In the media we are bombarded with colour, whether it be on adverts, bill boards, news papers and magazines in this case. As matter of fact colour and images have almost the same, if not more importance than text in front of us. Some images, for example cartoons can be used to create a jokey effect, whereas photographs can add to sense of realism.
Some of the images, along with some parts of the text have deliberately been made to stand out to put emphasis an a particular part of the cover. Colour can naturally have a huge impact on the magazine. For example the title and logo stand out extremely well, with an orange colour and star shape. I have chosen to do this as the title name and logo represent the themes behind the magazine. As the background colour is quite dark blue, I have decided to include white lettering as it stands out and can clearly be defined. On the front cover I have not used just one signature colour; I have used a variety to draw emphasis on particular parts of the magazine cover. For example the ‘Gotta have it’ sign that runs diagonally across the title and logo is a bright red colour and almost tells the audience to buy the product. Some parts of the text are pale blue, and against the dark blue background they go well together and standout at the same time. The image of the busy city in the background naturally intrigues and invites the audience to read the articles within the magazine.
The use of colour has played an important role for the adverts in the magazine, for example in the “LIVE” haircolour advert with the bright, vibrant colours helps to suggest the target audience for the product as teenagers and young people.
I have thought carefully about the appearance of the front cover, because as well as appealing to the target audience, I also have to concentrate on the themes and ideas behind the product: These themes must naturally be established on the front cover and overall appearance of the product. The title ‘The Forum’ is title that I have chosen very carefully. The term ‘forum’ originates from Roman times and not only served as a place for the transaction of legal, political, and mercanite business but also as an arena for the public games, amusements, theatrical performances, gladiatorial and boxing combats and races. This naturally establishes the magazine as place for intellectual conversing and communication as well as place for entertainment and what I would consider ‘light hearted aspects’. The tone I use in the articles in this magazine vary, for example the main idea behind the “Kids and Drugs” article is shock young people to avoid getting themselves involved in drugs and the tone I have used naturally shocks the reader. At the end of the article, I have used a shocking statistic that leaves the reader with something to think about. The article entitled “Gee mom television has made me American” is a complete change in tone and actually uses humour. I have chosen to produce this magazine in a way that includes contrasts between serious and funny. I have chosen this as it directly reflects a teenager’s life and in so doing making it appeal to the target audience. In conclusion the front cover had to naturally reflect the contrast between the themes and content in this magazine.
The way in which I have used language has had a huge impact on the product. For example I have used colloquial language to help the intended audience relate to the product as a whole and the articles within it. For instance, the article about young children and drugs has been written in both formal as well as informal language. The Headline refers to children as “Kids”; this naturally makes the audience relate to the article more. Not only on the front cover, but throughout the magazine I have used examples of persuasive language. For example in the “cool” clothing advert and the “Live” haircolour advert, I have used persuasive language to encourage the audience to buy the particular product. On the front cover, I have used rhetorical questions. Questions usually require an answer and these rhetorical questions almost invite and persuade the audience to purchase the product. The images do not in any way overshadow the text, because the use of different types of language can be very effective at appealing to a certain audience.
In the “herbal Care” hair product advert, I have used a play on words; “A breath of fresh hair”. This title is naturally very effective as it intrigues the audience and lures them to buy the product. As well as many adverts in this magazine, the models look directly forward, as if the are directly appealing to the target audience.
The advert for the Albert Dock uses very persuasive and emotive language, such as “exciting”, “staggering”, “proud” and “irresistible”. The emotive language, used in this advert plays an important role as it makes the description of the Albert Dock more exciting and al so makes the point of the advert appear more direct towards the audience.
Another way in which have used language is in the poster of “The Hell House” film. I deliberately included this film poster because the audience research showed that the morjority of the people I interviewed were interested in horror films. In the language I have used, I have tried to refer to both the themes and styles behind the film without giving too much away. I have used slogans like; “Be drawn in”. I have al so used the slogan; “some secrets should not be revealed”. This immediately leaves the audience with a rhetorical question which lures them to see the film. This imperative language almost commands the audience to see the film. The use of colour in this advert plays an important role for the perception of the film; the use of black and white establishes the differences between good and evil. The red colour represents blood and immediately creates a sinister idea. I have coloured the house in a black colour mergered with dark green; this dark colour almost engulfs the house and creates a sinister and dark theme behind the film. The lettering style I have used is al so important, for example the gothic lettering style creates a very mysterious and dark perception of the film. The image of the blood stained knife immediately establishes the genre of the film within the first few seconds the audience glances at the poster. Naturally it is important to create the poster so that is eye-catching as it has to immediately appeal to the target audience within the first few seconds it is seen. the image of the faded face on the front house is very important as is symbolizes a locked doorway for the audience. Symbolism is naturally very important as the symbols that are used offer clues to the themes and plots behind the film. I have indicated the main characters in this film (Brad Pitt and Catherine Zeta-Jones), the characters suggest the themes behind the film as the audience sometimes associate certain film genres with certain actors and actresses. I have al so included a image that represents, the film company “universal”, so that whatever the language barrier, the company will clearly be identified wherever it is seen. This is al so important because the audience sometimes associate a particular film genre with a certain film company. I have al so included on this poster comments and quotes from critics like Jonathan Ross, for example, as these comments naturally persuade the audience to see the film. Other people’s views and opinions are used al lot on film posters as they, not only persuade the audience to see the it, but al so help to suggest the content themes behind the particular film.
I have included a number of appeals in my images. For example, in the charity campaign I have included pictures of some children in desperate need of money and support. The images themselves have allot of appeal in them as they encourage the audience to donate money to the charity. Whereas some of the images have people posing in certain positions that directly reflect the purpose of the advert.
For example the “cool” clothing advert has three picture of models, all appearing strong and healthy. These images are important as the attractive models encourage the audience to buy the product. In the media attractive models are used all the time to sell the company’s product. The fact that I have used both male and female models, the product immediately appeals to a wider target audience. The advertisements are a great source of revenue for the magazine company and the advertisements must be concentrated on in particular. Radio uses verbal advertisements and the audience have to picture the particular product in their minds. However, magazines are somewhat different and the images must be of extreme importance. The statement ; “ A picture can paint a thousand words” is very true to the media.
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