To meet the audiences expectations of a typical R&B magazine I have;

• specifically chosen to make them pose in this manner
• dressed the models in casual clothing
• instructed them not to express emotion

Selection for my main image on front cover

I most likely will not use this photo because the light isn't evenly spread

This image is also slightly blurred, however it is more focused. The image appears to be in main frontal lighting and each model is in clear view.


This image has good natural lighting, however it is slightly blurred.

This image is good but it appears to be in low key lighting which makes it dull. I would rather have the models facing the camera so their eye contact would engage the reader.

This image is slightly blurred and the models are not facing the camera, therefore interest may be lost as the reader is not engaged in eye contact. Also the model on the left is facing a different direction to the other models and the models must be consistent in their poses.

Background added

I used the image of a brick wall with graffiti as the background. Unfortunately I was unable to find a wall with lots of vibrant coloured graffiti, which is what I intended to use. However, if I did use a more eye-catching background, it would take the attention away from the foreground. I intend for the background to have an effect of making the reader feel as if the brick wall is right in front of them. If this realism is created, the reader will feel engaged and interest will be maintained.

The progress I have made in the making of my front cover

Since drawing my sketch, I have decided to rename the magazine FRESH VIBES. Originally the word fresh came to mind, but there is currently a magazine with this title. Then, I randomly chose to add the letter 'K', but realised that this has no connection with the magazine. After further deliberation I settled with the title 'Fresh Vibes' because I plan to update my readers with the most current music. 'Fresh' will enlighten readers as they know that with each issue, the content will hold new and enticing information. I also want people to believe that this magazine has a welcoming and interesting 'vibe' to it.

I have chosen the font Forte because it looks fun and bold, therefore it will attract readers and portray the fun theme of my magazine. I chose the colour green because it is neutral. Pink would suit a more feminine audience and blue would suit a male audience, however I wish to attract both genders as this will widen my target audience, giving me reason to use this neutral tone.

Planning - Sketch of Front Cover

I've made the masthead colourful and bold as I want it to be eye-catching, attracting the audiences attention. The use of a different colour for each letter shows that the magazine contains variety, therefore the reader is kept from boredom. I have included the issue number, so that the reader acknowledges the magazines long term success.

I want to have an urban style background so I will use the image of a brick wall, decorated with graffiti. This will add realism to the magazine and a 'rough' exterior will suit the audiences expectations of a HipHop theme. For the foreground, main image I will use three models, representing a new R&B group. They will wear typical teenage, casual clothing and the expressions of their faces will depict the stereotypical teenage attitude. I do not plan for the entire front cover to illustrate 'toughness' because my aim is to present a fun magazine, which is why I chose bright colours for the main and additional cover lines.

Research - Analysis of XXL magazine

In the magazine XXL, the masthead is designed specifically using the colour red to symbolise passion, power and even lust. The lettering if filled with diamonds, revealing the magazines ostentatious aims. The masthead is the unique selling points it stands out and differs from other magazines. The 'bling' attracts the audience and exhibits wealth.
Above the masthead is the slogan/puff, 'A decade of dominance'. This puff informs the audience of the magazines long lasting success and the use of alliteration makes the puff catchy and easy to remember. Another puff, in bigger sized font is visible- '10th Anniversary. Our biggest issue ever'. The typography of this puff is varied, making it more noticeable and it also informs the reader of the magazines success. The fact that this is the 10th anniversary gives reason for this issue being extra special- 'biggest issue ever'. The point in informing us of the magazines success, is that it encourages the reader to purchase the magazine, with the expectation that it will maintain our interest.

The main cover line, along with the sell lines, are effective because the reference to popular R&B/Hip-Hop artists, attract an R&B/Hip-Hop audience. A variety of artists are listed, increasing the chance that the target audience will be interested in at least one of the artists. The typography of 'Exclusive Interviews' is in a sophisticated style, suggesting that interviews are informative and sensible. Underneath the main cover line, the words 'SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST' are written. It isn't clear whether this is associated with the two big artists mentioned in the cover line, but it will appeal to an inquisitive reader. If there is an association, it could suggest a competition/battle between the two artists. 'Survival of the fittest' can be interpreted as 'The best man wins'. This sub-heading connotes aggression which contradicts the main image, which denotes comradeship.

The main image shows 'Baby Face' and 'Lil Wayne', side by side, almost in an embrace. They both have a lot of chains hanging off their necks, exhibiting their wealth. 'Lil Wayne' has a 'Young Money' chain, used specifically as a tie-in as this promotes one of his labels.
Both men aren't wearing shirts so the top half of their bodies are naked, exposing their several tattoos. Tattoos are expensive so again wealth is displayed. Tattoos are also painful and seeing that they have so many proves their tough, hard persona's. The men also hold serious faces, again showing a rough exterior and confirming the typical gangster stereotype.
However the main image also subverts the audiences expectations as it could appeal to a gay audience. The fact that one man has his arm on another man's half naked body makes the image slightly homo erotic. The exposure of their bodies could attract gay men, especially is gay people notice the close skin to skin contact shared between the artists.

The image is classified as ambiguous because it also may not be directed to a gay audience but could connote protection and exhibit their level of pride as they don't seem to care what others think of their affection. This image could be a portrayal of their closeness and the tattoo that 'Baby' has of 'Lil Wayne' on his chest could signify their strong connection.

I think the magazine is successful in targeting its audience and suits the typical conventions of a HipHop magazine. The use of 'bling' in the masthead and on the artists themselves reinforces the expectation that rappers have wealth. The magazine targets its specific audience with the reference to several popular artists that work within the genre that appeals to the audience.
The magazine cleverly utilised varied typography in the masthead, cover lines and sell lines, maintaining the interest of the reader and implying that the magazine content includes diverse themes and features so the reader won't be bored.

Research - Analysis of both Q and NME Magazines

In order to expand my knowledge on the conventions used in magazines of different genre's, I have analysed the Q and NME magazines.

Both Q and NME magazines share similarties in the use of presentational devices. They utilise bold and clear font for the mastheads, grabbing the attention of audiences, however the typography differs for each magazine. 'Q' uses sophisticated font, connoting that their target audience are people of class and have quality taste. The sell lines typography is consistent in terms of style and format. The main image is of three middle aged adults dressed smartly, suiting a professional audience. A plain white background highlights the significance of these three people and their centered position makes them the main focus.

In comparison to 'NME', we see that 'Q' targets a more mature audience. The purpose of using red for Q magazine is to make it noticeable, whereas the red used in 'NME' connotes danger and passion. The typography utilised in 'NME' varies in format and the masthead is in a block style conveying masculinity. The main image is of teenage boy band, implying the target audience is young males. 'NME' emphasises its target audience with the use of informal language and the inclusion of recognisable names of artists denotes its target audience. Partially in the background is another young character, however half of his face is not visible. this leads to an inquisitive audience as this 'half' image could suggest that there is more to see- for all to be revealed the magazine must be purchased and read.

The main image of 'Q' depicts a serious, almost intimidating message, given that the artists faces hold no emotion. Whereas, the 'NME' main image sends an inviting message as the artists have smiles on their faces. The background looks natural and the edgy faded colour adds realism, however in the Q magazine, the plain white background looks artificial. The natural background makes the reader feel welcome whereas the artificiality of Q magazine makes the reader feel distant.

Research - Analysis of Vibe Magazine

I have deceided to create a R&B/Hip-Hop magazine, with my target audience being teenagers aged 13-19. Before I begin the creation of my magazine front cover, i have carried out research, enabling me to see what main features are included in an R&B/Hip-hop magazine. As part of my research I have purchased the R&B magazine, 'Vibe'. Analysing the conventions of this magazine cover will help me decide what to use in my own front cover.
The main image partially covers the masthead, making the image the main focus. Basic colours are utilised. The sell lines are consistent in font type but vary in size, making specific information stand out more than others. Recognisable artist names run on the top border of this front cover, maintaining the audiences interest. Natural lighting is used and the dark background highlights the significance of the sell lines and the artist himself. The artist used for the main image wears a hat and jewellery, depicting the typical costume of an R&B artist. The artist looks directly at the reader, engaging and influencing the reader to take interest. The artist is roughly 20 years of age but the reference to younger/older artists in the cover lines, expands the target audience from the early teens to the late 30's.