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layout. This is because the technique route-of-the-eye is used. This pattern is
conventionally used because it keeps the cover looing simple and uncluttered, but
also effective, as readers view the magazine in a certain way, so that they notice
everything. The layout is also conventional, as part of the typography is placed on
the left third of the magazine. This is conventional for a cover, as when magazines
are placed in magazine stands, only the side of the cover may be seen. So having
most of the text in the left third of the cover, the typography may still be seen, so
that audienceâs will still notice it in a magazine stand and be drawn to the writing
which should hopefully persuade them into purchasing the Billboard magazine.
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needs to be intriguing and stand out to audiences to a certain extent, so that
they carry on reading. To do this, Billboard has made the titles of articles on each
page in a slightly bigger and bolder typography to the rest. This is because they
are important key features on the contents page and also readers can easily see
what the magazine includes, what part they want to read and yet at the same
time keep them interested, as of the eye-catching parts of typography. On the
list of typography running down the left third on the magazine page, there is a
mix of both serif and sans serif fonts. For example, the titles of articles on the
contents page are in a serif font, whereas then the writing underneath is in a
more sans serif font. This gives the typography used a strong contrast, making
the contents page appear very appealing and engaging. Important and key parts
of the text running down the left hand side of the page are in a different and
brighter colour. They are either in blue or green. This is done so that, instead of
just making them bigger and bolder, still in the black font colour, like other
important parts text have been, it gives the contents page more colour and
makes it more interesting, fun and eye-catching for audiences to read. The
headline âContentsâ is the biggest and boldest part of typography on the page.
This is because it is the main key feature as it is the title of the page and with it
being so big and bold, it immediately stands out to readers, and they know
exactly what they are reading. The âContentsâ typography is in a sans serif font;
this is because it is a less serious and less traditional font type, which is
associated with younger generations. The use of the sans serif fonts, helps signify
the magazine to be young, fun and modern, which will appeal to its target
audience.
ï· Layout: The layout used on this Billboard contents page is very unconventional.
This is because it does not follow the route-of-the-eye pattern. Instead it is
organised in columns and rows. The layout is very ordered to make the contents
page easy to read and to look sophisticated. There is a higher ratio of typography
to image, however the images are more apparent as they are larger and more
eye-catching. This concept links in with Billboard, as imagery is always a main
focus in their magazines.
ï· Colour: The main colours on this contents page are red and white. This is
because in the main image on the page, the girl is wearing red and white and the
background of the page is white. Red is not the colour most often used on the
page, as black is used a lot, however, it stands the most, as the red and white
outfit is the first thing youâre eyes are drawn to when looking at the page. The
red and white outfit links in with the theme of this magazine edition âXmas in
Julyâ, as red and white are conventional Christmas colours, so they connote the
festival season. The image of the woman also stands out more compared to the
other images on the page, as it has the brightest and eye-catching use colours, so
that readerâs eyes are straight away drawn to the image of the woman. Blue and
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green are also used on the contents page, this is because it helps add colour to
the page to make it look more interesting and eye-catching, but also blue and
green are colours associated with younger people, so they connate fun and
youth, which will help Billboard appeal to its target audience. Also, the colours
used (red, blue, green, white and black) are very neutral colours, which will help
Billboard appeal to both genders of their target audience. Most of the
typography has been printed in black. This is because the writing is the more
serious part of the contents page, and black is a more serious colour, so by using
this colour it helps signify the more traditional part to the page. However, black
is also used over the white background because using black and white together
adds class and a classical element to Billboardâs design of the contents page.
ï· Images: Four images have been used on this Billboard contents page. The main
image is of the girl, in the middle of the page. This image is very dramatic and
extravagant, as of her quirky pose and the bright and alerting outfit. This image is
extremely eye-catching and draws attention in, as soon as you glance at the
page. Mise-en-scene has also been used in the image of the woman. This is
because she is holding a red and white candy cane, as it matches her outfit and
links in with the theme of the magazine âXmas in Julyâ. This is because a candy
cane is associated with the Christmas period. The woman is also wearing a bright
red feather bower, which is very big and fluffy. This makes the woman stand out
even more, and makes seem fun and bubbly, suggesting Billboard is a young,
enjoyable and friendly magazine. Three more images have been used down the
right third of the page. These images are all very different, so the contrast
between them connotes Billboard magazine covers many different news topics,
to appeal to a wide audience. Mise-en-scene has been used in these images, as
one man is holding a trumpet and a cartoon man is holding a guitar, which
signifies Billboard is a music magazine. In the remaining image, there are 5 men,
who look part of a rock/punk band. This shows audiences that Billboard caters
for many genres of music and this is why it appeals to such a large target
audience and is so successful.
ï· Language: The language used is very short and sweet. For example, short
sentences are used so that when readers looking at the page, they can
immediately see what is in the article, by just glancing. The contents page
language also explains in more detail, under the bold cover lines, what the
articles are about. This is done because itâs the contents pageâs job to give a
small preview of what readers should expect to read inside the magazine.
ï· Conventions: This contents page is very conventional. This is because the page
has Billboardâs logo and date in top right hand corner. This is conventional, as it is
carrying the masthead on from the front cover and makes the contents page
recognisable as part of a Billboard magazine. Having the date is conventional, as
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it is very traditional to have on a contents page, which signifies Billboard is very
professional. The contents page is also very conventional, as the layout is very
structured and well ordered, so that it is easy to read and follow, which connotes
sophistication. Another convention to this contents page is that it includes
writing listing and explaining the upcoming articles in the magazine. It is also
conventional as there are images which relate to the articles listed on the
contents page, which makes the page more eye-catching, but also makes the
articles seem more interesting to read to the audience, as it gives a more
intriguing preview of them.
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Double Page Spread
ï· Typography: All typography used on this double page spread is sans serif. Sans
serif fonts are very present, contemporary and sleek fonts to use, so they connote
youth, modernity and style to The Vibe magazine. Also, Sans serif is a very neutral
font, so it helps the double page spread appeal to both males and females, which is
suitable for The Vibe, as it is aimed at both genders. The typography of the article is
in a small font, compared the cover lines and quotes that are in a much bigger and
bolder font. This is because the cover lines and quote are important features of the
story, so they must stand out to readers, so that they get a quick preview of what
the articles is about and so that they are persuaded to read on. The bigger and
bolder fonts help emphasise this dramatic and eye-catching typography, against the
smaller font size.
ï· Layout: The layout of this double page spread is very structured and well ordered,
however it does not follow the route-of-the-eye technique. The layout is instead
organised so that the article is written down in columns, so that it is easy to read and
follow for the magazine readers. This neat organisation connotes sophistication. The
layout is also very effective because above the typography layout running
downwards in columns, further up there are images of Solange Knowles running
across sideways. This means the layout is ordered in opposite directions in the top
and bottom half of the double page spread. This makes the pages extremely eye-
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catching and original, letting the readerâs eye easily travels across the page, viewing
the entire article.
ï· Colour: This double page spread has a very plain colour scheme, as it mainly has a
lot of grey, black and white. However, using black and white together creates a
touch of class and adds a classy element to double page spread. For example, at the
top of the pages there are several images of Solange Knowles in black and white.
This put emphasis on how classy and sophisticated she is, as well as connoting a
professional look for the pages. However, next to the black and white images of
Solange, there is a much larger and colourful picture of her. Having just this one
large coloured image of her next to black and white ones, makes the page spread
look very dramatic, but also give the impression to readers that Solange is very
exclusive, chic and glamorous. Her bright red dress, purple heels and other colourful
clothing help to emphasise this further. This way readers will aspire to her and enjoy
what they are reading, persuading them to keep on purchasing The Vibe magazines.
The article typography has been typed in a grey font. This is because the cover lines
and quotes are in blue or blue. Grey is a duller colour compared to black and a bright
blue. So this choice of grey colour helps the quotes and cover lines s tand out to
readers and makes the double page spread more appealing to the eye.
ï· Image: There are several images of Solange Knowles used on The Vibeâs double
page spread. In each one she is posing in a very attractive and seductive way,
connoting a sex appeal to the magazine so that it will interest men, as well as
women. It also shows Solange off to be a youthful, confident and good-looking
female, so many readers will look up to her. There are many small images of Solange,
then a much larger one near the centre of the spread. The one colourful image of
Solange next to smaller ones makes her to seem very fierce, powerful and supreme.
Mise-en-scene has been used in Solangeâs costume, as she is wearing trendy bright
red dress, with purple high heels, gold necklaces and a blue/purple jacket. This outfit
makes a very big fashion statement, which signifies Solange to be a popular
trendsetter and fashion icon. This up-to-date and stylish look connotes The Vibe to
be a very current and modern magazine, aimed at a young and image conscious
target audience.
ï· Language: The language used is very informal, so that the article will appeal to The
Vibeâs young target audience. The language also relates to the music genre of the
magazine, as in the quote it says âFall back and enjoy the musicâ, which shows
readers the article with be music based.
ï· Conventions: This double page spread is conventional for suits its music genre.
This is because it contains several images of a music artist, which are very striking
and eye-catching. It is also conventional because it contains quotes and sub-headings,
so that the reader is intrigued by the preview of the article and is
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persuaded to read on. Finally, the double page spread is conventional because as
the layout is very ordered and structured. For example, the typography is placed in
columns. This makes the pages more readable and look more professional, making
audience interested to read on.