Analysing A Magazine

Mojo

Front Cover

Layout – Mojo also sticks to the conventions of most magazines with the masthead at the top, a large main image of the feature article and subheadings surrounding it. One way it twists conventions is the image covers a large part of the masthead, this means the magazine would have to be well known to be recognised on a shop shelf. All the text frames the image so the reader focuses on the band as they should be the main focus. Also there is a boost at the top which gives more information.

Image – The feature article is about Queen so the cover image is of the whole band on a black background, the subheading says ‘the second coming’ which sounds serious so the band are looking seriously at the camera. Freddy mercury is at the front of the image with his iconic facial hair as he is the most recognisable member of the band, and it shows he is the lead singer. The image doesn’t show that the magazine is a music magazine but most people know that Queen are a band and would be recognised as a music magazine.

Font Style – The masthead font is plain and white but stands out against the black background. This suggests that the magazine is meant to be mature and professional and would attract an older audience. The font on the feature article looks quite modern which shows the magazine is trying to be up to date, this also ties in with ‘The Second Coming’.

Audience – The cover of Mojo would suggest the magazine is aimed at a old audience as it is simple and professional looking, and doesn’t have any features that would appeal to a young audience. Also most of the bands on the cover appeal to an older audience.

Contents Page

The contents page for Mojo is split over two pages, with the feature articles on the first page and the rest on the next. Having the contents split this way means that more attention is drawn to the feature articles and that the writers think that the features are the most important. On the feature page there is an images related to one of the articles with a quote from the article. This highlights a certain article and makes the reader want to continue reading. On the other contents page the contents are right aligned and split into three sections instead of numerical order, this might suggest that Mojo try to be different to other music magazines. On the left align there is images related to certain articles the images show more about the stories and draw attention to certain reviews or articles. Another thing included on the contents page is a small section at the bottom about some of the main writers in this issue, this reveals more about the magazine and the people behind it.

Double Page Spread

The double page spread in Mojo is quite plain compared to KERRANG! Rather than an interview it is a long story about Queen, so instead of being set out with a question then an answer it is set out all over the page like a conventional magazine article, with images around and in the main body of the text. Overall the page is quite plain which suggests the magazine is still trying to look professional and clear. This as well as the large amounts of texts suggests it is aimed at people who are more interested in reading about the band rather than looking at pictures.