Preliminary task - Jo

Q magazine Contents

Madonna Q magazine Cover

This issue of Q magazine have used the icon of Madonna. The main feature is the picture of Madonna which is used as the background cover of the magazine which attracts an older audience. All text and boxes are placed over the top of the magazine. The magazine name is the only thing that goes behind the picture as this is so people will know the name of the magazine but wants to know whats going to be inside the magazine. The logo Q is the same location, colour and font as on the other issues making it easily recognisable.

The name of the artist "Madonna" is in a red font which goes across the middle of the magazine. Its extremley eye catching due to its size and bright colour. The colour and font matches other pieces of text.

Across the bottom of the magazine is a clear band to advertise the special offer included in the magazine and gives the reader an insight to whats going to be included. Matching to this special feature is a small rectangle in the top corner which tells people about the bumper issue. It overlaps the name of the magazine which shows its an important topic of this issue.

Theres a list of artists names next to the picture of the celebrity Madonna which also attracts readers who are interested in these artitsts and also relates back to the genre being of a indie/rock genre.

The Killers Q Magazine Cover

The Killers are a universial indie/rock group known to get thier musical influences from music in the 1980's. The caption The Killers is in a white font which stands out drawing the readers eye to the magazine. The caption is also relevant to the image underneath the text which displays the lead singer of the band Brandon Flowers. The caption is infront of the image of the icon illustrating its the main feature of the magazine. By stating the name of the group in the centre of the cover in a sharp, clear font it will attract fans of The Killers into wanting to buy the magazine.

Underneath the Caption and heading is a black plus (cross) sign and although the writing underneath is small and dosent stand out the plus sign does. This attracts you to read what other features the magazine has to offer such as the other musicians involved in the magazine such as Katy Perry. Opposite this is a colum inch which gives an insight to other features inclueded in this issue. There is no coloured background as its a simple sky colour so it dosent take any focus of the image or the text.

At the top of the magazine the names Morrissey and Plus are in bold and stand out as this will attract you to relevant parts in the magazine. Again the logo is in the same posistion so the reader/buyer becomes familiar with the Q logo.

Q magazine have used the icon Brandon Flowers to attract thier target audience of a yuong age who are interested in indie, rock music. You can immediately tell the Genre of the magazine due to the image of Brandon Flowers as hes wearing a suit which is a typical outfit to the indie genre. Also by the names of artists listed on the front.

Q double page spread

This a double page spread with a image of Billy Idol from Generation X on the right hand side. The punk icon Billy Idol's pose and aesthetic image portrays a scruffy, rebellious, daring, edgey expression which conveys the personality associated with a punk singer. This rebellious ideoloogy then appeals to an audience of anti-authority rebels among the teenage age group all wanting to follow this idea of disobeying
authority. Also portrays the "do it yourself" concept which shows the lifestyle of experimentalists and creatives as hes not seeking status through work but through hes image created by themselves which may go against the typical norms and values of bands in society.

The image is carefully placed on the right hand side of the double page as its where the readers eye engages with as they turn the pages of the magazine persauding the consumer to read the article.
The colour scheme used for this cover is mainly black, white and grey with the image also being black and white as these dark simple colours are assoicated with the punk genre. The font of Generation X is in a photocopy font which may represent hes life being shown to the public through the media. There is also a badge above the title " the class of 77" which shows the period of when Generation X was first around and how this style of music "punk/rock" was being heard and becoming more popular. Also the badge and paper clip relates to the style of punk as of the edgey rocky style.
The layout and the design of the left hand page is columns with subheadings which not only makes it more easier to read but more interesting, Q have chosen to have the text in this way to keep the target audience of teenagers engaged in the magazine, and easy for them to follow.

Q have created an edgy style to reflect the ethos of the magazine by the dangerous feel, as of the paper clips, the font of the title  'generation x' which shows a do it yourself element.

Q contents

Q magazine cover

This issue of Q magazine have used a close up shot of the Sex Pistols Johnny Rotten with hes mouth covered by text which may represent hes strong opinions, bad language and non caring attitude inwhich he says what he thinks. The text " the true story of " with the emphasis on the word "punk" creates a dangerous and exciting feel to the magazine as it implies you will ony find the correct story of punk in this magazine. The image of the sex pistols is in an aluminous green colour which portrays the sex pistols lary, over the top character. Also the green, black and white colour scheme also shows his different, unique personality which connotes the genre of punk, by rebelling against the norms and values of society.

The headlines are in newspaper clippings which may symbolize hes constant battle with stories appearing in the media. The headlines being presented "Never mind the Jubilee" portray hes rebellious, not caring attitude, this also creates a very controversial image. This could also represent Johnny relaiting to hes fans as of he talking about public transport. The word "Bollocks" has been used in which some people may take this affensive, but also reinacts the rebellious ideology and anti authority rebels this genre of music has.

The brand logo is in the same location being the left top corner. It uses the same font and colour as other previous issues of Q magazine, being a red colour cicle with a white "Q" which contrasts with the dark background this makes its standout so you immediatley recognise the brand. It also over laps the image showing the importance of the logo.

At the bottom of the magazine cover an alliteration has been used " all the bands, all the bollocks", this is effect as it is repetitive and emphasises the point.

Cheryl Cole Q

Q Magazine have used the representation of Cheryl Cole as its prime subject in this issue which is supported by the large cover "Cheryl Cole Rocks" which gives an outline of the basic theme of this issue as well as the smaller cover lines of 50 cent and Muse. These cover lines give the audience an insight to what features there are in the magazine. There is also a puff included under the cover lines which illustrates this is a key content to the magazine. The style icon Cheryl Cole has been used to expand their target audience from the usual audience of middle age men but have targeted this magazine at both genders especially yuong girls as in the 21st century Cheryl Cole is a international icon and role model for yuong girls. Cheryl Cole is portrayed as a fashionable, glamourous, successfull women but in this magazine she is being portrayed as having sex appeal, a rock rebellious feel as of her getting wet in the rain, her tongue poking out, her red lipstick, and her mascara running. Her red lipstick connotes a sexy, dangerous side to Cheryl Cole which differs from her media perception of her sweet and innocent side. The colour scheme used for this magazine is red,black and white which portrays the typical style of the magazine being indie,rock etc. The magazine have used a close up middle shot of the celebrity to attract the audience as Cheryl Cole is looking directly into the camera with a sexual pose engaging the audience towards the magazine.

Q magazine would feature a punk icon like Cheryl Cole as its trying to create a different side to Cheryl Cole as of her pop style. Punk is know seen as a more acceptable style and is becoming more fashionable. Cheryl Cole has the lifestyle category of materialists which goes against the anti authority rebels which is usually the lifestyle of punk icons.

The mastheads commonly place is in the upper section of the magazine is in a red square with a white Q which is simple which allows quick recognition. Also as of its one letter name " Q" is always catchy and remerable. The red background makes the masthead standout as of the two contrasting bold colours. The masthead is quiet large compared to the other text on the magazine and is also overlaps of the image of Cheryl Cole attracting the buyers eyes to the logo.At the top of the magazine Q have chosen to have " the uk's biggest music magazine" which implies they are very proud of this achievement as it is clearly stated above the masthead. this will also help attract the buyers to this magazine.