Research, front cover analysis, 10.

This is an unconventional magazine cover as the representation does not match the iconic signs represented by the masthead which would suggest the magazine is of a classical genre however the models image including hair, make up and outfit suggests an edgier artist perhaps of the pop rock genre. This is done by using a range of very dark colours for example: grey, black and dark blue.

The models black eyeliner is very dark and breaks the typical codes of a classical music magazine, stereotypes are usually used to create an image, whereas to imply to the target audience that they were buying a classical magazine, a light coloured dress would usually be worn, possibly a pastel colours, with a sleek up do for a hairstyle and natural but attractive make up, which would prove Laura Mulvey's theory of the "male gaze" which suggests women dress the way men find them the most attractive in order to acquire their approval, however this magazine represents the complete opposite. This dark eye makeup would not be for the approval of men but for her to look different and unique, especially because she is a classical artist, she breaks a convention here as the dark eye make up is usually symbolic of the rock genre. 

Her make up has obviously not been applied to attract men but to make a statement, as does her hair. It is not in a sleek up do but is flowing onto her shoulders in a messy but still controlled look. For this reason i also believe the main target audience is mainly women, 

Her outfit also breaks the codes and conventions of classical music, as she wears a black leather jacket which is again, symbolic of the rock genre. Her hands are placed across her body, pulling her jacket in to cover herself, this once more disproves Laura Mulvey's theory and shows the image has been created not for the gaze of men. The pose however is not particularly powerful which softens her appearance and therefore makes the image relate to classical music fans, this is also achieved by the polka dot dress which symbolizes femininity and also connotes a childlike appearance again making sure although she is represented as an edgy rule breaker who younger classical fans can relate to and idolize she is still not a rock artist, this also represented through her jewelry. "A star is an image not a real person" - Richard Dyer. I believe in this case that statement is true, although i like this image that is being represented, it appeals to a younger target audience by making classical music a lot more modern. 

The main feature of this front cover and taking up the top quarter of the page, is the masthead it stands out against the dark background because it is in a white font san serif. i like the way 'classical' is horizontal and 'music' is vertical by the side of it, this arrangement draws the readers eye to 'classical' most importantly, but i also like the geometric modern appearance it gives the magazine. 7

The model is looking into camera and therefore keeping to convention, the image is a medium shot and is very sharp and clear. None of the image has been covered by text which again, keeps to conventions of music magazines. The photo has also been taken on location, however from the from this research i have decided i will not use this particular back drop as it has been used much too frequently. 

There are four cover stories, the three pictures to the left and the main cover story concerning the model pictured in the center of the page. The fonts are a range of sizes and with larger and yellow font for the cover lines and slightly smaller white font for the text beneath the cover lines. Some of the font is written in serif, i believe this will appeal to the target audience as stylish writing is usually associated with the classical music genre. I think the yellow and white fonts will also appeal to the target audience because they are light colours which are also usually symbolic of the classical genre. 

The image to the left connotes the quality of this magazine, it is an expensive issue, also it is dispatched monthly, this means each issue has a lot more contents in it because it has to fulfill the expectations of the readers for a month therefore it is more expensive and time consuming to produce suggesting it is of a high quality.

 The main cover story is depicted in the way shown to the left. I think the choice of words is effective because the word 'distinction' connotes she has reached the height of her career and has achieved a high level of excellence in her chosen instrument, the flute. 'Katherine Bryan on going solo' is also implied by using just her as the focus of the shoot with no props etc.. the image also relates to this by highlighting to the audience that by going solo she has also reinvented herself.




How this post has influenced my creativity and planning: 

I will not use a brick background on my front cover because i believe it looks to mainstream, it is not original. I also like the simple layout of this front cover.