 45, who have a strong interest in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. This magazine is primarily aimed at women who have a genuine interest in fashion and style, as well as readers who follow the latest trends, enjoy shopping, and take interest in high-end fashion. Vogue conforms to the uses and gratification theory created by Elihu Katz, as their magazine contains high-end, luxurious products, where people actively select and use media to fulfill their needs and desires. This is because readers typically look for information on the latest fashion trends, beauty tips, and lifestyle guides. The magazine provides entertainment and a luxurious escape through its glamorous photoshoots and celebrity features (e.g Naomi Campbell). Vogue also provides consumer guidance with product recommendations, and its showcase of high-end fashion, which inspires people. It targets women who are trendsetters and influencers within their social circles. In addition, Vogue also appeals to readers who aspire to have a luxurious and glamorous lifestyle. It showcases high-end fashion brands and products, making it attractive to those who wants a more upscale way of living. This Vogue magazine features articles and profiles about artists, designers, and cultural figures, making it appealing to people who are interested in art. Additionally, Vogue also appeals to readers around the world, making it accessible to a diverse and global audience. Based on my representation points regarding age and race, Vogue also targets people who value empowerment, inclusivity, and diversity in fashion and media. As Vogue's magazine charges for what people perceive as "expensive", going about the price range of $12-$15, their target audience would be people who typically has a higher disposable income, as the magazine features luxury fashion brands and products too. These people can afford to invest in high-end fashion and beauty items. Vogue's target audience may also consist of those who are interested in celebrities and/or models featured in the magazine. Using the two-step flow theory, Vogue is able to reach this target audience and these readers are most likely to follow on to the fashion and makeup trends present in the magazine if it involves their idol/favorite celebrity/model (opinion leader). 

Industry 

Vogue uses a variety of ways to promote their magazine. Some ways are in the magazine itself, on their website where they have digital versions of their magazines, and on social media like Instagram and Facebook. Promoting their magazine online will help them reach more people but in a niche community/market, as it is more accessible and by promoting online, they could use, for example, hashtags on Instagram, which allows them to reach their target audience. They also send emails to people who subscribe, join in fashion events, make videos, work with popular influencers to spread the word, and advertise in other magazines. They're a part of fashion weeks, team up with stores, offer online magazine subscriptions, and even have their own podcasts. Vogue uses a mixture of old and new methods to keep being a top fashion magazine.

AURA

Author: Unknown 
Edition: AURA edisi khusus, A-ONE 2013

A-ONE 2013 is a magazine that showcases eastern continents' cultures and fashion trends. They also give diets and health tips done in asian countries such as Japan & China.

Media Language

The codes and convention for typical fashion magazines are a long shot of the model(s) wearing clothings that are created by fashion brands and are promoted by the magazine, therefore why it is displayed on the model. Moreover, Fashion magazines usually attract their readers with the newest fashion trends by using a distinctive media language. This media language includes using glossy, high-quality photographs. often featuring models and celebrities. In order to create a sense of visual hierarchy across the magazine, elegant fonts are used for headings and titles, as well as a well-planned color scheme which keeps the design visually appealing. Magazines often use attractive headlines and image captions. These codes and conventions can be seen on the A-ONE magazine. 

Representation

The A-ONE magazine represents eastern countries. This can be seen by the color palette chosen, which is red and yellow for the front cover. In eastern countries, red is considered a lucky color that brings vitality and joy. While yellow is considered a "royal" color, having been worn by many emperors throughout history to represent power, prosperity, and luck (especially in China). By using this color palette, A-ONE creates an image of powerfulness and vitality on its magazine. The A-ONE magazine also uses an asian woman as a model on the front cover, which aids in representing eastern/asian countries. In addition to this, they'll also be able to attract not only readers originating from eastern continents, but also those who are interested in eastern fashion trends. This creates a niche market for AURA. The A-ONE magazine emphasize diversity and inclusivity through the representation of models of different backgrounds (an asian woman), which challenges traditional beauty standards that consists of tall, slender, white women with blonde hair. They blend local and global fashion trends, this is to increase awareness and to represent continents within the eastern continents. Furthermore, they also serve as a platform for the emerging designer, Malik Moestaram, showcasing his work on the front cover. 

Audience

The A-ONE magazine appeals to a wide range of people in their target audience. As this magazine represents eastern people, their audience may be individuals who come from asian/eastern countries too. Their target audience also includes young people and millennials who are interested in fashion and shows willingness to try out a variety of looks, specifically "asian" clothings and trends on this one. A majority of their target audience would be women of approximately age 25-50. They also include people who live in big, busy cities where fashion trends change quickly and often. In addition to this, influencers and trend-setters, as well as those who are involved in street culture and fashion are also the target audience for A-ONE. A-ONE's target audience also consists of individuals who enjoy showcasing the diversity found in Asian fashion are also appealed to these magazines. Not just people who are intrigued by fashion, A-ONE's target audience may also consist of individuals who care about their health and body image, this is shown on the cover lines on the front cover, consisting of health & diet tips, as well as beauty & makeup tips. People with healthy lifestyle might be interested in this magazine. To add to it, people who buy this magazine may be those of lower to middle social class, as the magazine only costs around 35k Indonesian rupiah, which is around $2 when converted. 

Industry

The A-ONE magazine appeals to diverse fashion enthusiasts across eastern continents. These magazines use a range of strategies to reach and engage their target audience. They market their magazines online, and does collaborations with designers and influencers, launch events, subscription models, and distribute networks to reach these individuals. Similar to Vogue, AURA also uses social media as a platform to promote their magazines. 

Linkers

Author: Unknown
Edition: Linkers January 2020

Linkers is a magazine published by Citilink, a low-cost Indonesian airline. This magazine provides their readers with informations and trends regarding several countries around the world, as well as a few local news. They also provide their airline customers with their "Melbourne Menu" which is the cuisine they serve on the flight to Melbourne.

Masthead

The masthead of this magazine uses the play on word "linkers", which comes from a portion of Citilink's brand name "link". The suffix '-er' is a noun that indicate a person or thing that performs an action. Not only does the word "linker" differentiate the magazine from others due to its uniqueness, it also attracts readers as a play on word is intriguing. In addition, the word "linkers" means individuals who "link", again referring to Citilink's airlines.

Typography

Citilink uses a distinctive, custom-made font for their logo. This same font is also used on the masthead of this magazine, which gives Citilink a brand identity and image. This makes it easily recognizable to their target audience. Moreover, it can be beneficial in capturing the reader's interest when a company has a strong brand image, making their font the initial point of recognition that makes readers pick up their magazine when coming across it. In addition to this, the masthead located on the top of the page as people often start reading a magazine from the top, and the masthead at the top which allows for immediate recognition. 

Image

The image used on the front cover of the linkers magazine is a long shot of the view in Melbourne. It shows both the nature and buildings present in Melbourne but mainly focuses on the beauty of the overall scenery. Using just this, we can imply what the content in the magazine will be. To add to it, the color scheme on the image is warm colors, such as red-brown, and yellow. These colors are attention-grabbing, which helps magazines stand out on newsstands and creates a positive and optimistic atmosphere. Warm colors on covers can signify creativity, a youthful and playful tone, and even celebrate seasonal themes like autumn. 

Language

This magazine uses indonesian language throughout all the pages, which indicates that they're target audience are locals/Indonesians. Furthermore, the linkers magazine uses captivating and immersive language, which helps engage and attract readers, as well as make their reading experience more immersive. They also use descriptive pictures and local attractions to transport readers to exotic destinations. They provide historical and cultural context while offering practical travel information. The language evokes a wide range of emotions, engages readers, and uses poetic descriptions. Adventure and sensory details are emphasized. The overall language used in this magazine promotes ethical travel, and encourages exploration and cultural appreciation.

Representation

The Linkers magazine uses a diverse range of representations to engage and inspire their readers. They represent destinations with attractive descriptions, imagery, and personal stories, encouraging exploration. In addition, they also include cultural and artistic representations that showcase the traditions and local culinary of different regions. Citilink also represents the nature of these destinations by including a set of captivating photographs of the landscapes and wildlife in it. Their seasonal and thematic variation appeals to specific interests, attracting a niche marker. The magazine also included a content where Citilink ensures for a drug-free, ethical travel. 

Advertisements

There aren't much advertisements in the Linkers magazine except for the "Experience Penang 2020" event that was being held. 

Even though I'm planning on doing a fashion magazine as my project later on, I decided to do an analysis on this magazine as I was intrigued by its color palette and how aesthetically pleasing it looks due to the color palette as well as the harmonization of the colors and hues. Despite the attractive front cover, I personally think that the double page spread in this magazine is very bland, which makes it less visually appealing. I'd also like it more if they had arranged the color schemes on the pictures/photographs more organized and if they used more unique but easy-to-read fonts, instead of using a basic font. As I now know the cruciality of color palettes and harmonization of hues, I can start planning on the colors I want to put on my magazine project. For now, I'd like my magazine to have a well organized and only very few but captivating colors on the front cover. I now also know what to avoid when making my content pages and typography, which is to avoid using bland fonts and layouts. 

The Time Place

Author: Unknown
Edition: The Time Place Indonesia #55

The Time Place is a magazine published by The Time Place, a leading retailer for timepieces in Indonesia. 

Masthead

The masthead of this magazine is also located at the middle top part of the front cover, this is very common with magazines as again, people often start reading a magazine from the top, and the location of the masthead allows for immediate recognition. 

Image

The image provide readers with the opportunity to look at the details on the watch that's being displayed on the front cover. This highlights their detailed design and construction. Photographs of timepieces made of unique materials, such as rare metals or carbon fiber, emphasize on how innovative and exclusive they are. The macro photography reveals the creative style of the watch by giving a close-up look at the dial, hands, and materials used to produce the watch. With their classic appeal, these pictures inspire, educate, and promote an admiration for timepieces. Additionally, they are crucial in maintaining the luxurious and glamorous image of watch magazines. They create a connection between readers and the timepiece industry, inspiring a desire to wear and own these luxurious watches (Uses & Gratifications Theory by Elihu Katz).

I feel really intrigued by the sophisticated look on the magazine's cover. Specifically, by the color scheme, which in my opinion, is rather monotoned, but it gives off a professional and classy look. The texture of the watch that is put as the background is also very creative and interesting in my opinion. Despite this, I personally dislike the font that is being used as the masthead. It looks bland and unappealing to me as it is very basic and not stylish. I'd like to use the textured background as a possible inspiration for my magazine project later on.

Elle

Author: Anna Wintour
Edition: Elle Indonesia

I really like the pose and the vintage look on the photography on the contents page. I personally think that the format in which they put the text on the double page spread is bland and doesn't really grab my attention due to the lack of colors and pictures. I will note this point down so I don't end up making the same mistake for my magazine. Instead of having too much writings, I should put in some images I'd also like to do further research into how to edit photographs to make it look vintage, I might use this skill on the magazine project later on.

Classic Mercedes

As seen on the pictures above, the mercedes magazine decided to make the content page a double page spread. I personally really love this creative idea. In addition, the arrangement of pictures and layout looks aesthetically pleasing. I don't really have any dislikes towards this magazine. I'd like to take inspiration from the content page of this magazine and input it into my project later on.

My teacher told me that I didn't have enough research for fashion magazines so I'll be doing some more research

 

I like how they displayed the image on the double page spread. Although it's monochrome, the text doesn't feel overwhelming and the layout is still eye-catching. Despite this, on my magazine article, I wrote quite a lot of text so I don't think I may be able to follow this layout, but I could surely take inspiration from it. I like how the image is displayed on both the pages. 

Reflection: The research part of this project may be boring for me but it's very important. I'll be taking inspiration from my research and implementing it onto my final magazine project. A problem I faced are finding the double page spread for some of the magazines but luckily the class made a Google Slide where we all put in images of our magazines, making it easier to obtain it rather than scrolling through Google for too long trying to find the double page spread and cover image that matches.