The orbital: Critical analysis of a pre-existant magazine cover.
To further research into the magazine industry I have analysed a pre-existing college magazine in depth to find specifics and conventions used within the majority of magazine covers.
I have chosen to use this magazine simply because I like the professional feel about it and the simple and successful layout.
To view my notes click here
Snap! My original images.
Who, what and why! Research, research, research.
Millions are spent a year by companies, especially within the media industry, on insight into target markets and consumers. By researching not only into social categories but even interests, a magazine can inprove its content and advertising according to its target market(s).
To produce an example of a college magazine it is necessary to have at a minimum a brief understanding. This will help select which subjects I should cover for my magazine front.
As a group we had decided upon 10 suitable questions to interview 17 (by convenience for the amount in my class) students selected by random. In my opinion I believe that these could have been improved by replacing the current open questions with multiple choice closed questions.
Typical stereotypes were presented through this form; main interests based upon media (primarily music), fashion & shopping and social activities and desired content would be based around this including events and parties. Obviously this data would be key to deciding the suitable topics of my magazine.
Following this we can see that the best option for the magazine to be sold at was at nought. The nature of this magazine means it wouldn't be possible to create significant profit.
No knowledge can be gained from question 3 as the range of answers is diverse and equal. Instead it would be best to interview more individuals.
Most of the questions are irrelevant to what I need, however I understand that the best ratio of pictures to text content would be about 70:30% in question 4.
Contrary to what most would think, the fact that most of the answers is also irrelevant due to the unequal numbers of males and females.
However thanks to this questionnaire I have based my topics upon 4 subjects:
- Next seasons fashion - preferrably suited towards girls because of the content type.
- Tips based upon partying and social life.
- Next party dates for college and student parties.
- Information about shopping - perhaps about student discounts and the NUS EXTRA card.
