Analysis - SECTION 1 -
The Magazine Cover: Following a prompt
glimpse of this magazine cover, you maybe lead believe that the designer was trying to achieve a sense of sportiveness (to attract his target audience).
Because when you look at the work as one piece (considering all of its aspects) such as typographic style and colour, and aerial photography, and also significance of text - you can easily guess that this specific issue was made for a special purpose, and that purpose could be (I suppose) to, attract outsiders/visitors to the city of Seattle, and likewise it could have been made to inform newcomers about the city.
Typography/Writing Analysis: It appears that the designer chose a varied amount of type styles to present the text which was before him/her - My first guess, for the reason he/she chose varied type styles, is that it adds another layer/level of significance to the magazine's topic "One hundred reasons to LOVE Seattle!" - because it may connote/indicate that there are many distinct reasons (to 'love' Seattle) - Perhaps this could be the real motive behind the choice of type style.
Overall the cover is quite simplistic - in reference to the colour scheme and likewise, the photography. I ought to mention that the magazine doesn't seem to conform to any extensive mold, regarding fashion or trend of other magazines designs - meaning the cover doesn't 'mask' itself under the traditional customs of specific magazine styles - i.e. modernism, minimalistic design. Therefore I do like the fact that its quite plain and somewhat honest, as it does truly illustrate these words "calling it like I see it.." in a visual manner incorporated into the design (in turn, the magazine cover looks contemporary in the way it presents itself).
Layout: The text on this front cover is arranged into a fairly neat structure, I think the designers did the right thing by choosing the untreated design style.
In fact, it is easy for me to say that it looks reasonably organized in the way it presents information. And likewise I do appreciate this designers' unpretentious and somewhat coy, approach in creating this front cover, because the use of unsophisticated text and a plain grid structure compliments the headline topic (100 Reasons to LOVE Seattle) in such a way, that it may avert the readers attention away from the exterior (secondary issues; such as how they've designed the cover), and redirect their attention on the magazines' topic.
Therefore in lesser eloquent aspects/ or on secondary perspectives, the simple fashion in which the text is presented, amends a new level significance, solely to the topic of interest, because it communicates 'openness' to the readers, because it bears an image of a softened form of design technique, where it seems to draw near to the areas where it seems almost unbiased and fair. We learn the designers subtle incentives - (in creating a magazine with little emphasis on its style and fashion) - and this could mean that they want you to have a small yet sapid taste of Seattle's alluring charm.
Photography:
As often as you've encountered photographs of a similar standing (skyline/skyscrapers) - I think this photograph has been chosen for a significant reason. To expand a little - the photograph was taken in an aerial/birds eye view; they've done this (I think) to give a sense of 'grand scale', or to communicate ampleness of the city. Since we've noted the effectual nature of the photograph, we can say that it makes Seattle feel more 'welcoming' or 'lively'.
If you haven't noticed already, there is a host of people seen on the bottom half of the -page (in the shape of a heart) - and the first thing you notice about those people, is that they are all coloured (in contrast to the big, grey city in the background). I reckon that they've done this to ensign the Seattle culture (of love? hospitality? perhaps so), so that people who've just moved into Seattle or the people, who are just simply visitors, can feel more comfortable and less anxious in the city. I do realize that this analysis is perhaps to a slight extent, far fetched. Yet despite that possible truth, I would still argue to say that the designers had the intention of making customers/buyers of the magazine feel welcomed into the city.
Audience: Considering all aspects of this magazine, such as; aerial photography (with coloured parts, i.e. love heart). And considering the magazine's topic (100 Reasons to LOVE Seattle) - and also taking into account the simple design style - I conclude that this magazine was targeting newcomers in the city of Seattle.
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Front Covers - Textual Analysis / 3: First for Business
Front Covers - Textual Analysis / 4 : Sixer Magazine
The Magazine Cover: The magazine front cover is (to a reasonable level) well made. I'd say that the designers of this magazine were tying to target an adult audience, primarily the women. Because the front cover uses text, which may initially connote to the feminine side of things, so as a result it may appeal to women more than it does to men.
Typography/Writing Analysis: The typography used in the front cover - shows the use of both type styles (serif/sans serif). I like the way they've designed the words 'Country Style' - I think it conforms to common yet simple convention (in reference to the design/shape of the font) - in a moderate manner its quite abstract.
The colours were indeed chosen well, for example the pink text works well with the pink scarf the lady in the photograph is wearing.
I think the only downside to this design - is the typography size, the text shows the use of various type styles/faces presented side by side, and that diminishes the significance of a text hierarchy, which is (in my view of things) quite useful to in-cooperate into a design, because it makes the product more user friendly and makes the magazine feel more accessible/easily perceived.
Layout: The layout is fairly simple and easily understood, but I think it presents the text in such a way that it doesn't really provoke any emotions in the readers mind, I am uncertain on what the intentions may have been concerning the designer - since the magazine is presented in a 'skin-deep' manner - the text on the page becomes ineffectual - meaning it doesn't (to a notable extent) stimulate/stir any thought in the mind.
Photography: I like the use of photography - it really props the magazine with a particular fashion, this may help the readers feel more content with product they've purchased. (In reference to the genre/target audience of the magazine). And the woman shown on the cover, moreover defines the line, which separates the male audience of the magazine from the female audience. So I think the choices made on photography were good (depending on the designers intentions on who to target). And to add, you can notice that the photograph was taken in a small area/ with a local feel - they've done this to make their target audience feel that its more local, closer to home, and they also used that location (for photographing) because it looks stylish/fashionable.
Audience: Considering that most of the text featured on the cover, can all connote to feminine attributes (i.e. female model, purple/pink text, thin serif typography), I'm more in favour of concluding that the designer of the magazine was targeting (as a primary audience) adult women.
Front Covers - Textual Analysis / 5: Northshore
The Magazine Cover: I think this magazine, at first sight is quite peculiar to look at, because the photograph used on this issue, is an interesting choice, and I can't figure out what I think of it, (whether it works with the blue text on top or whether it doesn't). Regardless of the answer to that question, I still found the page interesting to look at - for a vague but good reason.
Typography/Writing Analysis: The choices made on typography, colour and style were all exceptional - because it gave the magazine a positive feel to it. I don't think the typography used in this magazine conforms to a specific pattern/or style - rather it feels listless, it causes me to feel uninformed in perplexed way, I found it odd, that I can't direct my mind to a piece of text and not make any connotations to that piece of text. So this magazine (from the way I see it) is quite indistinct in the style that it conforms to, because it seems as if the aim for the designer was too multifarious (in reference to theme or style in during the stages of development).
Layout: I think the layout for this magazine is unique, because it looks quite unconventional - in the manner that it presents itself, in fact, I'd go to the point where I would say, this magazine carries certain characteristics which can be analogous to movie posters.
Photography: The photograph shown on this front cover has an alluring quality to it - I think it certainly gives the magazine an advantage, because it does look quite appealing and attractive.
Audience: I am quite unsure on what to make of this, because the theme, and style, of this magazine is indistinct - and with that being said, I feel unable to narrow down, precisely onto a target group (given the details I have to consider such as; age ranges/gender etc..)
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Analysis SECTION 2:
Contents Page - Textual Analysis / 1 :
The Contents Page: The page looks quite simple, because there is a lot of space on the page which is unused, it carries with it a positive/jocose vibe - I think the yellow smiley face is the most significant feature of the page, it really makes you appreciate the designers creativity in creating this work.
Text/Typography: There isn't a great deal of text to be viewed on this page, yet still, that fact doesn't take away from the overall effectual nature of the page itself (happy, light-hearted and cheerful vibe). I can still feel that it's a well-designed contents page, which still manages to retain a likeable quality, (mainly due to the eye catching photograph).
The text, which is present on the page, is less important - in comparison to the rest of the work, since the small text doesn't play the role (to a significant extent at least) of captivating the viewers attention/or attracting them to the page. Nonetheless the text still plays an essential part in this design, because its the small aspects of this design which makes the page look interesting to the readers - because when we see it as a single/combined piece of work, we can really appreciate this designers attention to detail.
Layout: The presentation of the text is quite simple, so in turn the reader doesn't have to do much in order to understand what is being communicated.
Photography: Most will agree with me that the photograph, is clearly the most eye-catching feature on this page - I think that the photograph was an interesting and creative choice, because it really caught my attention, but I feel that it perhaps is somewhat immoderate, in the way that it has been presented. I think that it possibly could avert the readers attention from other pieces of text which are on the page, but this probably will not be an issue amongst most readers.
Contents Page - Textual Analysis / 2 :
The Contents Page: This contents page was taken from a regional magazine called 'Best of Boston'. The reason I chose to analyse this contents page, is because I thought it looked interesting and creative. I like the way this designer has drawn and used random objects to build an interesting image - so when you see the work as a whole, it looks similar to a skyscraper city line. In fewer words, I think this page is unique and well designed.
Text/Typography: Altogether there are three typefaces shown on this contents page, this indicates that the designer wanted to have a hierarchy of text, ranging from least significant to most significant - as a result the information on the page is easily understood by the readers, because they can discern the differences between the text - due to its user friendly style of presentation.
Layout: The way the text is arranged looks very interesting, and appealing - because a large amount of space is used by the small objects (the grey area). And almost half of the page is used to fit in the written portion of the design. I think that it looks stylish because its presented
Contents Page - Textual Analysis / 3:
The Contents Page: This contents' page might be a familiar sight to you, probably due to these simple reasons - it uses a common/ordinary layout, coupled with a moderate form of text presentation. I wanted to analyse this contents page because it exhibits the distinctive traits (conventions) of the common/typical regional magazine.
Text/Typography: The typefaces used on this contents page are simple - to expand further, the text is not excessively stylized, to an extent which could be considered notable. This means that 'text design' isn't a prominent aspect/or focus of the magazine, but rather the focus is on the content offered inside the magazine.
Common regional magazines have a tendency to keep the focus on the design to a minimum, whilst the focus on the content is usually considered with more favour.
Front Covers - Textual Analysis / 1: Texas Monthly
The Magazine cover:
I think that at first glance this magazine cover is very pleasing to look at, due to the neat/easy to read presentation style of the front cover - it is practically speaking (but not to a great deal) different, or unconventional in reference to the way it was designed.
Typography/Writing analysis:
Firstly I think that the choice of typography is good, I reckon it truly gives a promotional advantage for the magazine company, e.g. features such as ‘serif’ typography really appends to the style of ‘Texas Monthly’ - it compliments the local and unique feel of the magazine, which in turn, causes the local readers to feel more conversed and involved.
Layout:
Unlike most magazines, where the presentation seems as if the designer has been quite sketchy in how he/she presented the text on that issue - this magazine clearly displays all the information in an orderly fashion, where text doesn't seem too overbearing, meaning it doesn't convey a barrage of information to the readers eyes - but rather it possess a minimalistic theme, where text is seen clearly, understood easily, and also feels accessible for the readers.
Photography:
This magazine is one out of the minority, which actually features photography that retains a positive and distinctive quality. The photograph on this cover is evidently related to the topic of interest for that months‘ issue. And to add - you can lightly guess that the designer ‘cherry picked’ every aspect of the front cover and has indeed run a through course (development) to make sure the magazine looks well made in the end.
So for e.g. The photograph appears as if, it was taken at an opportune and timely moment, i.e. early morning/ dawn. So compared with the repetitious style of photography used in the majority of regional magazines, using interesting/pleasing photographs can help the readers feel more content with the product they have purchased.
Audience:
Taking into account the stately character of the typography, the minimalistic presentation style/layout, and in addition - considering the notable photography - I’d have to conclude that this magazine is clearly aimed at a mature audience, since only the senior members of that local community can subscribe to a magazine such as ‘Texas Monthly’ and yet appreciate the content of the magazine.
Front Covers - Textual Analysis / 2: Seattle Met
The Magazine Cover: Following a prompt
glimpse of this magazine cover, you maybe lead believe that the designer was trying to achieve a sense of sportiveness (to attract his target audience).
Because when you look at the work as one piece (considering all of its aspects) such as typographic style and colour, and aerial photography, and also significance of text - you can easily guess that this specific issue was made for a special purpose, and that purpose could be (I suppose) to, attract outsiders/visitors to the city of Seattle, and likewise it could have been made to inform newcomers about the city.
Typography/Writing Analysis: It appears that the designer chose a varied amount of type styles to present the text which was before him/her - My first guess, for the reason he/she chose varied type styles, is that it adds another layer/level of significance to the magazine's topic "One hundred reasons to LOVE Seattle!" - because it may connote/indicate that there are many distinct reasons (to 'love' Seattle) - Perhaps this could be the real motive behind the choice of type style.
Overall the cover is quite simplistic - in reference to the colour scheme and likewise, the photography. I ought to mention that the magazine doesn't seem to conform to any extensive mold, regarding fashion or trend of other magazines designs - meaning the cover doesn't 'mask' itself under the traditional customs of specific magazine styles - i.e. modernism, minimalistic design. Therefore I do like the fact that its quite plain and somewhat honest, as it does truly illustrate these words "calling it like I see it.." in a visual manner incorporated into the design (in turn, the magazine cover looks contemporary in the way it presents itself).
Layout: The text on this front cover is arranged into a fairly neat structure, I think the designers did the right thing by choosing the untreated design style.
In fact, it is easy for me to say that it looks reasonably organized in the way it presents information. And likewise I do appreciate this designers' unpretentious and somewhat coy, approach in creating this front cover, because the use of unsophisticated text and a plain grid structure compliments the headline topic (100 Reasons to LOVE Seattle) in such a way, that it may avert the readers attention away from the exterior (secondary issues; such as how they've designed the cover), and redirect their attention on the magazines' topic.
Therefore in lesser eloquent aspects/ or on secondary perspectives, the simple fashion in which the text is presented, amends a new level significance, solely to the topic of interest, because it communicates 'openness' to the readers, because it bears an image of a softened form of design technique, where it seems to draw near to the areas where it seems almost unbiased and fair. We learn the designers subtle incentives - (in creating a magazine with little emphasis on its style and fashion) - and this could mean that they want you to have a small yet sapid taste of Seattle's alluring charm.
Photography:
As often as you've encountered photographs of a similar standing (skyline/skyscrapers) - I think this photograph has been chosen for a significant reason. To expand a little - the photograph was taken in an aerial/birds eye view; they've done this (I think) to give a sense of 'grand scale', or to communicate ampleness of the city. Since we've noted the effectual nature of the photograph, we can say that it makes Seattle feel more 'welcoming' or 'lively'.
If you haven't noticed already, there is a host of people seen on the bottom half of the -page (in the shape of a heart) - and the first thing you notice about those people, is that they are all coloured (in contrast to the big, grey city in the background). I reckon that they've done this to ensign the Seattle culture (of love? hospitality? perhaps so), so that people who've just moved into Seattle or the people, who are just simply visitors, can feel more comfortable and less anxious in the city. I do realize that this analysis is perhaps to a slight extent, far fetched. Yet despite that possible truth, I would still argue to say that the designers had the intention of making customers/buyers of the magazine feel welcomed into the city.
Audience: Considering all aspects of this magazine, such as; aerial photography (with coloured parts, i.e. love heart). And considering the magazine's topic (100 Reasons to LOVE Seattle) - and also taking into account the simple design style - I conclude that this magazine was targeting newcomers in the city of Seattle.
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The Magazine Cover: When I first looked at this magazine, I felt that it was quite pleasant to look at - since the colours are all positive and the man featured on the cover is smiling. So of course most readers would indeed feel at ease and quite content with the magazine, due to the genial vibe it creates in your mind when you first see it.
Typography/Writing Analysis: The typefaces used on the front cover are fairly basic and quite simple (common serif typeface), and to add it uses a notable amount of colours on the writing.
This shows that the magazine doesn't conform to formal conventions (from a designers perspective) but rather it conforms to the distinctive conventions of most regional magazines - where the emphasis is solely set onto the content of the magazine - but the design of the text on the page, is seemingly of less concern.
This shows that the magazine doesn't conform to formal conventions (from a designers perspective) but rather it conforms to the distinctive conventions of most regional magazines - where the emphasis is solely set onto the content of the magazine - but the design of the text on the page, is seemingly of less concern.
Layout: The layout is quite ingenuous and candid - so once again the simplicity, shown in this form of presentation can be traced back to the conventions of traditional regional magazines. In a short summary of things, I do like the look of the layout, but I think that the choices made on the colour scheme and typography was a shortcoming - because it really does make the text look a little too keen - meaning it doesn't really have a nature of holding back the content in an area where it potentially could be appreciated by the readers to higher extent.
Photography: The choices made on photography were good (in my opinion) because as viewers pass the magazine shelves, they make a choice to firstly, consider looking further into this magazine - and the reason they stop to inspect the product in a through manner - is/could be because the photograph seized their attention.
Audience: The target market for this magazine are of course the people of Sheffield, and to be specific, it is aimed at an audience who may share an interest, or show regard for the world of business (local or national). So it a mature/adult audience they could be the targeting.
Front Covers - Textual Analysis / 4 : Sixer Magazine
Typography/Writing Analysis: The typography used in the front cover - shows the use of both type styles (serif/sans serif). I like the way they've designed the words 'Country Style' - I think it conforms to common yet simple convention (in reference to the design/shape of the font) - in a moderate manner its quite abstract.
The colours were indeed chosen well, for example the pink text works well with the pink scarf the lady in the photograph is wearing.
I think the only downside to this design - is the typography size, the text shows the use of various type styles/faces presented side by side, and that diminishes the significance of a text hierarchy, which is (in my view of things) quite useful to in-cooperate into a design, because it makes the product more user friendly and makes the magazine feel more accessible/easily perceived.
Layout: The layout is fairly simple and easily understood, but I think it presents the text in such a way that it doesn't really provoke any emotions in the readers mind, I am uncertain on what the intentions may have been concerning the designer - since the magazine is presented in a 'skin-deep' manner - the text on the page becomes ineffectual - meaning it doesn't (to a notable extent) stimulate/stir any thought in the mind.
Photography: I like the use of photography - it really props the magazine with a particular fashion, this may help the readers feel more content with product they've purchased. (In reference to the genre/target audience of the magazine). And the woman shown on the cover, moreover defines the line, which separates the male audience of the magazine from the female audience. So I think the choices made on photography were good (depending on the designers intentions on who to target). And to add, you can notice that the photograph was taken in a small area/ with a local feel - they've done this to make their target audience feel that its more local, closer to home, and they also used that location (for photographing) because it looks stylish/fashionable.
Audience: Considering that most of the text featured on the cover, can all connote to feminine attributes (i.e. female model, purple/pink text, thin serif typography), I'm more in favour of concluding that the designer of the magazine was targeting (as a primary audience) adult women.
Front Covers - Textual Analysis / 5: Northshore
Typography/Writing Analysis: The choices made on typography, colour and style were all exceptional - because it gave the magazine a positive feel to it. I don't think the typography used in this magazine conforms to a specific pattern/or style - rather it feels listless, it causes me to feel uninformed in perplexed way, I found it odd, that I can't direct my mind to a piece of text and not make any connotations to that piece of text. So this magazine (from the way I see it) is quite indistinct in the style that it conforms to, because it seems as if the aim for the designer was too multifarious (in reference to theme or style in during the stages of development).
Layout: I think the layout for this magazine is unique, because it looks quite unconventional - in the manner that it presents itself, in fact, I'd go to the point where I would say, this magazine carries certain characteristics which can be analogous to movie posters.
Photography: The photograph shown on this front cover has an alluring quality to it - I think it certainly gives the magazine an advantage, because it does look quite appealing and attractive.
Audience: I am quite unsure on what to make of this, because the theme, and style, of this magazine is indistinct - and with that being said, I feel unable to narrow down, precisely onto a target group (given the details I have to consider such as; age ranges/gender etc..)
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Analysis SECTION 2:
Contents Page - Textual Analysis / 1 :
Text/Typography: There isn't a great deal of text to be viewed on this page, yet still, that fact doesn't take away from the overall effectual nature of the page itself (happy, light-hearted and cheerful vibe). I can still feel that it's a well-designed contents page, which still manages to retain a likeable quality, (mainly due to the eye catching photograph).
The text, which is present on the page, is less important - in comparison to the rest of the work, since the small text doesn't play the role (to a significant extent at least) of captivating the viewers attention/or attracting them to the page. Nonetheless the text still plays an essential part in this design, because its the small aspects of this design which makes the page look interesting to the readers - because when we see it as a single/combined piece of work, we can really appreciate this designers attention to detail.
Layout: The presentation of the text is quite simple, so in turn the reader doesn't have to do much in order to understand what is being communicated.
Photography: Most will agree with me that the photograph, is clearly the most eye-catching feature on this page - I think that the photograph was an interesting and creative choice, because it really caught my attention, but I feel that it perhaps is somewhat immoderate, in the way that it has been presented. I think that it possibly could avert the readers attention from other pieces of text which are on the page, but this probably will not be an issue amongst most readers.
Contents Page - Textual Analysis / 2 :
Text/Typography: Altogether there are three typefaces shown on this contents page, this indicates that the designer wanted to have a hierarchy of text, ranging from least significant to most significant - as a result the information on the page is easily understood by the readers, because they can discern the differences between the text - due to its user friendly style of presentation.
Layout: The way the text is arranged looks very interesting, and appealing - because a large amount of space is used by the small objects (the grey area). And almost half of the page is used to fit in the written portion of the design. I think that it looks stylish because its presented
Contents Page - Textual Analysis / 3:
The Contents Page: This contents' page might be a familiar sight to you, probably due to these simple reasons - it uses a common/ordinary layout, coupled with a moderate form of text presentation. I wanted to analyse this contents page because it exhibits the distinctive traits (conventions) of the common/typical regional magazine.
Text/Typography: The typefaces used on this contents page are simple - to expand further, the text is not excessively stylized, to an extent which could be considered notable. This means that 'text design' isn't a prominent aspect/or focus of the magazine, but rather the focus is on the content offered inside the magazine.
Common regional magazines have a tendency to keep the focus on the design to a minimum, whilst the focus on the content is usually considered with more favour.
Layout: The layout is neat/simple and fairly a common sight in most regional magazines. I think that readers would agree that the page is well put together - and well organized (speaking about the presentation of text). However the page does not have a well defined hierarchy in relation to the text, because there is a lot of information on the page (e.g. photograph, advertisements) to look at - and the text is just balancing on the line, of either being a collage, or being a muddle of information. As a viewer it takes a little exertion to know what to read on the page, since this page also features website details/distinct text boxes, etc.
Photography: There are only a few photographs used on this contents page, but they add a new level of appeal/attraction to the page - the photographs show a diverse range of locations (where the photographs were taken), so this can make the readers feel more content/or glad because they may think that the magazine has a lot to offer. Also I ought to mention that, it doesn't use photographs as a background, but rather featured as a small sub portion linked in with the content list -this is another convention of traditional regional magazines to be noted.
Contents Page - Textual Analysis / 4 :
The Contents Page:
This contents page is another example of what traditional regional magazines look like. It uses the same theme; such as a basic grid structure, moderate colour scheme, and a generic three column presentation style, etc, etc.
Text/Typography: This contents page does indeed show the use of different typefaces, varying in size/colour/case type etc. Having a small amount of variation in the typography is a good thing, for this magazine at least - because the readers of the magazine will feel that its easier to navigate through all the information, due to the simple/straight-forward way in which the content of the magazine is displayed. The only disadvantage of such a design - is that it perhaps becomes too dull/inexpressive, it may not capture the readers attention on a visual level - and as a result, the readers may feel the same way towards the product - they may read with a passive/or stagnant state of mind.
Layout: The text on the page is presented in a common three column grid structure, and with the way the text has been organised on the page, you can guess that the designer wanted a hierarchy/ a constructive order - where text can be placed to make the information easily understood by the readers with ease. There isn't a great deal of features to be analysed in this example of a contents page to be honest- because it doesn't support within it unique or distinctive qualities which could make it different when compared with other magazines.
Contents Page - Textual Analysis / 5 :
The Contents Page: This is another example of a traditional regional magazine' contents page. You can notice the distinct features of this contents page - features such as; thumbnail sized photographs,
simple layout, the attention to the content of the magazine being a bias compared with the design side of things (not always a bad thing). I am not at all, implying that the designer of this magazine didn't design well - rather I am just pointing to the fact that the designer's focus was more centered towards the content of the magazine rather than the design.
Text/Typography: Each piece of text is easily discernible when the design is seen as a whole, I think the typography/colour scheme was a good choice - because it really makes the work look formal/makes it effectual in what its trying to communicate (i.e. when the contents is coupled with the photographs). There is a text hierarchy shown in this example - for example, the designers have used a bigger and bolder (colored) text to show headings and a smaller and basic text to show the content.
Layout: The layout is again fairly simple/straight forward - quite a usual convention seen in most regional magazines. It can be separated into two major columns of text, one mostly filled with photographs. Again there isn't a lot to be said for this magazines' layout, since it uses a very basic and moderate design style.
Photography: I think the photographs being included in this contents page was a good choice, because it adds another layer of interesting text - something which can amuse/ hold the readers attention for longer. It doesn't have a unique of attractive quality to it (the photographs) but if they are there within in the design - I'd say its better to leave them in there, just to add another layer of interest for the readers.
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Analysis SECTION 3:
Double Page Spread - Textual Analysis / 1 :
Text/Typography: The typefaces used in the article body can be classed into the normal/common category of typefaces - since the article text is clearly legible enough to read without much thought or effort. In addition the designer has chosen to use a serif typeface - which was an appropriate choice for this type of magazine. because serif typography retains a stately/dignified appearance - where as sans serif typography falls short in this area.
Layout: The layout is the one aspect of this design which gives this double page spread its unique/unconventional feel to it. I think its unique because the photographs have been spread through both pages - and the text is then used to fill in the leftover space, and I haven't seen another magazine's double page spread, display features such as this. Furthermore, this is perhaps a strange thing to mention - but the double page spread reminds me of an internet webpage - (due to the grey rectangle shape on the top of the page) - I reckon that this is the specific feature which causes me to consider/view this magazine as unique.
Photography: The photographs shown on the page, all look exceptional, and well taken - I think they've presented them in an unconventional manner (due to the colour scheme, layout etc), yet this is not a bad thing, since they've presented the text in a staid form.
Double Page Spread - Textual Analysis / 2 :
The Double Page Spread: I wanted to analyse this double page spread because it had several interesting features to look into. It displayed a striking/artistic design, which had a neat layout/with text, and also the double page features impressive photography shown on one half of the double page.
Text/Typography: The most significant/noticeable piece of text (writing) within this double page spread is the headline 'The Actors Actor' - And I have to mention, this designer has used a serif typeface to write this text on the article. I think this designer has done this to further bear the magazines fashion/trend/or style of minimalism (design technique). This point can be supported, with evidence, so for example - the designer of this magazine hasn't used a lot of space to fit the text of article, this can mean that he/she intended that the page is seen as simple/minimalistic - because the most significant feature, of this double page spread, could be the photograph or the headline typeface/ or the amount of space which was unused.
Layout: Since I've already mentioned that this designer has chosen to present the text in a minimalist fashion (supported by evidence) - I can surely say that the layout/presentation of text, will in the same way conform to minimalism. Because all the text needs to have connection/links in order to take on a style (i.e. minimalism in this case) or to convey an even image of the magazines' style to the public.
Photography: I really like the photograph shown on this double page spread, why? Because it truly does, conform well to the tone/style of this magazines' double page spread - (minimalism). It seizes my attention because it looks as though the photograph was taken - whilst this person was motion. And overall the photograph is a fitting portion of the design, it works well with the rest of the design.
Double Page Spread - Textual Analysis / 3 :
The Double Page Spread: I wanted to analyse this double page spread, because I think it looks very neat and formal (almost minimalistic/too basic) - in the way it's presented. Even though it may look a bit meagre in the textual portion of the design (meaning how much variation there is) - it still works well, due to the fact that its a conventional design style, with simple grid/column structures - which is used in most magazine double page spreads in most regional magazines.
Text/Typography: The text is retains an inexpressive quality - to expand further, it seems moderate and quite simple. There is indeed a well defined hierarchy - beginning with the headline 'One day Iraq...etc' and then followed by the article body, with colored pieces of text, e.g. found below the photograph.
Layout: The designer used a simple approach in order to design these two pages, he/she did so, by staying close to traditional conventions of magazine design. This point is supported when you take note that the page doesn't have an energetic/vibe/tone/feel to it - but rather, it presents the content of the article in a dead-panned style.
Text/Typography: The text is retains an inexpressive quality - to expand further, it seems moderate and quite simple. There is indeed a well defined hierarchy - beginning with the headline 'One day Iraq...etc' and then followed by the article body, with colored pieces of text, e.g. found below the photograph.
Layout: The designer used a simple approach in order to design these two pages, he/she did so, by staying close to traditional conventions of magazine design. This point is supported when you take note that the page doesn't have an energetic/vibe/tone/feel to it - but rather, it presents the content of the article in a dead-panned style.
Photography: The photograph shown in this double page - is, in all fairness the only piece of text which can be considered a notable feature. I think it really adds a new level of appeal for the readers, because it looks very detailed - and also because its made of wood, giving the magazine page a noble/stately tone which can also be related to the article topic.
Double Page Spread - Textual Analysis / 4 :
The Double Page Spread: I really liked the way this designer has worked, with the sizing's of text - its almost artistic because the designer has focused on the size of text (making it really small to accommodate every word of the article) - whilst using only a limited amount of space on the double page - overall I think the design is a effectual piece of work, because when you compare the size of the image/drawing on the center of the page, with the article text - I can't help but think, that it looks neat, well thought out - just really well designed.
Text/Typography: This designer has chosen to have moderate amount of text/stylisation, I think this was a suitable decision made by him/her - because having a limited, expressive style for the text - means that the magazine still retains the effectual nature of its design - meaning the most significant feature of the page would still be the photograph.
Layout: I'd have to say that the presentation of text uses a mix of conventional and unconventional styles. For example, the article uses a basic column structure to hold the text - this feature is simple, and conventional. However the layout of this atricle text can be considered unconventional because it uses less space, when compared with how much space the photograph uses.
Photography: The photograph used in this double page is quite intriguing, because it shows peculiar/strange drawings which could have some type of connection with the article. An important aspect I ought to mention is that the photograph covers over half of the space (within in the double page) - I think the designers did the right thing by making the photograph very big on the page, because it is the very thing that helps support the designs' effectual style - meaning the photograph is the feature (on this particular example) which makes the design work well - it allows readers to feel content and glad in a sense - because it manages to communicate a certain tone/ or helps the page display its character in a more conspicuous manner.
Double Page Spread - Textual Analysis / 5 :
The Double Page Spread: The most prominent feature of this double page spread, is the photography. I think the photography used in this double page spread - is the only form of text which actually causes the readers to interpret the style of this magazine differently (which is a good thing by the way) - because if there wasn't any photographs present - the page would look featureless and dull, since there wouldn't be many points of interest, for the people to view. In quick summary, I chose to analyse this magazine, because its a perfect example of how photography should be used, in such a way - that it causes the audience to react with a positive attitude, and I hope to achieve something close to this quality in my magazine production.
Text/Typography: There isn't a great deal to be discussed with this topic - since the magazine double page spread, has within it, a very insignificant amount of typographic variation (text is not very stylized at all, but rather it takes on a style of simplicity). This was obviously done for a good reason - and my guess is this; I reckon that the designers wanted the focus/attention to be mostly centered around the photography - whilst the text was presented in a moderate/simple fashion - they've designed it this way because they wanted the photographs to retain the significance - because the designers wanted to stimulate their readers minds, primarily through effectual photography - this could be the reason for why the photographs use up a fair amount of space in the double page spread.
Layout: The layout is fairly simple and quite moderate, there isn't anything flashy or intriguing about the way the article was presented. With that being said, and without much difficulty, I guess in a plausible manner - what the designers intentions were, in making the text layout simple. I think that this designer wanted the photography (as mentioned before) to have the significant portion of the readers attention - meaning the photography was to be a dominant design feature when compared with the article text.
Text/Typography: There isn't a great deal to be discussed with this topic - since the magazine double page spread, has within it, a very insignificant amount of typographic variation (text is not very stylized at all, but rather it takes on a style of simplicity). This was obviously done for a good reason - and my guess is this; I reckon that the designers wanted the focus/attention to be mostly centered around the photography - whilst the text was presented in a moderate/simple fashion - they've designed it this way because they wanted the photographs to retain the significance - because the designers wanted to stimulate their readers minds, primarily through effectual photography - this could be the reason for why the photographs use up a fair amount of space in the double page spread.
Layout: The layout is fairly simple and quite moderate, there isn't anything flashy or intriguing about the way the article was presented. With that being said, and without much difficulty, I guess in a plausible manner - what the designers intentions were, in making the text layout simple. I think that this designer wanted the photography (as mentioned before) to have the significant portion of the readers attention - meaning the photography was to be a dominant design feature when compared with the article text.
Photography: The photographs used in this double page spread, are very interesting and quite unique (e.g. the black & white works really well with the rest of the design). I think the photographs on this design, are the very aspects which actually allows this magazine to fit into a design theme/style very easily - meaning the photographs are the pieces of text which characterizes/defines the double page. After analyzing this double page spread - I now realize the importance of photography, because it can affect the readers perspective/opinions on the magazine, for better or for worse.
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Analysis of Subsidiaries - SECTION 3:
- Billboard advertisement for regional magazine. (X3 analysis)
Billboard - Textual Analysis / 1 :
The Billboard: I wanted to analyse this billboard advertisement because it is the type of style I want create when advertising the regional magazine. I want to have a neat/plain background, so that the magazine stands out more from a readers perspective. But back to this billboard, I think it does the job - of conveying a certain vibe to the public - but I think its not very memorable (speaking of the design). Because there isn't enough significant aspects of the billboard (from my view) which makes you think, that its a an eye-catching design. For a brief moment (after a glance) my thoughts remain in a passive, and unprovoked state.
Typography: The typography is a really nice touch to the billboard, it further inclines the design towards the feminine side of things - and in turn, the billboard may appeal to more women then it does to men.
Typography: The typography is a really nice touch to the billboard, it further inclines the design towards the feminine side of things - and in turn, the billboard may appeal to more women then it does to men.
Photography: The photography is really good, it look well taken - and professional. Overall the photograph can be considered the main aspect/feature of this billboard, it could be the appealing feature of the advertisement.
Billboard - Textual Analysis / 2 :
Billboard - Textual Analysis / 2 :
The Billboard: This may seem like an irrelevant example to analyse, but there are some important design techniques (in reference to marketing/selling a product) which I could use to my advantage from this billboard. So to start of with, this billboard retains a striking appearance - It shows the most significant feature, being the spotlit players jumping to the hoop.
I think this is an effectual/successful design because it captures a persons attention quickly. And likewise, I too would like to have the focus that this billboard has - on one aspect.
So I've learn't that to have an effectual billboard advertisement - you can keep it simple by not having too many pieces of text for the reader to look at - all you need is a simple sentence or two, and the product shown on the billboard (or not - this can be decided later).
Typography: I think the typography was well chosen/designed, since it isn't the main feature of the advertisement, it doesn't avert your attention from the photograph, so the small typography helps the design to retain its effectual qualities.
Photography: I think they've made it look very good, especially with the darkness and the light contrasted well. The players stand out more because of this - and in turn, it adds to the design, a sense of momentum, action, and energy.
Billboard - Textual Analysis / 3 :
The Billboard: Out of the many hundreds, this particular billboard caught my
attention - since it has an appealing quality to it, which causes the viewers
of the billboard, to perceive the design as if it were dynamic/or likable. And
I do think that this billboard does retain those qualities.
Here are the main reasons for why this billboard caught my attention:
I think this is an effectual/successful design because it captures a persons attention quickly. And likewise, I too would like to have the focus that this billboard has - on one aspect.
So I've learn't that to have an effectual billboard advertisement - you can keep it simple by not having too many pieces of text for the reader to look at - all you need is a simple sentence or two, and the product shown on the billboard (or not - this can be decided later).
Typography: I think the typography was well chosen/designed, since it isn't the main feature of the advertisement, it doesn't avert your attention from the photograph, so the small typography helps the design to retain its effectual qualities.
Photography: I think they've made it look very good, especially with the darkness and the light contrasted well. The players stand out more because of this - and in turn, it adds to the design, a sense of momentum, action, and energy.
Billboard - Textual Analysis / 3 :
I do
acknowledge that this billboard doesn't advertise any form of magazine, but
regardless of this fact, I still consider this example to be worthwhile,
because I can learn something about successful/effective advertising - and then
apply my knowledge when I am designing a billboard for my regional
magazine.
Here are the main reasons for why this billboard caught my attention:
1. The black background made
the significant features of the billboard (e.g. album covers, or the iPod) -
stand out more, because the design looks quite classy/and stylish.
2. The next reason is; the
album covers are 3D - and from my view of things, it’s the most significant
aspect of this billboard - the 3D is what made the billboard noticeable and
appealing.
Typography: This
billboard doesn't have much writing on it to be analyzed - There are only two
clear words written on the bottom of the page. And I think that those two words
were necessary to have included with the design – What I mean is; that it makes
the advertisement easier to understand, since it’s very straight-forward in the
way that it presents itself.
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- Radio advertisement for regional magazine. (X3 analysis)
Please take note:
I wasn't able to find many legitimate radio advertisements which featured regional magazines or even newspapers - so what I did instead was search, for radio advertisements which were of reasonable quality, and advertisements which featured some common conventions of radio advertising. So for this part of section three, in the subsidiary analysis for radio advertisements - I will not be analyzing regional magazine adverts, but rather I will be analyzing adverts which market a product to the public - and I'll be focusing on how the adverts appeal to their listeners.
Radio Advertisement - Textual Analysis / 1 :
NANDO'S UK AD - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odyuao_-UJg&feature=related
NANDO'S UK AD - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odyuao_-UJg&feature=related
The Advertisement: When I first heard this advert, I thought that it was quite enjoyable, and fun to listen to. I think the aspects of this radio advertisement which makes it good are the following;
What I think made this advertisement work well:
- The man speaking throughout the advert, immediately starts off, by connecting to his listeners/audience - and I think that this was a good thing when he tried to converse with his listeners - because it almost felt as if he was present with you in a car/home etc. He introduced himself in a somewhat polite manner - since we hear him engaging with his listener.
- The audience/listeners could feel (in turn) engaged and involved - since the man isn't just speaking out information - but rather he greeted the listeners with an eager intention of sharing some good news. So what did I learn from this radio advert - If you connect with your audience, then it will cause the listeners to feel less passive and more involved.
- I've noticed that when he starts to talk about the restaurant, 'Nando's' - a distinct style of music starts to play in the background (which to me sounded like it was of mexican origin). I think that music is a very significant part of any radio advertisement - because it is the main aspect which can keep the listeners stimulated/interested - its the aspect which helps the listeners to visualize the product they hear about in the advertisement.
Radio Advertisement - Textual Analysis / 2 :
COCA COLA, SUMMER SOUND - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDj8QYigFnw
The Advertisement: This advertisement is quite clear in what its attempting to sell - since the Coca Cola company has the advantage of being well known, all around the world - their marketing group can have the confidence to be quaint/odd/or peculiar. I think this advertisement is good, because it uses the common conventions of radio advertisements - to communicate the information about their product, in a creative manner (meaning they've considered a creative script to use, they've used music to liven the moods of their listeners) - and the last thing to mention is this; they got to the point of the advert at the end - by saying the words 'Coca Cola, open happiness!'
So to summarize I think the script for this advert was well written, and well structured - since they sync the 'build up' of the music (playing in the background) to the words the individuals speak - and you can notice that the music gets louder as the radio advert approaches to the finishing words.
So to summarize I think the script for this advert was well written, and well structured - since they sync the 'build up' of the music (playing in the background) to the words the individuals speak - and you can notice that the music gets louder as the radio advert approaches to the finishing words.
SCREWFIX CATALOGUE - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPocMd8Dj-Q
The Advertisement: When you compare this advert with the two above, you can easily state the differences between them - because this advert is (in my opinion) really simple and straight-forward. Meaning the advert doesn't have a lot of variation (when compared) - it just continues a constant story until it reaches the point where the father begins to talk about the 'Screwfix Catalogue'. And I don't think that this is a bad thing, since the advert it is clear when it communicated the essential information to its listeners - So this advert hasn't focused too much, on the style - but perhaps the focus is on the actual product, the 'Screwfix Catalogue'.
I think this is a good advertisement, because it will hold the listeners attention and it will also keep them interested/stimulated - caused by the changes in the pace of the advert and also the lighthearted humor between the two individuals in the advert (father and daughter).
I think this is a good advertisement, because it will hold the listeners attention and it will also keep them interested/stimulated - caused by the changes in the pace of the advert and also the lighthearted humor between the two individuals in the advert (father and daughter).
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