Elisha Fall
as media: foundation portfolio
FRONT COVER
TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Front Cover Texual Analysis 1 - Terrorizer
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Models - The models for this front page cover are 2 males, most likely around the age of 50. Both males possess the feature of rugged and messy long hair which is associated with the classic rock band look. Along with the classic rock band look, the stereotypical rock band are seen to have a care free attitude which is delineated through the right side models’ facial expression, this is also portrayed in his stance as he is stood relaxed with his arms crossed in a careless manner. The left hand model coveys the more menacing side of rock as he has wide eyes staring directly into the camera for dramatic effect, the camera position is static long shot to support the direct approach intended from the image. He’s is also wearing thick leather gloves which point directly at the camera again using this image implanted in the brain of the threatening side of rock. This scarier direct image that is given in the left models persona may be to highlight the juxtaposition between the careless stereotype and the menacing stereotype. The models wear large white cloaks with stethoscopes to portray the image of surgeons. Surgeons can be seen as a threat because of the skills they possess and the tools they are trained to be able to use on humans. Both models wear no visible make-up (e.g. the classic black eyeliner look seen by many famous people on the rock scene, Gerard Way, Taylor Momsen etc.). Their lack of intimidating eye make-up is made up for in the surgeons outfit previously talked about. The magazine does not feature any other smaller images.
Layout - the layout of this magazine features all of the genres generic rock codes and conventions, using headline, cover lines, barcode, main image, issue number and price. these are all organised cleverly onto the magazine front cover. this connotes the rock genres place on the structured hierarchy of the music industry. the magazine uses space rather efficiently having cover lines around the edge, a headline in the middle and a title at the top Terrorizer Magazine is £4.75 which is quite expensive for a magazine which therefore suggests its audience is a niche audience and older as those are the types of audience that would spend such money on a magazine. you could presume this magazine has a specific rock audience as it is focused more on the “halloween” “spooky” “death” side of rock.
Colour scheme - The colour scheme for this magazine is green and white. the connotation of the colour green is traditionally life, perhaps this is a witty contradiction of the cover line “CARCASS” which is the largest text on the page. carcass is a dead body. green is also a connotation for nature/environment this could be related to the grave yard like background, harmony relating to the music produced by band carcass, renewal possibly relating to the cover lines “dark lord returns” and “frightened back to life” and ambition which could be of the magazine in general and money/finances/banking relating to the head line which states “were not misguided, middle aged idiots doing this for cash”. The white is a positive connotation of perfection, safety and cleanliness, maybe this is to give a professional feel to the magazine and counteract the “dark” side of rock perhaps the magazine also uses white to connote the purity of the magazine no superficial content all contents are purely about the music.
Font choice - I think the font choice of spooky looking writing, and a sort of type writer writing and bold cover lines title is spooky also. The size of “spookier” writing is big as it is more interesting to look at where as the bold font is used in a smaller size, this may be because it gives no personality to the magazine. The magazine uses large size font on intriguing words such as CARCASS and TERRORIZER, this may be to emphasise themes of heavy metal connoted by these words. The magazine uses skeletons as bullet points, this can be a visual connotation of the word “CARCASS” as it is the word used for a dead animal body.
Headline - The headline of this article is “The surgeons will slay you now, CARCASS, We’re not misguided, middle aged idiots doing this for the cash”. The first part, “The surgeons will slay you now”, is an impressionists twist on the regular saying of “the doctor will see you now”. By using surgeons instead of doctors you are highlighting the idea of this professional being more skilled, therefore more of a threat, also by making the surgeons plural as opposed to a singular doctor, you are instantly applying more of a threat. Furthermore, by using the word “slay” instead of “see” you are again putting forward the idea of danger, as the word slay is used in ancient greek myths and legends where people would say “slay the beast”, in reference to stories such as Medusa or Theseus and the Minotaur, and again is used in medieval times when people would say “slay the dragon”. Slay is a word that has been used for centuries to essentially describe a brutal murder of something that is inhuman. This concept is further reinforced by the word “CARCASS”, as this, as previously mentioned is the word used for a dead animals body. There is assonance used in the word “CARCASS”, this creates a harsh “S” sound which mimics the harshness and brutality of the murders (slaying) that happened. The last part of the headline “we’re not misguided, middle aged idiots doing this for the cash”. One way this may be perceived is that they have said it to highlight the fact that they don't do this for the money, but they do it for the love of music which then appeals to older audiences, whereas teen audiences care more about the superficial qualities of music.
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Target audience - The target audience for this magazine is older male rock fans who may have grown up listening to specific older generation rock bands, such as the ones on the cover. The image of the 2 oder males on the cover helps to entice that age audience because naturally the same would happen if there was younger people on the cover, it would attract a younger audience.
Name of magazine - The name of the magazine “Terrorizer” gives connotations of fear, peril and almost an extreme version of bullying. ​
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Cover lines - The cover lines on the front of this issue of the terroriser are “Emperor - The Dark Lord returns” - This cover line could be a possible link to the famous film franchise harry potter, this would bring in recognition from target audiences as they can relate to it, the word dark also further connotes black and evil/fear emphasising the theme of heavy rock. “Saint Vitus - “we wrote a really angry album” - This cover line could be seen as a promotion of a new album, the band name “Saint Vitus” according to Christian faith, was a saint and patron from Sicily for those who suffer from epilepsy and Sydenham’s chorea. “Gorguts - Frightened back to life” - This suggests the music is that shocking, almost as if it is a defibrillator that it is life saving. another cover line was “Ministry - Mortal rites”. All of these cover lines use superiority nouns (Emperor, Saint, Ministry), also all relating to religion or politics so governmental roles, these are also all followed by words such as “mortal” and “life” almost to say like these bands have control over lives/“life” or are super human with control over “mortal”s. This kind of terminology used is following the niche audience of very heavy specific side of rock.
Front Cover Textual Analysis 2 - Q Magazine (1)
Models- The models on this front cover page are the band “the arctic monkeys”. All models have hair that is gelled and slick, most importantly the bottom centre model (Alex Turner) has his hair slick back and gelled so much to the extent that he has a tuft of hair falling down his forehead which holds its shape on its own (the rockabilly-style quiff). This hair style is the same as the hair style of Elvis Presley, also known as the “Rock and Roll King”. Elvis had multiple styles, but a mixture of rock and pop was most famous with him, the same could be said with the arctic monkeys and their style. This hair style is also seen in Grease on Danny Zuko. Along with this hair style, Danny Zuko and his group of friends wear black leather jackets, white t-shirts and chain necklaces. These items of clothing are worn on the models maybe to imitate this bad boy persona created by Danny Zuko. The models have serious facial expressions whilst all looking in varying directions (static mid shot), the lack of expression could convey the idea of maturity. The make-up used on the models is very minimal if not none, this clean face look highlights the less heavy side of rock (e.g. Black Veil Brides’ heavier music compared to The 1975). there is one other image on the front cover of this magazine and it is of a poster included inside of it this is a way to get the consumer to by the magazine.
Layout - the layout of this magazine features all of the genres generic rock codes and conventions, using headline, cover lines, barcode, main image, issue number and price. this is the same as the terrorizer, they are placed to follow codes and conventions of magazines this gives it a professional look connoting the professionalism of the magazine. the magazine uses space quite efficiently with cover lines and headlines around the edge and main image in the middle. This magazine is £4.50 which is again like the terrorizer expensive for a magazine and therefore older audiences are more liking to be able to afford this as have jobs and money unlike young dependent or minimum wage job teens.
Colour scheme - The colour scheme used in this magazine is Red, Pastel Blue, Dirty white. this gives a very basic look to the magazine the Red connotes blood, fire, rage, anger, danger, wrath these are all things related to the rock genre, and therefore red is a good colour to represent rock on a magazine. Red is also associated with passion, desire, joy, strength, leadership, courage, willpower, radiance, and determination these could be feelings the magazine publication would like the consumer to feel whilst reading the magazine. and lastly lust and sexuality these could be used to attract the reader to not only the layout and colour scheme but the content (main image) and therefore are attracted to the singer/band. Red is also related to vibrance which makes the magazine stand out amongst the rest. Blue connotes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith and truth, this is perhaps what the magazines ethos and values are or are trying to promote. Blue is considered beneficial to the mind therefore by using blue in a magazine this just further shows this, Blue is strongly associated with calmness this maybe be used to further connote the simple layout of the magazine it isn't busy and doesn't have a lot going on. Black is a negative connotation it connotes power, elegance, formality also perhaps ethos related or simplistic layout related. Black also connotes death, evil, and mystery, fear all of these are related to the rock music genre. lastly it connotes the unknown this could be used on the front cover as you do not know what is inside yet.
Font choice - The font used on the cover of Q magazine is very simplistic, it is plain bold relatively small font, I believe this font is used to connote further the basic layout and doesn't limit target audience. The biggest font on the page is the “ARCTIC MONKEYS”.
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Headline - The Headline for this issue of Q was “The Q interview, ARCTIC MONKEYS, how broken hands, competing haircuts and a strange voyeurism helped make their best record yet”. The first line of this headline “the Q interview” makes the interview with the arctic monkeys sound exclusive as if you can only read it with Q, the further use of the logo as the Q adds to this. The second line of the headline being the largest line “ARCTIC MONKEYS” just states the bands name, although simple this notifies the consumer of the popular acts presence in the magazine when its on the shelf. The final line of the headline “How broken hands, competing haircuts and a strange voyeurism helped make their best record yet” this sets up ideas of a sort of story in the consumers head by using feature pieces of a double page spread this entices the consumer into wanting to read more.
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Target audience - The target audience of Q magazine in my opinion is mixed its outer layout and appearance appears simplistic and modern as if to captivate young adult audiences attention but the magazines featuring bands and image is for older audiences, you get this feeling as the magazine looks more sophisticated and is just about the music.
Name of magazine - The name Q, is simple and many things being with Q, making it relatable, plus a single lettered title is thought to be more prominent on news stands also shows maturity which again suggests the older target audience. The bold is very simplistic but shows effectiveness by using the flick on the end on the Q, the colours white and red are very contrasting, the red being very eye catching and will catch the reader eyes easily.
Age and appeal of model/celeb - The younger but not too young band appeals to older, mature AND young audiences, as the older generation grew up listening to them so reminisce, but the younger generation will look at them for the attractive value as they are good looking.
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Cover lines - The cover lines on this issue of Q are “White Lies - on beards, booze & baking cakes for muse” this cover line using interesting nouns and verbs like “LIES” and “BOOZE”, this intrigues the reader and wants to draw them in as these are quite rebellious verbs, and then beards and baking contrast this, they use alliteration and rule of 3, and rhyme (BOOZE MUSE) this are persuasive writing techniques which are sued to persuade the consumer to read the magazine. another cover line was “Richard Branson - “I’m choosing which band to send into space”.
Front Cover Textual Analysis 3 - Kerrang
Models- The models for this front page cover are 5 individuals from the rock scene (Brendon Urie, Adam Creed, Haley Williams, Pete Wentz and Jim Adkins). The models all have varying hair styles, from an orange bob cut all the way to the classic black overgrown emo fringe cut.The models stand in a V-shaped formation similar to the red arrows. The red arrows are a collective of fast moving aeroplanes that work together, this could be symbolic of the rock music industry and all its genres working together to be more popular today than it was 50 years ago as more of this genre of music is reaching the charts. The red arrows move swiftly through the clouds, clouds take up a vast majority of the sky, clouds then symbolise other genres of music predominantly mainstream music such as pop and indie. Rock is a completely contrasting genre to anything else and makes very powerful statements, whether that be with the style of the singing (e.g. scream-o) or the black clothing and make-up used by multiple heavy metal bands, just like the red arrows, they stand out. The background on this front cover page is diagonal stripes of the colours pink and black. the pink is quite vibrant, this kind of pink with black stripes can be seen in the outfits of female rock artists, they wear tights with this kind of coloured pattern on it, therefore the background can be symbolic of that classic style. The pink could also be used to entice a female audience as it is a stereotypical female colour. The fact that Haley Williams is included on the cover is another factor that is appealing to the female gender.
Layout - the layout of this magazine features all of the genres generic rock codes and conventions, using headline, cover lines, barcode, main image, issue number and price. this magazine is slightly more messy looking than the previous two, it is slightly straying from the codes and conventions of the magazine industry by using massive headlines. this shows the abstract approach the magazine has to the genre or connotes the rock genre its self by not following the norms. the magazine does not use space to its advantage as it has a very cramped look. This magazine’s price is £2.50 which is cheap for a magazine this could be said to target younger audiences who can afford this price. the layouts features are much more focused on freebies than the music its self.
Colour Scheme - the colour scheme for this issue of kern (as the colour scheme changes every issue) is rather vibrant and feminine using Pink, Grey, Yellow, White, Purple and Black. The colour pink is a connote of playful, cute, feminine, bubble gum, flowers, cotton candy these are all feminine qualities this colour may be therefore used to try and draw in a female audience who can relate to the colour pink as stereotypically they are brought up with this colour pink is associated with babies, little girls this could therefore be a attempt to relate to its younger audience and sweetness which is usually quite a saturated colour this could be to associated to its busier layout. Grey connotes cool, neutral, and is a balanced colour this could be to counteract the feminine colours used to appeal more to the male audience. grey is also a moody colour that is typically associated with meanings of dull, dirty, and dingy these are also typically associated with rock as most singers of this genre are described in these ways, grey as well as this is ironically a connote of formal and sophistication these could be a connote of the publication itself. the colour Yellow is a connotation of colour of sunshine, this could be a witty contrast as rock is the opposite stereotype of this. yellow also stands for freshness, happiness, positivity, clarity, energy, optimism, enlightenment, remembrance, intellect, honour, loyalty, and joy this connote sounds wrong for a rock magazine but overall the publication still wants the reader to feel these pleasurable feelings whilst reading the magazine. Purple is a combination of the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. The colour purple is often used to connote with royalty, nobility dignity wealth, extravagance, and luxury these could be connotations of the fact the magazine is well known and therefore a higher end magazine, it is also a connotation of power and I always think of purple as another feminine colour together these could be trying to show the power of the female in this industry, mystery is also a connotation of the colour purple perhaps this is to do with the fact that just from the front cover you cannot know all contents leaving mystery. Black also connotes death, evil, and mystery, fear all of these are related to the rock music genre. lastly it connotes the unknown this could be used on the front cover as you do not know what is inside yet again.
Font choice - The font for this issue of Kerrang, as the layout changes every issue, The Font is Big and Attractive, Using colours and bubbly interesting variety of fonts to entice the consumer which is predominantly younger audiences. For example the magazine uses a Label Maker font possibly this font is used to appeal to younger and older audiences who remise about that era, also the magazine uses doodle fonts.
Headline - The Headline of this article is “50, Greatest, Emo, Albums ever, who's number one in the broken heart hit parade?” i believe the magazine uses the abnormal amount of lines going against the codes and conventions for this headline to break it down to keep the reader interested by not using blocks of writing. the first line “50” shows there is a significant amount in the line up, “Greatest” shows there is a notable importance to these albums enticing the reader, The line “Emo” appeals to a specific niche audience.
Target audience - The target audience for this magazine is younger audiences or perhaps the fact Kerrang is such a well known magazine in the whole rock music market in general it is trying to bring in a younger audience.
Name of magazine - The name Kerrang is a interesting and also captivating name, you could say it sounds like a loud noise, it connotes the sound of loud music possibly a electric guitar chord, which is a Onomatopoeia. The exclamation mark at the end of the title emphaisises this connotation of Kerrang! because it is noisy music. Kerrang! is also in capital bold white letters, this standouts out against the background, there is also the infamous smashed effect which gives the impression the mast head is broken, as if someone has smashed it this could connote the the loud music and aggression of the rock musicians, as known for smashing guitars on stage for example.
Age and appeal of model/celeb - The magazine uses a variety of young acts to appeal to all aspects of consumer desire especially the young, you have a girl, solo artists and band members.
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Cover lines - The cover lines on this issue of Kerrang! are “The pretty reckless - rocks next big deal!” - this suggests a scoop, or as if Kerrang has knowledge or can predict the future as to what is up and coming this also suggests fresh new material which entices readers. another cover line featured on the front of this issue is Korn - “I thought i was going to die!” by using this shocking quote this alone intrigues and shocks the reader into wanting to read. another example of a cover line used on the front cover of this magazine is “Twin Atlantic - the week they became stars!”, I observation i have made is that all cover lines used on the cover of Kerrang! use a ! at the end of them, similar to the title, this adds overall emphasis to the magazine. There are very little traditional cover lines on the cover of Kerrang! magazine i believe this is because the magazine is aimed at a younger audience and therefore uses features such as posters and giveaways to entice the younger audience as they care more about the superficial side to the magazine instead of the actual music and artists stories.