Magazine Analysis: Q Double Page

Q Magazine Double Page Analysis

Image – Body language/Facial Expression

The artists (Coldplay) appear to have a personal gaze that seems to look straight at the readers and this forms a more engaging piece which despite focusing on a band which is internationally recognised still presents a personal relationship with its readers through this, this eye contact also implies of the personal style within the interview giving fans of Coldplay (and music fans in general) a deeper insight into the group. 

While I am planning to use a long to mid-shot image for the images used in my double-page spread (due to the fact that the artist featured in my article will be a solo artist therefore a better use of the space would be to use an image by which readers are able to see the artist’s costume) I too am hoping to use a personal gaze for the photograph I use and I will do this throughout my magazine in order to present the idea that the magazine gives readers a personal connection with the music and artists they are passionate about.

Image - Lighting

The lighting appears bright and almost natural and creates an image where readers can very clearly see the group which makes them appear as important again presenting the concept that it is the artists that are at the heart of the brand. 

While I am planning to use darker lighting for my front cover in order to portray an air of mystery to both the artist and the magazine which readers can only fulfil through reading the magazine I am planning to use bright images for my double page spread to capsulate the youthful essence of both the artist and the brand identity of the magazine.

Image - Colour

The colours used in the image  and throughout the article display a rainbow of colours which creates a visually interesting feature  that portrays a sense of youth and notions that the magazine is vibrant, the messy-ness of the powder paints within the photography as well as the eroded N used within the article implies a rebellious undertone which seems to reflect the nature of the magazine as being an indie/alternative music focused print rather than a pop based magazine, it also connotes ideas of multicultural identity and other accepting modern cultural ideals and so implies of the magazine as being culturally accepting and friendly. The modern ideas portrayed reflect the prints’ brand identity as a modern music magazine for the modern reader who possibly associates themselves with modern alternative views as well as modern alternative music.

I feel this colour scheme perfectly encapsulates the youthful tone to my magazine while also portraying the modern and socially accepting ideology I want to create in my own magazine, therefore I too will be using a rainbow colour effect for the scheme of my double page spread however I am planning to use a spectrum of colours that is slightly more psychedelic in order to highlight the alternative nature of the magazine.

Layout – Positioning

The layout of the text places the article in two columns, a format which is not typically conventional for magazines (as they usually have three columns) however this creates an interesting format which centres around the large ‘N’ and the thoughtful quote in the centre. It places the images of the band members and Chris Martin and their words at the centre of the article creating the impression that the brand places its artists and the music at the heart of its content resenting the notion that the magazine is passionate for readers and artists who are passionate about music. The layout also appears to place the main body of text on one page the larger images on the other creating a clear and easy to read article. 

While I am not planning to use this layout in my own double page as I feel it is too unconventional and not clean cut or clear I am planning on using a coloured drop capital as I feel this draws attention to the article.

Language – Embedded Quotes

The quote at the centre of the text reads “I feel blessed I’m in a band that I really f***king love” here the magazine draws attention to profanities and taboo words that some might possibly find offensive, however due to the magazine being aimed at an older audience (16+). Despite this possibly being more acceptable in a magazine of this nature, the article draws attention to it therefore highlighting its rebellious identity. 

I too am planning to use taboo swear words to reiterate the rebellious nature of the magazine, I will also use the conventional embedding of quotes between the text in order to draw the reader’s attention to the key messages and quotes from the artist in the article.

Language

In the main article the magazine displays the use of intrusive and personal words and phrases directly from the interviewee such as ‘Never give up’ ‘Why was he waking up feeling low after the explosive highs of the night before?’ ‘tired of running away from his problems’ ‘I was nervous’ giving a deep and impactful article which presents fans and readers an emotional and connecting feature portraying the exclusivity of Q being able to achieve articles and features in which artists open up in their interview. Meanwhile the use of the description of Chris Martin saying to the magazine ‘you’re in the gang now’ and being described as ‘giving Q a friendly reminder’ illustrates the magazine as not just being able to achieve an intrusive article but also a friendly relationship with the artists it features in its magazine, a relationship which no other magazine can achieve. 

I too am planning to create a personal and emotive article through choosing to create an article which features personal and deep stories from the artist in order to illustrate the passion my magazine holds for its artists, readers and music.