Mixmag Front Cover
With CD Cover:
Without CD Cover:
Page Layout & Typography
The first point to note is that the information is organized so the reader can decipher it quickly. It looks as though the magazine has been designed using a grid system as it has a clear structure. The top half of the page is devoted to the title or masthead and the the special feature heading.
The bottom half focuses on the image showing the "greatest" DJ's while on the right hand side is a column outlining the secondary features in the magazine. The free CD obscures the image. The grid helps the designer divide the page into smaller sections.
Above the masthead there is a strapline specifying the genre of the magazine. There are various flourishes in the top corners adverstising the free CD and a sign of a running man promoting the magazines "don't stay in" campaign.
There is a barcode in the bottom right hand corner printed in white so that it is easy to find for scanning by the retailer furthermore it indicates that the magazine is sold in shops.
Along side is the price for both UK and overseas, the month and year of the publication and underneath the website address. All this information is in white so that it stands out. The website allows readers to gain further information about the magazine.
The bottom half focuses on the image showing the "greatest" DJ's while on the right hand side is a column outlining the secondary features in the magazine. The free CD obscures the image. The grid helps the designer divide the page into smaller sections.
Above the masthead there is a strapline specifying the genre of the magazine. There are various flourishes in the top corners adverstising the free CD and a sign of a running man promoting the magazines "don't stay in" campaign.
There is a barcode in the bottom right hand corner printed in white so that it is easy to find for scanning by the retailer furthermore it indicates that the magazine is sold in shops.
Along side is the price for both UK and overseas, the month and year of the publication and underneath the website address. All this information is in white so that it stands out. The website allows readers to gain further information about the magazine.
Colour
There are three distinct colour used in the design of the page; black and orange text against a metallic silver background. The colour scheme is "loud" likely to appeal to the target audience and stand out against other magazines on a crowded shelf. The orange is very striking. The image comprises black and silver though an orange outline has been introduced replicating a hologram:
To increase the impact of the orange text a drop shadow has been applied. This gives the text a three dimensional feel. This will undoubtedly help to grab the readers attention. The cover is glossy and produced from a thick gauge of paper. This gives a feel of luxury designed to strike a chord with the high disposable income of the target audience.
Language
As mentioned above the strapline provides a clear statement of the magazine genre to connect with the readership. The masthead "Mixmag" is based on two words Mixing (technique used to combine two tracks) and Magazine. As the words have been abbrievated to form a new word indicates informality and uniqueness. The Mixing element will appeal to dance music followers. The other headings on the magzine are short and punchy designed to grab attention and provoke interest. Some of the headings include question marks inviting communication with the readership. The words "special " & "the most important" is used to highlight uniqueness and exclusivity which again will resonate with the target audience. Active language is employed "Get ready to...." to generate excitement and energy which are the type of experiences sought after by the young male readership.
Fonts
The cover comprises four fonts; one for the masthead which is the same on every edition, another for the headings and lastly the main flash utilises two fonts for dramatic effect. The "DJ" lettering is very prominent. Different font sizes and weights are employed to distinguish headings and sub headings. Larger fonts are used to highlight the main features in the magazine. In some instances as with the word "DJ" the text is in bold. Display type is used for headings and sub headings, body type is used for the small text. The typeface is sans serif typeface.
DJ MAG Front Cover
With CD cover:
Without CD Cover:
Page Layout
I removed the free CD and studied the layout of the magazine cover noticing that it was based on a grid comprising three rows and thee columns. I overlaid gridlines on the cover to deconstruct the coding used by the designer.
The top third of the page contains the magazine title. This is sometimes referred to as the brand logo and remains the same from week to week. At the very top of the page above the magazine title is a headline promoting the free CD stating that it is a special mix. This is intended to attract the attention of the readership. The title or brand logo sits prominently in top right hand corner running half way across the page.
In the middle third just below the magazine title is the main feature heading or flash.
The bottom third lists the secondary features on either side of the page. The text on the left hand side is left hand aligned while the text on the right hand side is right hand aligned. The convention helps to frame the page. The bar code is position in the bottom right hand corner below the secondary feature headings.
The main image occupies the central region of the magazine with the individuals head set in the top right hand region of the page.
Colour
The text is printed using palette of four colours; red, yellow, black and white. The brand logo is very distinctive and eye catching. It is printed red with a white edging and black shadow creating a 3D effect. This makes it jump out the page and stand out against other magazine publications. A round symbol is positioned above the “J” perhaps representing a mixing deck designed to resonate with the tech savvy readership.
Yellow, white and red is used for the rest of the headings alternated to create interest and differentiate the information. Some time the text is set against a black background for dramatic effect. The website address is printed in white text inside the DJ masthead. Also a strap line is visible below the masthead in white text. This helps to define the genre. The bar code is printed in black against a white background making it easy to find for quick scanning in a shop.
Language
The headings are short so the information can be quickly and easily absorbed. Some of the phrases involve punctuation marks designed to hook interest. The language reflects that used by the young, hip readership creating a strong bond and reinforcing their social identity. It is informal and conversational:
This is a cropped image from DJMAG's front cover. It displays a mid shot of a fashionable male artist occupying over 75% of the page predominantly in the centre area.
His face is clearly visible framed by the text drawing the gaze of the reader. The individual is pictured against a striped blue and green background set at an angle adding interest. He is looking at the camera a technique employed to hook the reader. The individual is sporting a cap worn back to front appealing to the young and funky target audience. His stage managed look comprises a stud earring, stylish spectacles with large lenses, a pendant and a t shirt with an arty logo He is in his early twenties has a manicured wispy beard. According to the media pack the readership is young; enjoy music and the majority of them work in the dance music industry. The image has been created to chime with this group.
Font
A display type face is used for the magazine masthead and headings. Different font sizes and styles are used to highlight the pecking order of the articles. This is evident by studying the title, main flash and secondary flashes below:
Free CD
The cover of CD displays a smaller version of the brand logo together with a head and shoulder image of the artist. The title of the CD is present underneath the name of the artist. It is stuck to the bottom left hand corner of the magazine front cover to avoid obscuring the face of the image, the title of the magazine or the bar code.
Finally, the paper on DJMAGs front cover is thick and glossy signifying luxury.
Mixmag Contents Page
Page Layout & Typography
The contents page is divided into different sections. Running along the top is a banner containing the title of the magazine in the same font style as the front cover though the size is smaller, the month and date and contents. The font style is different in each case. The largest font size and most striking style is applied to the word “contents”. The eye is drawn to this word. The colour of the text alternates between white and yellow against a black background:
The middle section is expanded taking up about 80% of the page containing a large image of a male and female in their early twenties enjoying dance music in party environment. The female is staring at the camera and smiling. Behind the two central characters are a group of males in dark glasses chatting and laughing. The mise en scene used in the image is designed to evoke a party atmosphere which would chime with the target audience. They are interested in fashion, socializing and dancing. The image is used to promote an article in the magazine concerning the “UK’s best parties”.
On the right hand sides of the main picture is a column listing secondary features in the magazine and topped by a small picture showing a shot of famous DJ’s in the same style as used on the magazine cover. A page number is shown against each article varying in size and style depending on the importance assigned to the feature.
Running along the bottom of the page split into 5 small columns is information about the free CD together with the track list and a small image of the sleeve. On the very bottom right corner of the footer is the web address with the month date and page number shown on the opposite side. The colour palette is limited to white and yellow text against a black background.
The contents continue over the page using the same format though the features have switched to the left hand side of the page and two additional images have been introduced beneath the main image. The layout is carefully structured designed to engage the readership and influence their gaze. The images involve group and individual shorts utilizing different types of lighting and fashion.
Double Page Spread
I studied double page spreads from Mixmag dance music magazines looking for conventions and ideas to include in my media assignment.
This is the Mixmag double page spread.
Page Layout
The double page spread consists of an interview with a well known DJ from Holland.
The banner at the top of the page is spread across both pages emphasizing continuity.
The left hand page comprises an eye catching bold display typeface for the heading. The rest of the page is devoted to a question and answer (Q&A) format drafted in a four column grid layout. The questions are highlighted in bold to differentiate them from the answers and make the article easier to follow. There are three colours used; red text highlighting the name of the artist, black text is used for the body of the article against a white background. This makes the article interesting to read without being too fussy. A small poloroid photograph has been inserted at the foot of the page on a slant to break up the text.
The right hand page displays a full page photograph of the artist. He is gazing directly towards the camera. This shot is designed to hook the attention of the reader. The DJ in the photograph is youthful wearing casual clothing i.e jeans, trainers and a leather jacket slouched in a chair. This again should appeal to the target audience.
The page number is shown in bold on the bottom left hand side of the page together with the date and year. The website address is shown on the bottom right hand side of the page in bold.
Font
The body type font of the article is a sans serif typeface. The first letter of the article is in a decorative font to grab attention.
Language
The interview begins with some background information on the artist summarising his career and key collaborations with other famous dance music artists. The introduction includes colloquial language such as "DJing", "gone ballistic" . The sentences are short and punchy creating interest and making the narrative easy to follow. The style mimics a chat with friends. The tone of the article is conversational. The writer uses an active voice; "We take it..", "You put on our.." which is an informal style of writing.
To increase the impact of the orange text a drop shadow has been applied. This gives the text a three dimensional feel. This will undoubtedly help to grab the readers attention. The cover is glossy and produced from a thick gauge of paper. This gives a feel of luxury designed to strike a chord with the high disposable income of the target audience.
Language
As mentioned above the strapline provides a clear statement of the magazine genre to connect with the readership. The masthead "Mixmag" is based on two words Mixing (technique used to combine two tracks) and Magazine. As the words have been abbrievated to form a new word indicates informality and uniqueness. The Mixing element will appeal to dance music followers. The other headings on the magzine are short and punchy designed to grab attention and provoke interest. Some of the headings include question marks inviting communication with the readership. The words "special " & "the most important" is used to highlight uniqueness and exclusivity which again will resonate with the target audience. Active language is employed "Get ready to...." to generate excitement and energy which are the type of experiences sought after by the young male readership.
Fonts
The cover comprises four fonts; one for the masthead which is the same on every edition, another for the headings and lastly the main flash utilises two fonts for dramatic effect. The "DJ" lettering is very prominent. Different font sizes and weights are employed to distinguish headings and sub headings. Larger fonts are used to highlight the main features in the magazine. In some instances as with the word "DJ" the text is in bold. Display type is used for headings and sub headings, body type is used for the small text. The typeface is sans serif typeface.
DJ MAG Front Cover
With CD cover:
Without CD Cover:
Page Layout
I removed the free CD and studied the layout of the magazine cover noticing that it was based on a grid comprising three rows and thee columns. I overlaid gridlines on the cover to deconstruct the coding used by the designer.
The top third of the page contains the magazine title. This is sometimes referred to as the brand logo and remains the same from week to week. At the very top of the page above the magazine title is a headline promoting the free CD stating that it is a special mix. This is intended to attract the attention of the readership. The title or brand logo sits prominently in top right hand corner running half way across the page.
In the middle third just below the magazine title is the main feature heading or flash.
The bottom third lists the secondary features on either side of the page. The text on the left hand side is left hand aligned while the text on the right hand side is right hand aligned. The convention helps to frame the page. The bar code is position in the bottom right hand corner below the secondary feature headings.
The main image occupies the central region of the magazine with the individuals head set in the top right hand region of the page.
Colour
The text is printed using palette of four colours; red, yellow, black and white. The brand logo is very distinctive and eye catching. It is printed red with a white edging and black shadow creating a 3D effect. This makes it jump out the page and stand out against other magazine publications. A round symbol is positioned above the “J” perhaps representing a mixing deck designed to resonate with the tech savvy readership.
Yellow, white and red is used for the rest of the headings alternated to create interest and differentiate the information. Some time the text is set against a black background for dramatic effect. The website address is printed in white text inside the DJ masthead. Also a strap line is visible below the masthead in white text. This helps to define the genre. The bar code is printed in black against a white background making it easy to find for quick scanning in a shop.
Language
The headings are short so the information can be quickly and easily absorbed. Some of the phrases involve punctuation marks designed to hook interest. The language reflects that used by the young, hip readership creating a strong bond and reinforcing their social identity. It is informal and conversational:
- The Nu daze of Disco
- Leo Zero and shit robot
- Tech Special
This is a cropped image from DJMAG's front cover. It displays a mid shot of a fashionable male artist occupying over 75% of the page predominantly in the centre area.
His face is clearly visible framed by the text drawing the gaze of the reader. The individual is pictured against a striped blue and green background set at an angle adding interest. He is looking at the camera a technique employed to hook the reader. The individual is sporting a cap worn back to front appealing to the young and funky target audience. His stage managed look comprises a stud earring, stylish spectacles with large lenses, a pendant and a t shirt with an arty logo He is in his early twenties has a manicured wispy beard. According to the media pack the readership is young; enjoy music and the majority of them work in the dance music industry. The image has been created to chime with this group.
Font
A display type face is used for the magazine masthead and headings. Different font sizes and styles are used to highlight the pecking order of the articles. This is evident by studying the title, main flash and secondary flashes below:
Free CD
The cover of CD displays a smaller version of the brand logo together with a head and shoulder image of the artist. The title of the CD is present underneath the name of the artist. It is stuck to the bottom left hand corner of the magazine front cover to avoid obscuring the face of the image, the title of the magazine or the bar code.
Finally, the paper on DJMAGs front cover is thick and glossy signifying luxury.
Mixmag Contents Page
Page Layout & Typography
The contents page is divided into different sections. Running along the top is a banner containing the title of the magazine in the same font style as the front cover though the size is smaller, the month and date and contents. The font style is different in each case. The largest font size and most striking style is applied to the word “contents”. The eye is drawn to this word. The colour of the text alternates between white and yellow against a black background:
The middle section is expanded taking up about 80% of the page containing a large image of a male and female in their early twenties enjoying dance music in party environment. The female is staring at the camera and smiling. Behind the two central characters are a group of males in dark glasses chatting and laughing. The mise en scene used in the image is designed to evoke a party atmosphere which would chime with the target audience. They are interested in fashion, socializing and dancing. The image is used to promote an article in the magazine concerning the “UK’s best parties”.
On the right hand sides of the main picture is a column listing secondary features in the magazine and topped by a small picture showing a shot of famous DJ’s in the same style as used on the magazine cover. A page number is shown against each article varying in size and style depending on the importance assigned to the feature.
Running along the bottom of the page split into 5 small columns is information about the free CD together with the track list and a small image of the sleeve. On the very bottom right corner of the footer is the web address with the month date and page number shown on the opposite side. The colour palette is limited to white and yellow text against a black background.
The contents continue over the page using the same format though the features have switched to the left hand side of the page and two additional images have been introduced beneath the main image. The layout is carefully structured designed to engage the readership and influence their gaze. The images involve group and individual shorts utilizing different types of lighting and fashion.
Double Page Spread
I studied double page spreads from Mixmag dance music magazines looking for conventions and ideas to include in my media assignment.
This is the Mixmag double page spread.
Page Layout
The double page spread consists of an interview with a well known DJ from Holland.
The banner at the top of the page is spread across both pages emphasizing continuity.
The left hand page comprises an eye catching bold display typeface for the heading. The rest of the page is devoted to a question and answer (Q&A) format drafted in a four column grid layout. The questions are highlighted in bold to differentiate them from the answers and make the article easier to follow. There are three colours used; red text highlighting the name of the artist, black text is used for the body of the article against a white background. This makes the article interesting to read without being too fussy. A small poloroid photograph has been inserted at the foot of the page on a slant to break up the text.
The right hand page displays a full page photograph of the artist. He is gazing directly towards the camera. This shot is designed to hook the attention of the reader. The DJ in the photograph is youthful wearing casual clothing i.e jeans, trainers and a leather jacket slouched in a chair. This again should appeal to the target audience.
The page number is shown in bold on the bottom left hand side of the page together with the date and year. The website address is shown on the bottom right hand side of the page in bold.
Font
The body type font of the article is a sans serif typeface. The first letter of the article is in a decorative font to grab attention.
Language
The interview begins with some background information on the artist summarising his career and key collaborations with other famous dance music artists. The introduction includes colloquial language such as "DJing", "gone ballistic" . The sentences are short and punchy creating interest and making the narrative easy to follow. The style mimics a chat with friends. The tone of the article is conversational. The writer uses an active voice; "We take it..", "You put on our.." which is an informal style of writing.
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