Magazine Research

 

Here is the research for my magazine.

Magazines can be found in both physical and online store, specifically for physical stores - they would display a sort of genre's and interest in order to attract different type of potential readers. Magazine's company will fight in order to display their covers in the eye-level shelf, ...

Self reflection: Identifying the key elements for the front cover of this magazine was quiet fun, though I had a few difficulties on identifying the selling line as at first I thought it was a Byline. Thankfully my teacher was able to assist me and help me identify the difference between the selling line and byline. Furthermore, writing the description and details were quiet easy though there are a few that I'm not satisfied as I wish I could've elaborated more but aren't able to find more elements and aspects to add. 

National Geographic
Publisher: Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor 
Edition: Vol. 159, No. 5 - May 1981

    National Geographic was established in 1888 as a scholarly journal, an American monthly magazine published by National Geographic Partners, swiftly evolved into a widely popular publication. It adopted a more visually engaging style in 1905 by incorporating pictures, a distinctive approach that contributed to its well-known status.


Masthead Tittle: 
The masthead of this magazine is featuring the name of the company which is 'National Geographic' which defines as the world's field of science devoted to the study of the lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena of Earth. The definition itself directly implies the content and genre that the company often features. The masthead is placed on the top of the cover page in order to ensures maximum visibility, making the magazine easily noticeable on shelves. It also establishes a clear visual hierarchy, guiding readers through the content in a structured manner especially where magazines are displayed at eye level.

Typography: 
There are 2 types of typography scattered throughout the front cover page of this magazine, Serif and Sans Serif. In both Masthead and selling-line section, they use Serif typography where typically imparts a mood of tradition, formality, and classic sophistication. For this magazine, it enhanced readability, which is crucial for conveying complex information and detailed articles in the magazine. Also, using serif typography adds to National Geographic's enduring and classic look, reinforcing its brand as a trusted authority in deep exploration and discovery, built over its long history.

Firstly for the Masthead, it's layered above the Main image with its position of the text that's placed perfectly above the Main image and uses a center text alignment, thus helping readers to consume both media without any disturbance. Secondly for the Selling-line, it's positioned in the bottom center of the magazine, which stated 'OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY WASHINGTON, DC' - with 'NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY' designed to have a bigger size font, give off a sense of authority as it catches the readers attention first. 

National Geographic also uses Sans-Serif typography which are known for being simple, clear, and modern, making them good for sharing information quickly. Mixing serif and sans-serif fonts on the magazine cover adds interesting visuals. Essentially, using sans-serif typography in Cover-line helps National Geographic look both classic and modern at the same time, making it easy for everyone to understand. It's positioned in the left corner bottom of the page with left align - making the main image undisturbed. 

Overall, both Serif and Sans-Serif typography that's featured in the front cover magazine is sized ALL Caps Lock in order to display a maximum visibility and reinforce a bold and authoritative brand image. Not only that, all of its typography stick to one color which is white for it to visually appear and immediately attract the vision of a human without destroying the gentle and soft tone it carries, though for its Selling-line that's painted dark blue to match with the background of the ocean floor and also for it to pop up as the color behind the Selling-line is yellow, thus the color blue helps increase visibility.  
 
Image:
The image selected for the cover is a diver fighting off a shark underwater in the ocean. The lighting in this image shows the natural lighting from the sun which refracts to the water surface, thus creating this illusion of a light spot as the source of light comes above the subject. The camera angle being used during this shot is a long shot in order to catch both subject - the diver and the shark. This will help the audience process the message or the activity that's going on. The subject in the image is standing slightly slanted as the location of the shot itself is underwater thus the positioning of the subject itself may create a sense of volatile. The subject itself is equipped with professional diving accessories such as as a diving mask, snorkel, wet-suit, fins, etc.
  
Representation:
The image chosen for the magazine cover defies conventional representations of gender by prioritizing the activity and professionalism of the diver over traditional gender roles or appearances. Described as a diver engaged in a battle with a shark underwater, the image avoids specifying the gender of the subject, as the subject itself covers themselves with a wetsuit and other diving equipment thus readers won't be able to identify the gender represented in this magazine. The chosen camera angle, a long shot capturing both the diver and the shark, emphasizes the action and activity, challenging the typical emphasis on physical attributes. In essence, the image on the cover deviates from conventional representations, presenting a scene that is action-oriented and focused on competence rather than conforming to traditional gender norms or celebrity culture.

Audience: 
The target audience for this nature, history, and marine-life content, particularly featuring a diver in combat with a shark, appears to span across various age groups, with a subtle emphasis on men. The demographic leans towards individuals with a middle-upper income, as hinted by the mention of the diver's expensive diving equipment. Despite the main image featuring a male diver, the content aims to engage both genders. This audience exhibits a keen interest in diving, evident in their spending habits geared towards acquiring diving gear. Their psychographic profile suggests a multifaceted lifestyle, blending a passion for exploring marine life through diving, a love for nature, and a penchant for delving into historical narratives, as hinted by their hobby of reading history books. The emphasis on a healthy lifestyle, coupled with an interest in nutrition, indicates an audience that appreciates holistic well-being. The prospect of visiting marine parks resonates with their love for marine life, aligning with their recreational preferences. Overall, this audience seeks a harmonious blend of adventure, knowledge, and a deep connection with the natural world.

Advert:
In this particular magazine, there are several kind of products such as Nikon Camera which is crucial as they align with the interests and preferences of their audience. National Geographic's targets individuals who are passionate about exploration and photography, thus advertising camera's in their magazine is reasonable. Not only products, National Geographic also advertise services such as airlines - specifically for this magazine, they feature Lufthansa German Airlines. This is because they lean to the travel and exploration interests of their audience. The magazine's readership is composed of individuals who are curious about the world, enjoy experiencing different cultures, and have a passion for adventure and discovery.

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I'LL BAKE!
Publisher: Liberty Mendez 
Overview: There are moments in life when only cake will do. In I’ll Bake!, classically pastry trained chef Liberty Mendez shares the joy that baking, entertaining and feeding her friends brings her, with over 85 failsafe recipes that are at once impressive and effortless.
 

Masthead Title: 
The Masthead of this magazine is called "I'LL BAKE!" which has a literal meaning that the book is enthusiastic about baking. It's creates this promise that the content within will be related to baking—recipes, tips, and perhaps stories or features about baking enthusiasts. It's a catchy way to convey the magazine's focus and to grab the attention of readers who share an interest in baking. It also suggests a sense of personal involvement, and perhaps a hands-on - DIY approach to baking. The use of "I'LL" implies a personal commitment - creating a connection between the magazine and the reader. It connotes a friendly and proactive tone, encouraging readers to actively participate in the baking experience presented within the magazine's pages.

Typography:
In this magazine, typography becomes a visual symphony, blending tradition with modernity, creating a harmonious composition on the front cover page. The masthead boldly declares "I'LL BAKE!" in a Sans-Serif typography, creating a clean aesthetic. The choice of Sans-Serif typography imparts a sense of simplicity and modernity, aligning with the magazine's theme of hands-on baking.

Positioned at the left bottom corner, the ALL CAPS LOCK letters demand attention without overpowering the main image, allowing readers to seamlessly dive into both the visual and textual elements. The white color of the typography stands out against the lavender background, maintaining a soft and inviting tone, while the Sans-Serif font exudes a friendly and approachable mood.

Beneath the masthead, the selling-line, "Something delicious for every occasion," employs the same Sans-Serif typography but in a normal size. Placed just below the masthead, it complements the visual hierarchy, guiding the reader's eye from the bold declaration to the enticing promise. The lavender backdrop creates a subtle contrast, allowing the white letters to pop while maintaining an overall gentle and inviting atmosphere.

This intentional use of typography, both in the masthead and selling-line, creates a cohesive and visually appealing front cover. The Sans-Serif font choice, coupled with strategic positioning and color selection, not only enhances readability but also contributes to the overall mood and tone of the magazine, inviting readers to explore the delicious world within its pages. 

Main Image:
The magazine cover's main image captures a moment of pure indulgence and serenity. A close shot centers on a beautifully dressed table featuring a delectable strawberry shortcake, adorned with vibrant red strawberries and layers of white whipped cream. The lighting, positioned slightly above and to the back, casts a soft glow on the scene, creating subtle shadows that add depth, especially noticeable behind the delicate champagne glass. It creates an atmosphere of tranquility, reminiscent of a sunrise picnic. The main focus, a partially eaten cake with a missing slice, that's placed in a separate plate accompanied by a fork, suggesting a moment of quiet enjoyment. This image not only tempts the taste buds but also evokes a sense of calm, making it a captivating centerpiece for the magazine cover, inviting readers to savor the delicious delights within its pages.

Representation:
The image, centered around a delicious strawberry shortcake, does not inherently conform to conventional representations of men or women. Rather than focusing on gender stereotypes, the image is centered on the enticing and appetizing nature of the dessert. There are no explicit gender cues or stereotypes within the image; instead, the presence of a fork and a partially eaten slice on a separate plate suggests a universal act of enjoying food rather than conforming to specific gender norms. Therefore, the image seems to prioritize the shared experience of relishing a delicious moment over adhering to conventional representations of men or women.

Audience:
The target audience for "I'LL BAKE!" magazine is a diverse and inclusive community of individuals united by a shared passion for culinary artistry, specifically baking. With a neutral gender representation and any age, the magazine caters to a broad demographic. Geographical, ethnic, and income factors are not delineated, embracing a universal approach to baking as an accessible form of creative expression. The psychographic profile of the audience reveals a group with a love for baking, a penchant for exploring new recipes, and an interest in the artistry of food presentation. Their lifestyle emphasizes a commitment to health and a balanced diet, reflecting a conscious approach to culinary enjoyment. This audience demonstrates a proactive engagement with their hobbies, spending on recipe books, quality ingredients, and essential cooking utensils, showcasing a dedication to enhancing their baking skills and overall culinary experience. "I'LL BAKE!" magazine serves as a hub for this community, providing a platform for inspiration, education, and the celebration of the diverse joys of baking.

Adverts: 
The magazine includes both products and services adverts. Firstly, they feature kitchen set as their product advert. This is a strategic move catering to the needs and interests of its baking enthusiast readership. The kitchen set, featuring essential baking tools, aligns seamlessly with the magazine's theme and offers readers an opportunity to enhance their baking experience. By providing a platform for such advertisements, the magazine not only serves its audience practically but also generates potential revenue through advertising partnerships, ensuring a symbiotic relationship between content and commerce.

Secondly, they feature membership to a website where they show a live-action tutorial of their dishes. This is because baking often involves intricate techniques, and video tutorials offer a dynamic and visual way for enthusiasts to learn and improve their skills. By promoting a membership, the magazine provides its audience with exclusive access to in-depth tutorials, creating a sense of community. It's a thoughtful extension of the magazine's content, offering a more interactive and immersive experience for those passionate about their baking abilities.
Small Research:

Short Analysis:
The target audience for this fashion magazine caters to young women aged 16 to 21 with a middle to upper income bracket. These fashion enthusiasts are characterized by a keen interest in up-trend styles and accessories. The magazine successfully captures their attention by featuring multiple images in double-page spreads, providing a visual feast that aligns seamlessly with the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the fashion genre. However, personally for me, the article layout may hinder a seamless reading experience. Taking inspiration from this approach, my own magazine would integrate multiple images to enhance visual appeal but prioritize a more organized article layout to ensure optimal readability for the target audience.


Short Analysis: 
The target audience for this culinary magazine, focused on Thanksgiving food, encompasses individuals above 15 years old with a gender-neutral appeal and a middle-income profile. This diverse group shares a common interest in cooking and delights in the warmth of family gatherings. The magazine effectively captures attention through its creative use of ingredients as decorations along the double-page spread, providing a visually appealing backdrop that resonates with the culinary theme. Inspired by this approach, my own magazine would incorporate a similar strategy, featuring images of key ingredients as a vibrant visual element for the dishes highlighted in the culinary content. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also aligns with the audience's shared passion for cooking and the joy of coming together with loved ones during special occasions like Thanksgiving.


Short Analysis:
The target audience for this unique fusion of architecture and food magazine is individuals above 17 years old, encompassing a gender-neutral demographic with a middle to upper-income range. Those who take interest in both building structures and the artful combination of culinary elements to curate a specific household ambiance. The magazine effectively mix these two elements by presenting images and articles in a neat and eye-catching manner. The carefully positioned visuals and articles create a sense of order, enhancing the overall readability while simultaneously capturing the reader's attention. Inspired by this approach, my own magazine would prioritize a well-structured layout, ensuring an optimal reading experience, and incorporating visually compelling elements to engage and captivate the audience's interest.


Short Analysis:
The target audience for this pastry and baking magazine, with a focus on festive treats - catering to individuals of any age, gender-neutral, and with a middle-income background. These enthusiasts share a common psychographic trait - those who take interest in baking, experimenting with new recipes, and relishing the joy of festive times and gatherings while indulging in delightful treats. The magazine's effective strategy of featuring step-by-step images in the baking process, providing readers with a visual guide to enhance their own adventure. Additionally, the incorporation of a personal anecdote adds a touch of warmth and relatability. Inspired by this, my own magazine would adopt a similar approach, intertwining personal narratives with detailed recipes and accompanying visuals of the finished products. This ensures not only a practical guide for readers but also an immersive and enjoyable experience as they embark on their festive baking.

Self Reflection:
This research has been a great help for me to determine the genre for my magazine and visualize its potential design. By recognizing the elements I like and those I don't, I now have a clearer idea of how to approach the design process. However, I faced a couple of challenges along the way. Initially, finding relevant magazines was tough because none of my classmates had any related to cuisines. This led me to search online, where I was fortunate to discover a helpful website for my research. Additionally, managing my time proved difficult due to basketball events during the game season. Despite these hurdles, the research has equipped me with valuable insights that will make designing my magazine more manageable to my preferences.

Here is a link to my Double Page Spread research + development
https://vinarthanugraha-regentsmedia.blogspot.com/2023/11/double-page-spread-research-development.html 

 





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