Research into Similar Products: Pop Music Magazines

Here is a 3 of the current magazines on the market that are targeted for fans of the pop genre. They are typically advertised to appeal to young and teenage girls. I will analyse the magazine for the generic codes and conventions of a magazine and the ones that are required to create a well rounded pop genre magazine. 

Masthead: The masthead is clear on the page. This quickly identifies the magazine to the reader. It is bold as it uses vibrant colours - Blue and Pink - and the font also adds a fun and exciting feel the front cover. This presents the magazine to be energetic and entertaining. 

Cover Star: The cover star is Selena Gomez, a well known pop artist. The image of her is placed in the foreground of the magazine with the rest of the information placed around it - showing she is a part of the magazine and belongs there. The cover star is using direct mode of address - creating a relationship between then and the reader through the use of eye contact. It is effective as it can draw a reader in if they were to see it on a shelf full of other magazines that don't use it. 

Cover lines: The main cover line highlights further that Selena is the main star as it includes her name next to the image, showing they link.   Other cover lines are used around the page, giving clues on what is included inside. This is the first set of clues that are reader receives, on whether or not this magazine is for them. 

Colour Scheme: The colour scheme is the same throughout the cover creating a house style for the magazine. Not too many colours are being used keeping it professional and not overwhelming. However the colours that are used are effective in give the vibe of the magazine. By using colours that appeal to teenagers they are ensuring that they reach the correct target audience. The two colours work together creating a coherence on the page. The colour also does not swap the image of the cover star which is important as it is the main focus. 

Blocking: The cover lines and masthead are positioned effectively around the main image. This ensures that there is more than one piece of information on the cover. each story or feature has been included on the page in such away that the page does not become swamped. 

The use of a puff and a pug entices the reader to pick up the magazine. The knowledge of finding free posters in the magazine of their favourite stars will create a big draw for readers. This technique is a pug they are important in magazines like this as readers are more likely to pick up the issue if they will get something out of it. A free poster is pretty good prospect. By saying that Selena 'Secrets Revealed' the magazine is intriguing the reader and making then wonder what these secrets could be. This being used is a puff, as it acts as an exclusive for the reader. This will importantly catch the attention of the reader. 

Masthead: The use of such bright colours on this masthead create an initial Pop of colour on the page. This catches the readers eye and makes them feel wow. It suggests that the magazine is fun and can offer a lot of excitement inside. The masthead creates an atmosphere that would interest the minds of teenagers and older children who may buy or have some buy for them. 

Cover Star: The image of Harry Styles is very simple but tells a story. He is wearing a plain white t-shirt adding no thrills to the image. This shows him to be ordinary and relateable with the reader. He is also using direct mode of address, making it feel as if he is looking out at the reader from the magazine. 

Cover lines: The cover lines on the page are very minimal. By keeping it simple the magazine is showing it is welcoming. The blocking of the cover lines are again used effectively. 

Puffs and pugs are used again. In form of exclusives (from little mix) and free posters and pull out calendars. The magazine is also offering the chance to win signed objects (from little mix and stooshe) which will interest the reader. All of these techniques will work together to draw in the audience. 

Colour scheme: It is very laid back but uses plenty of colour. It uses many of the colour typical to pop music magazines and the genre in general. 

A barcode, dateline and price is also included on this magazine, showing it is a reputable and professional magazine



Masthead: The masthead is once again big bright and bold on the page. It is there to make sure the reader known what magazine they are picking up. It is positioned behind the main image but is still able to be seen. By putting it behind the artists the focus is being put on them. 

Skyline: Offers another reminder of a story included above the image. It shows the reader more insight into the content that is inside. 

Cover stars: On this magazine there is not a single cover star. Three images of artists are included as the cover stars. All of them still use direct mode of address. The way they dress shows there personality. 

Cover lines: The stories on the front fill the page, showing there is plenty to enjoy inside. 

Colour Scheme: The house style of the magazine is very bright and bold which matches the ethos of the magazine. It aims to create entertainment and enjoyment. 

Photography: This magazine uses many images on its cover giving visual clues into what is involved inside. By giving images the reader has a clear picture of what to expect and they will know even without reading a single word. 

A barcode, dateline and price is also again used on this We Love Pop magazine, showing it is a reputable and professional magazine that can be found on the market. 

From analysing these three magazines I have discovered what needs to be included in my own magazine. My research has shown me that a bright and catchy masthead is important to creating the correct feel for the magazine. Colour Scheme is also vital, along with correct photography. On the magazines I have looked into most of them use direct mode of address in there images, this is what  I wish to also use to create the correct feel for my magazine. Used often on pop magazines are puffs and pugs - these are critical to engaging with readers and initially drawing them in to read. They are common and want to use them in my work. Other things used that I wish to also use are barcodes, datelines and prices. 

I will use this research to guide me on my own magazine, to ensure I create the correct ethos and feel.