Sixth Form Magazine Analysis

Jordan Randall

https://www.suffolkone.ac.uk/one-extra/one-magazine/

Front CoverThe model is not using direct mode of address.

The model is smiling/laughing which makes it appear that the sixth form is a happy and fun place to be

Whilst the background is purple which has connotations of ambition and power, it is a pale shade which appears professional and not childish. Ambition and becoming an adult are two things important in sixth form.

Her posture appears informal and laid back, this gives the impression that this is what the atmosphere of the sixth form is like The models face in in

the main image is placed in a way which complies with the rule of thirds. The models face and expression become a focal point due to their positioning.

Contents PageThe magazine does not have a very strong house style, the colours and font used are different in the contents and on the front page

Whilst the graphic design is aesthetically pleasing, the layout is not functional or practical, as the numbers are in a random order and the text is at various angles. The placement of the text makes it difficult to read and follow as naturally we read left to right, top to bottom.

The content of the page is concentrated in the middle/bottom leaving negative space surrounding which looks out of place and as if there is content missing from the page

The titles of stories are also very small so are unlikely to catch the eye of a reader, no story particularly jumps out to a reader or looks particularly interesting. The only real difference between the summary and title is that the title is in caps.

http://www.solihullsfc.ac.uk/images/pdfs/others/nov_magazine.pdf

The pink and purple colours used, feature heavily of the school’s website which creates a strong brand identity and makes it clear that this magazine is linked with Solihill College. The magazine is also called ‘Purple’ which further carries on the brand.

Having the main image in black and white, relates to the article they have about “vintage” clothes. The boy pictured is

holding a guitar. Music is a big hobby of those in the target demographic (16-18 year olds), even those who do not play an instrumental will have an interest in music in some form.

The model is using direct mode of address, this connects him with the audience.

The model used is around the age of the target demographic, this will allow them to connect more with him as they can identify themselves with him, making them more likely to purchase the magazine

The main cover line advertises an “interview” with principal. This would specifically appeal to the target audience as they attend this school and would be familiar with the principal. This familiarity may make the TA more likely to purchase the magazine

The musical theme is continued when the largest and most important headline features a band called the “Scribers”

The largest image on the contents page is linked to the largest story on the front page, this is useful to those who picked up the magazine after seeing the “scribers” headline.

The images linked to the musical story are in black and white much like the image on the front of the magazine feature the boy playing guitar, this will help readers link the front image with this particular story

The colour scheme from the front page is continued onto the contents page which creates a strong house style and makes it clear that this contents page belongs to “The Purple” magazine

http://www.kedst.ac.uk/new/about/publications/

The students pictured in the main image are all smiling and appear to be happy which would give the impression that this sixth form is a fun place to be.

The students are all using direct mode of address which connects them with the audience.

The students in the main image are of various ethnicities. This representation will cause a wider group of people to connect and identify with the magazine as they see people like themselves represented

The front page advertises stories and articles which would interest the target demographic eg. “work experience” (students in sixth form). The magazine is “for students” as stated in the strap line.