Analysing existing products

I have chosen to analyse a Vogue magazine which follows the codes and conventions of a typical magazine cover. The masthead is placed across the top of the magazine which is partially covered by the feature article photograph. This implies that the magazine is well known and confident in itself as they do not need to display the whole title in order for the audience to recognise it is a Vogue magazine. The feature article photograph, Beyonce, is placed central on the magazine cover and is looking directly at the camera as she is the main focus of the cover. There are many secondary articles on each side of the front cover which gives the audience an insight into the content inside the magazine and also suggests that the magazine contains a lot of information to be read. The pug is on the top left hand corner of the cover saying 'Power 2013'.

The magazine cover has a colour scheme of black, white and red. The colour red is used to highlight the main article as it as a bold colour and adds a modern tone to the magazine. The bright red colour also contrasts with the other dark colours that are used. Furthermore, the use of black and white makes the magazine look professional and organised rather than using lots of different colours that don't coordinate. The model is looking straight at the camera, directly addressing the audience. Her hair is done in an up style which makes her appear sophisticated and she is also wearing a dress which isn't revealing. This emphasises the idea that the magazine is classy. The cover uses formal language and different language devices. Alliteration is used for example 'Simple, sleek' and 'Shockingly chic'. Hyperbole is used in the article which refers to the feature article photograph as it states 'Beyonce rules the world'. The font used on the magazine cover is all the same apart from the title and it is all in capitals, however some parts are made smaller than others. The main articles are highlighted by the use of a larger font.

The genre of this magazine is a womens general interest magazine. We know this through the generic signifiers used such as the secondary articles which are displayed on the cover. There are lifestyle stories such as 'Sensitive training - how to repair winter damaged skin'. There are also fashion aspects of the magazine shown through articles such as 'Strong and sexy suits' and 'Shockingly chic accessories'. The cover also uses a celebrity, Beyonce, who is influential to women. There is also an article about women who are influential for example 'Gabriel Giffords - fighting for gun control'. The demographic audience for this magazine would be women aged 20-35. The psychographic audience would be those who are fairly educated and keep up with current affairs aswell as those interested in fashion.

The model on the magazine cover represents women in a positive way. Stereotypically females on magazines are dressed in revealing clothing, however on this magazine Beyonce is dressed in a outfit which is not exploiting her. Furthermore, the model is pulling a friendly facial expression giving off a positive impression which challenges the general stereotype of mixed race people. However, this magazine cover is only showing a narrow representation of women as they use an attractive model but not all women look like this with perfect skin and hair.

The second magazine cover I have decided to analyse is a film magazine called Empire. The masthead is across the top of the magazine and stands out straight away as it is in red capital letters. The feature article photograph covers one of the letters from the masthead which suggests that the magazine is confident in itself and does not need all the letters visible in order for the audience to identify that it is the Empire magazine. Underneath the masthead in small text is the puff which states 'The Worlds Biggest Movie Magazine'. As this is a film magazine the feature article photograph is an actor in character. Although it is Will Smith is on the cover he is actually representing Dr Robert Neville from the film 'I Am Legend'. The secondary articles aren displayed around the sides of the magazine which is typical of most magazine types. Along the bottom of the magazine are four secondary photographs which link to the secondary articles.

This magazine uses a colour scheme of red, white and black. Red has connotations of danger and anger which links with the feature article photograph as the character Robert Neville is holding a weapon. The use of black and white allows the red to stand out as red is used on the main secondary articles. The actor on the cover, Will Smith,  is stood straight on and is facing the camera directly addressing the audience. He is dressed in clothes which aren't formal in order to match his character so that it is a true representation of the film 'I Am Legend' as this is what the magazine cover is advertising. The language used on this cover is formal using film terminology and is very matter of fact, simply saying things as it is.

The genre of this magazine is film. We know this through the repertoire of generic elements as the cover uses film terminology and makes references to different types of film such as horror films, sci-fi films and gangster films. Furthermore, all the models which are on the cover are presented as their character, not themselves. The psychographic audience for this magazine would be those who are fans of films. The demographic audience for this particular edition would be males aged 16-30. This is due to the fact that the cover uses mainly male characters and also uses masculine colours.

On the front of the cover Will Smith is in character as Robert Neville. He is represented as a "tough guy" which is stereotypical for black men however in the film this character is actually serving a positive purpose perhaps challenging the stereotype. He is holding a weapon and is also surrounded by a smoke effect which adds to his "tough guy" representation. His facial expression is serious and focused and his stance is poised, signifying that he is ready him appear as though he is ready for action.

Initial Ideas

I have decided to do a printed media text for my coursework. I am thinking of doing either a film poster or a magazine. I have also thought about creating an advertisement for a product. I would aim to choose a product which is hard to sell such as shampoo, soap or bleach rather than a product which sells itself such as a holiday or a product from a designer brand. I would design three advertisements for the one chosen product but each advertisement will show a different aspect of the product. If I was to do a magazine I would create a magazine cover and four inside pages. I would use my own photographs and write my own articles for inside the magazine.