To ensure that this cover would appeal to my target audience I devised a questionnaire. This questionnaire was then distributed and completed. These were then used to identify certain functions and conventions of my chosen genre. These questionnaires also gave me an insight into what my target audience wanted from a music magazine. I believe the questionnaire along with my research considerably affected the way in which the cover was constructed.
Upon analysing my questionnaire results I discovered that there was a gap market for a Rolling Stones magazine. This created a niche market for my magazine. Magazines such as ‘Q’ and ‘Kerrang’ have a tendency to converge their attention on a wider audience, other than an alternative or specific target audience. The linguistic codes and representation of these magazines are significantly more formal and appeal to a wider audience range, whereas my magazine’s linguistic codes and representation appeal to a smaller niche audience. For these reasons I have chosen to create a ‘fanzine’ magazine which will target ‘Rolling Stones’ fans.
After identifying my target audience I initially tried to appeal to them by creating a catchy title and by using a Stones song as the title. This is am intertextual reference. The image chosen for the cover was of ‘Mick’ Jagger’ looking sexy, but with something to hide. This is an enigma. This image was chosen because ‘Mick’ is seen as an attractive role model, which would appeal to my audience. The key image is shot in a medium shot, It denotes ‘Mick’ in a sexy yet seductive pose with something to say hence the headline ‘World Exclusive! Jagger Reveals ALL!’. His stare at the camera attracts the audience’s attention. There is also a second image, This is the Rolling Stones logo. This image automatically represents this magazine being a Rolling Stones magazine to the audience. This is due to the fact that the tongue is a symbolic signifier the Rolling Stones. This also appeals to dedicated fans of the band as they will recognise both the intertextual reference to the stones song and the logo. These makes them feel ‘In the know’, this could appeal to them and attract them to the magazine.
The title of the cover was ‘Start Me Up’ due to it being a very popular Stones song name. The name has connotations of up to date information on the Stones but also of the Stones itself because of it being the name of a Stones song. This catchy name attracts the audience. It is also imperative to the audience as it instructs them what to do, this is a sort of challenge to the audience.
The red and black colours also represent the Stones. The font that is chosen not only attractive to the audience but also very eye catching. The name ‘Start Me Up’ also suggests that the magazine is new.
The puff ‘The ONLY Stones Magazine’ suggests originality but also a new magazine that is one of a kind. This also appeals to my target audience, making it seem exclusive.
I have used a wide range of linguistic devices such as puns, alliteration and also special offers to appeal to the audience. I believe that my magazine cover is a success and that it has been constructed to appeal to my target audience.
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