Textual Analysis - Contents Page 1

Textual Analysis – Contents Page

1. Sub-Focus

The layout is spaced out well, with a column on the right that has the page numbers etc. Which means you can see it well. There is a main image in the middle to show the main story in the issue. There is a structure to this layout as the picture is placed in a certain place to emphasize that it’s the main story and draw the reader’s attention. The page number for the main story is white, bold and in front of the main image to clarify that the story the picture is referring to is on that certain page. In the top left, there is the name of the magazine and going across it says the date (which is what the issue is called) and then the word contents in the magazine’s specific font. The colours are similar to the front cover to give the magazine its identity as a magazine about club music. There are lots of dark colours including blue and green and also a lot of black. The content is on the far right in a column going down with the page numbers next to each description of what’s on the page. The titles of the content are in a bigger size then the description of the story underneath. Overall, this contents page is used to give the magazine it’s identity, keep its club look and also give information to the reader.

Textual Analysis - Front Cover 1

Textual analysis - Front Covers

1. Kerrang Magazine (Last Year)

The masthead shows the magazine name ‘Kerrang’ in black punk letters that looks a bit like smashed glass. The dateline is next to the bar code probably to help not distract people from the brash cover. The main image is a groovy picture of the guys from ‘Kids in Glass Houses’ with everyone holding their instruments and paint splotches of colour everywhere. Model credit is in front of the band with the reason why they are on the front anyway. The coverlines are quite small compared to the main story and image; this shows that people can see them a bit more clearly. The main coverline is big and brash, showing band the cover photo’s name with why they’re there plus an extra paint splodge saying the rhyme “Winning hearts and taking over the charts”. The cracked K in the left third shows that it is “Kerrang” magazine. The barcode is standard but shows the date and issue number too. The cover is multi-coloured but a bit dark. The people in the cover are from a popular new rock band and they are quite well known so the iconic rebellious look works well. The target audience is for teenagers who follow rock music etc. The clothing is very rebellious and anti-establishment and they’re holding their instrument which emphasizes the genre of rock. There is a white background which makes it look like they’re in a studio, this also re-enforces the idea of rock. The language used is quite informal, using words like “awesome”. The cover image is a medium-shot of the whole band, with the lead singer at the front. The picture is in the middle and centralised to bring more effect. Overall, the style is very independent and shows its own target audience and genre which gives a great effect.

Prelim Front Cover

Front Cover