Image - Positioning/Rule of Thirds
The image dominates the page as a close-up which gives more of an intimate feel as the target audience can closely view the facial expressions of the artist as if they are gaining a deeper view into ‘Bowie’ this reflects the nature of the tribute giving deeper insight into the artist and his life and so feels far more exclusive to the magazine while the dominance of the image of Bowie on the cover also reflects the nature of the theme of the tribute and Bowie as an artist, being a dominant and sensationally popular artist listened to across the world who dominated the music industry reflects the classic and iconic nature of the magazine with a dominance in the industry on par with Bowie and his cultural influence also coincides with the era both brand names came from in the 60’s/70’s. The positioning of the image within the rule places the artists eyes within the center of the cover and gives a personal gaze to create a more intimate feel this creates the feeling that despite both Bowie and the Rolling Stone Magazine being iconic and immensely/classically popular all over the world there can still be a feeling of intimacy between the magazine/artist and it’s readers.
I too hope to re-create this personal feel to my own magazine's branding which I am planning to do so not only through the positioning of the image and a personal gaze from the model within the image but I will also present this tone through the language used in my article, however, I will not be using a black and white colour scheme as I feel this will subvert the youthful connotations and branding of my magazine towards the youthful target audience.
Image - Style
The high contrast of the image pulls all the focus on Bowie’s (iconic and recognizable) face (creating a timeless reflective and rather somber image), his facial expressions and his personal eye contact. The close up highlights a classic and smiling facial expression and so displays his inner emotions and feelings which presents the audience with a deeper insight into Bowie as an artist and so gives a more personal and intimate feel to meet the tragedy of his death. Meanwhile the black and white colouring of the image creates a unique image and a vintage and classic feel to the image and magazine and creates an iconic feel which not only reflects the artist but also the brand identity of the Rolling Stone Magazine as being of high prestige with years of experience. While I wont be using a close up inside my double page spread I am hoping to create a personal gaze from the model in the image I use in order to create a personal feel.
Language
In terms of the language, the nature of the article is to focus on a tribute to David Bowie's life in the aftermath of his death therefore it seems that the article displays a semantic field surrounding death and the memory of the artist through words such as “Death” “his end” “recent years” “memorably” “spellbinding” all these words relay the idea that Rolling Stone holds a strong connection with its artists and is able to present it’s readers with emotional and heartfelt stories which stand the test of time. The brand identity illustrated through these ideas relates to the target audience as music fans who care religiously about classic artists (old and new) who develop an emotional connection with the music they listen to due to their love for music. I will also create an emotional article for my double page spread in order to form a poignant and deep article for the readers of my magazine who are insanely passionate about music and have an emotional connection with the artists they follow and the music they listen to.
Layout - Colour
In regards to the text, the colouring of the font contrasts highly with the black and white image and stands out which implies of the importance of the importance of Bowie and his tribute within the content of the magazine, this highlights the brand identity of the magazine as that which seeks to provide it’s readers with stories that place the artists at the heart of the magazine. I too am planning to use a font colour which stands out over the image and background colour however I hope to use a more vibrant colour to do so to create a youthful identity to the branding of my magazine.
Layout - Text Positioning
The unconventional placing of the text on the left page, in one block rather than separated into thirds and there being little text over all speaks in terms of the magazine being associated with alternative music from throughout the decades as this unconventional style promotes ideas of rebellion. The brand appears as a classic however a rebellious classic which continues to defy the conventions. While I do hope to create a rebellious tone to my magazine I am not planning on repeating this particular style in my own double page spread as I am hoping to manufacture a clear and easy to read article making it easier for readers, I also want to have a longer article with a larger quantity to the main body of text as I feel this will reflect onto the branding of the magazine in terms of it being represented as a magazine which provides for it's readers and produces lengthy, deep and insightful articles so they can gain the deepest and most exclusive insight into the artists and music they love.
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