FINAL PROJECT
COVER PAGE
When designing my magazine front cover, I set out to incorporate certain aspects that I have previously witnessed in well-known, established magazine brands (such as Vogue or Vanity Fair), in order to make it appear professional and legitimate.
By using a large Serif font for the masthead, it makes it clear that my magazine is targeted towards an older, more sophisticated audience (as a magazine targeted at a younger age group would perhaps have incorporated a masthead with bubbly or 'fun' lettering). The serif font also adds some class to the magazine, and the fact that it's so large reinforces the idea that we want to get the name of the magazine brand to be noticed; it's a vital part in showing the potential prestige of the brand.
Furthermore, there is a clear colour scheme throughout the magazine's front cover: dark red, black and white. I feel like the dark red used for the masthead and for small detailing helps make the front cover stand out; the use of such a bold, dramatic colour could somewhat leave an impression on the audience, increasing the likelihood that they will take notice of it. Also, the fact that I've incorporated red text at the bottom of the page as well as the top, makes certain that there is a clear theme throughout. Additionally, the use of statement colours such as black and white simply add to the clean, sophisticated look of the page, while bringing in contrast between the masthead. The black font also matches the shirt of the person on the cover, which helps to tie everything together, making sure nothing appears out of place.
In order to make sure that the image was the main focus of the magazine cover, I made sure to place the masthead behind the model's head. This shows that, although the masthead is a power statement of the magazine, the image holds more importance in drawing the audience in. As well as this, I used a solid grey block colour for the background of the image; the fact that she is the only person showcased on this page and that there is nothing going on behind the model reinforces the idea that she is in fact the main focus. Finally, the cover lines have been designed in a way to almost frame the model's head, which also contributes to this idea.
Overall, this cover page is rather minimalistic, with only including two different cover lines on the left hand side, and absolutely nothing on the right hand side. The fact that the model is looking towards the right, where there is nothing on the page, it's almost as if she's looking towards the inside of the magazine, enticing the audience to open it up and see what's inside. This could prove effective in attracting the audience to buy the magazine.
Finally, it's important to point out the angle at which the image was taken. The model is more or less eye-level, perhaps being a little higher, which could be effective in implying that she is the publics' equal; she is no better or no worse than any of the potential buyers... This has been done to make the magazine appear more inviting/ appealing to buy. Another way this has been done is through the fact that the person demonstrated on the cover isn't wearing loads of makeup; although it's clear she is wearing some, it's not overpowering and is not contributing to an 'unrealistic beauty standard'. This essentially again makes the audience feel like her equal; she is just a regular person on a magazine cover and perhaps you could be too... It could maybe give the audience something to aspire to.
This magazine cover is, on the whole, pretty conventional; the model used is a white young female, which complies with what is commonly seen throughout the fashion/ beauty industry. However, despite this, the model used is a bit younger than you would typically see on other fashion magazine covers, as she is clearly still in school... This idea of using a much younger model is not so conventional.
By using a large Serif font for the masthead, it makes it clear that my magazine is targeted towards an older, more sophisticated audience (as a magazine targeted at a younger age group would perhaps have incorporated a masthead with bubbly or 'fun' lettering). The serif font also adds some class to the magazine, and the fact that it's so large reinforces the idea that we want to get the name of the magazine brand to be noticed; it's a vital part in showing the potential prestige of the brand.
Furthermore, there is a clear colour scheme throughout the magazine's front cover: dark red, black and white. I feel like the dark red used for the masthead and for small detailing helps make the front cover stand out; the use of such a bold, dramatic colour could somewhat leave an impression on the audience, increasing the likelihood that they will take notice of it. Also, the fact that I've incorporated red text at the bottom of the page as well as the top, makes certain that there is a clear theme throughout. Additionally, the use of statement colours such as black and white simply add to the clean, sophisticated look of the page, while bringing in contrast between the masthead. The black font also matches the shirt of the person on the cover, which helps to tie everything together, making sure nothing appears out of place.
In order to make sure that the image was the main focus of the magazine cover, I made sure to place the masthead behind the model's head. This shows that, although the masthead is a power statement of the magazine, the image holds more importance in drawing the audience in. As well as this, I used a solid grey block colour for the background of the image; the fact that she is the only person showcased on this page and that there is nothing going on behind the model reinforces the idea that she is in fact the main focus. Finally, the cover lines have been designed in a way to almost frame the model's head, which also contributes to this idea.
Overall, this cover page is rather minimalistic, with only including two different cover lines on the left hand side, and absolutely nothing on the right hand side. The fact that the model is looking towards the right, where there is nothing on the page, it's almost as if she's looking towards the inside of the magazine, enticing the audience to open it up and see what's inside. This could prove effective in attracting the audience to buy the magazine.
Finally, it's important to point out the angle at which the image was taken. The model is more or less eye-level, perhaps being a little higher, which could be effective in implying that she is the publics' equal; she is no better or no worse than any of the potential buyers... This has been done to make the magazine appear more inviting/ appealing to buy. Another way this has been done is through the fact that the person demonstrated on the cover isn't wearing loads of makeup; although it's clear she is wearing some, it's not overpowering and is not contributing to an 'unrealistic beauty standard'. This essentially again makes the audience feel like her equal; she is just a regular person on a magazine cover and perhaps you could be too... It could maybe give the audience something to aspire to.
This magazine cover is, on the whole, pretty conventional; the model used is a white young female, which complies with what is commonly seen throughout the fashion/ beauty industry. However, despite this, the model used is a bit younger than you would typically see on other fashion magazine covers, as she is clearly still in school... This idea of using a much younger model is not so conventional.
CONTENTS PAGE
For my contents page, I wanted to make sure that the colour scheme and theme of the page fit in with the whole aesthetic of my front cover; this is why I have stuck to the use of black, white and red. By doing this, it really ties the magazine together and conveys the idea to the public that this magazine is whole- has a common look. To do this, I made half of the background of the page white (which also helps add contrast to the page) and fluctuated between the three colours for the text. Although the majority of the wording was made black, by adding certain red accents to the page makes sure that the page 'flows' and nothing looks out of place.
For this page, I had the idea to assign half of the page to my image. This not only helps draw the reader in (by giving them something to look at, like a visual aid) but it also adds to the minimalistic, professional look I was going for; since there is only text on half the page, it doesn't overwhelm the readers. In regards to the image, I wanted to convey a sense of power, and so I made sure to take an image where the model was represented as being at a higher angle than the public. This, along with the fact that the image is bright and her foot is raised, implies that she is powerful and is of importance. The patterned structure behind the model is useful in adding dimension and a sort of flamboyance to the page, which is essential when creating a so-called sophisticated, chic fashion magazine. However, despite the idea that the model is 'more powerful' than the public, I wanted to ensure that she also appeals to the public, and is also somewhat seen as an equal. Therefore I went with the idea that she would wear a face mask; this ties in with the current world issues (Covid-19) and therefore shows the audience that she, along with everyone else, has been affected by the virus in some way. This not only makes her more relatable, but it may also help encourage the usage of masks. However, in order to make sure the mask didn't take away from the sophisticated look of the image, we used a black one; this adds to the elegance and ties in with the text on the page.
When creating this contents page, I wanted to ensure that the public could recognise the resemblance with the front cover of the magazine, and I therefore wanted to incorporate the name of the magazine (ESTELLE) onto it. Therefore, I thought an interesting, more dynamic approach would be to cut the masthead in half, and make up for the other half with the word 'contents'. This meant that the theme of the magazine was continued onto the page, and it helps to get the name of the magazine across to the audience.
In order to add to the sophistication and professionalism of the magazine, I included the detailing on the edges and at the bottom of the page that you would commonly see in well-established magazines. By adding the date and place at which the magazine was manufactured (such as 'printed in the UK' and 'September 2020') as well as a website for the magazine (www.ESTELLE.com) on the page, it really adds to the legitimacy of the magazine and tells the audience that this could well and truly be a well-known brand.
Overall, this contents page is also mainly conventional; The model used is an attractive, white female and is representing fashion trends that are predominantly current in western culture. However, the model is quite young and will therefore perhaps not be as appealing to the older audiences that my magazine aims to target. Despite this minor detail, the rest of the page follows a relatively professional layout and is easy to understand; There is a maximum of three fonts used throughout, everything is accurately aligned and only three colours are showcased... This is a conventional approach to a contents page.
For this page, I had the idea to assign half of the page to my image. This not only helps draw the reader in (by giving them something to look at, like a visual aid) but it also adds to the minimalistic, professional look I was going for; since there is only text on half the page, it doesn't overwhelm the readers. In regards to the image, I wanted to convey a sense of power, and so I made sure to take an image where the model was represented as being at a higher angle than the public. This, along with the fact that the image is bright and her foot is raised, implies that she is powerful and is of importance. The patterned structure behind the model is useful in adding dimension and a sort of flamboyance to the page, which is essential when creating a so-called sophisticated, chic fashion magazine. However, despite the idea that the model is 'more powerful' than the public, I wanted to ensure that she also appeals to the public, and is also somewhat seen as an equal. Therefore I went with the idea that she would wear a face mask; this ties in with the current world issues (Covid-19) and therefore shows the audience that she, along with everyone else, has been affected by the virus in some way. This not only makes her more relatable, but it may also help encourage the usage of masks. However, in order to make sure the mask didn't take away from the sophisticated look of the image, we used a black one; this adds to the elegance and ties in with the text on the page.
When creating this contents page, I wanted to ensure that the public could recognise the resemblance with the front cover of the magazine, and I therefore wanted to incorporate the name of the magazine (ESTELLE) onto it. Therefore, I thought an interesting, more dynamic approach would be to cut the masthead in half, and make up for the other half with the word 'contents'. This meant that the theme of the magazine was continued onto the page, and it helps to get the name of the magazine across to the audience.
In order to add to the sophistication and professionalism of the magazine, I included the detailing on the edges and at the bottom of the page that you would commonly see in well-established magazines. By adding the date and place at which the magazine was manufactured (such as 'printed in the UK' and 'September 2020') as well as a website for the magazine (www.ESTELLE.com) on the page, it really adds to the legitimacy of the magazine and tells the audience that this could well and truly be a well-known brand.
Overall, this contents page is also mainly conventional; The model used is an attractive, white female and is representing fashion trends that are predominantly current in western culture. However, the model is quite young and will therefore perhaps not be as appealing to the older audiences that my magazine aims to target. Despite this minor detail, the rest of the page follows a relatively professional layout and is easy to understand; There is a maximum of three fonts used throughout, everything is accurately aligned and only three colours are showcased... This is a conventional approach to a contents page.
DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD
Finally, my double page spread continues to follow the same theme that predominates throughout the magazine.
I again made sure only to use the three colours that I had assigned to the magazine at the beginning (red, black and white), by making the background a solid white, the majority of the text black, and by again including minor red accents on the two pages. As well as this, I also stuck to the same three fonts that I had used in the previous pages, while simply alternating between bold, italic and caps lock. This again contributes to the idea of making the magazine appear whole, and appear as one.
Another way I managed to incorporate the three colours was within the images; the model is wearing a black top, a white necklace and watch, a red bandana and a shirt with red detailing. All of this ensures that the images 'fit in' with the rest of the page and contribute to the aesthetic I'm going for. In the image, the model is made to appear as the audience's equal; the camera is eye-level with her and by sitting down in the main image, she appears somewhat casual... This is to ensure that the public is not intimidated by her. Due to the sensitive subject of the article, the model is meant to appear approachable or relatable, hence the reason why the outfit she is wearing is not fancy/ does not represent wealth; it is made to look like she may have thrifted those items, which ties in with the subject of the two pages. Furthermore, it's clear that this particular model may be targeted towards a more western audience. She's a white, pretty female who conforms with the fashion trends in the west: she's showing more skin than perhaps may be accepted in places like the Middle East, for example.
In order to make the main image stand out more, I included a shadow/ backdrop behind it. This feature makes the image pop out of the page more and consequentially adds dimension to the page, making it overall more appealing to the audience.
Regarding the article, I used a single small black font and arranged it in 6 columns of equal width. To add to the sophistication of the page, I also made sure to align everything equally and justify the text, so that the two pages would appear more professional. As I wanted to make sure that the reader's would remain interested in the second page, I included another small image in the right hand side, and added a larger section of text (including bold writing) expanding between two of the columns. This ensures that the second page also continues to appear more dynamic, and not so monotone/ boring, by giving the audience something else to look at, other than a page full of equally-sized text.
Additionally, I also made sure to include the same detailing (such as the page number and date of manufacture) at the bottom of these two pages as I did for the contents page. This adds to the polish of the final look of the pages and, as mentioned before, adds to the legitimacy of the magazine.
Finally, I would say that the conventionality of this double page spread similar to that of the previous pages, with the design and content of the pages being rather conventional, with the exception of the young age of the model.
I again made sure only to use the three colours that I had assigned to the magazine at the beginning (red, black and white), by making the background a solid white, the majority of the text black, and by again including minor red accents on the two pages. As well as this, I also stuck to the same three fonts that I had used in the previous pages, while simply alternating between bold, italic and caps lock. This again contributes to the idea of making the magazine appear whole, and appear as one.
Another way I managed to incorporate the three colours was within the images; the model is wearing a black top, a white necklace and watch, a red bandana and a shirt with red detailing. All of this ensures that the images 'fit in' with the rest of the page and contribute to the aesthetic I'm going for. In the image, the model is made to appear as the audience's equal; the camera is eye-level with her and by sitting down in the main image, she appears somewhat casual... This is to ensure that the public is not intimidated by her. Due to the sensitive subject of the article, the model is meant to appear approachable or relatable, hence the reason why the outfit she is wearing is not fancy/ does not represent wealth; it is made to look like she may have thrifted those items, which ties in with the subject of the two pages. Furthermore, it's clear that this particular model may be targeted towards a more western audience. She's a white, pretty female who conforms with the fashion trends in the west: she's showing more skin than perhaps may be accepted in places like the Middle East, for example.
In order to make the main image stand out more, I included a shadow/ backdrop behind it. This feature makes the image pop out of the page more and consequentially adds dimension to the page, making it overall more appealing to the audience.
Regarding the article, I used a single small black font and arranged it in 6 columns of equal width. To add to the sophistication of the page, I also made sure to align everything equally and justify the text, so that the two pages would appear more professional. As I wanted to make sure that the reader's would remain interested in the second page, I included another small image in the right hand side, and added a larger section of text (including bold writing) expanding between two of the columns. This ensures that the second page also continues to appear more dynamic, and not so monotone/ boring, by giving the audience something else to look at, other than a page full of equally-sized text.
Additionally, I also made sure to include the same detailing (such as the page number and date of manufacture) at the bottom of these two pages as I did for the contents page. This adds to the polish of the final look of the pages and, as mentioned before, adds to the legitimacy of the magazine.
Finally, I would say that the conventionality of this double page spread similar to that of the previous pages, with the design and content of the pages being rather conventional, with the exception of the young age of the model.