Denotation:
This is a front page magazine for a college. The magazine cover includes a photograph of a male looking straight into the camera. The shot of this photograph is a medium long shot because we are able to see the top of this man’s head right down to his waist.
Moreover, the male model is standing straight up holding school books, I know this because one of the props used (book) says: ‘Law Business and Society’ written on it for the audience to see. The photograph looks as though it has been cropped out and placed into a black and grey gradient background which covers the whole magazine.
Behind this model is the ‘COLLEGE’ magazine, and in front of him are at least 10 mastheads scattered on the left and right hand side of the magazine, in white and yellow.
The barcode is evident at the bottom, left hand side of the magazine.
Masthead:
A masthead is the name of the magazine and is professionally presented at the top, from the left corner of the magazine as it is the first thing most reader see when the magazine is advertised in store shelves. This technique had been used on the masthead which is named ‘COLLEGE’.
The ‘COLLEGE’ masthead is quite casual and lacks style so that it is clear and easy to read as it stretches across the back of the model’s head on the magazine. The colour of the masthead is a basic, dull but bold yellowish-green colour and stands out in front of the background.
The masthead allows the reader to know full well what type of magazine this is because the masthead says it all: a ‘COLLEGE’ magazine.
Character:
The front page cover involves a model who is a student, most likely a student from this college.
Composition:
The model looks enthusiastic and proud to be where he is and holds himself up proudly in the photograph.
Costume:
He is wearing a light, black coat which is opened, making his white t-shirt/top visible. The way in which he dresses is as though he is in his late teens which are why the costume he is wearing had been picked out carefully because those within these age groups tend to dress smarter than those in the younger generation. Wearing white and black is quite formal. Therefore this gives an idea as to whom this magazine is directed to: those within the later teenage life stage and go to college.
Moreover, the male is also wearing a crucifix which could mean he is either a Christian or a catholic and could also relate to the college he goes to. It could possibly be a Catholic College as he is wearing a crucifix which symbolises his faith.
NVC:
The male’s Nonverbal communication is as stated before, very enthusiastic. He is looking right into the camera with a slight smile on his face. This could mean that he takes college as a walk in the park – something fun and easy because he doesn’t look worried or concerned in the photograph.
Lighting:
The lighting of the photograph is high key although he is wearing dark colours.
Setting:
The setting within this front cover isn’t clear due to the fact that the actual photograph may have been cropped out and placed on a black and grey faded background. The background of this image may have been deliberately dark so that the actual model is bright and we are able to see him and the props clearly.
Target Audience:Referring back to the points and information I previously stated, I believe that the target audience for this magazine are those within the ages of 15-21 and in some sort of education. This includes both males and females. I believe this because ‘COLLEGE’ magazines aren’t set out for those who are not in any sort of education and one of the cover lines include ‘BLACKBERRY’, those in the later adulthood stage wouldn’t be interested in such device because they may not even be able to use it. Whereas, those in the later teenage life stage are more likely to use and communicate with these devices which is why I believe people within that age group are set out to be the audiences for this magazine.
