Research for an Indie Magazine

INDIE/ROCK MAGAZINE - Q

"Q" position their logo in exactly the same top left position on every cover. The covers are very simple with just one star or band dominating them, in this case a close-up shot has been used. There are not as many colours used as with the pop magazines, conveying a sense of seriousness and setting an overall adult tone and feel to the magazine. and the name of the cover star is enlarged with a quote or reference to the content of the feature including them. There is a red band stretching across the bottom of the magazine providing extra information about content.

Just five colours are used on the front cover; black, white, yellow, red and grey with a simple white background. Red and yellow not only work well together but they are eye-catching whilst connoting action and energy, symbolising the type of music they are covering and the readers that listen to that music. Black and white also provide a sophisticated, formal tone whilst working well together. There are not as many boxes or references to other articles in the magazine and main focus is the band in the centre. There are descriptions about the main article around the band name. The photograph used is a long shot. All members of the band are stood in a line with the front man slightly forward and the other members stood behind him.

The overall look of the magazine is more simple and sophisticated than the likes of "Top of the Pops" and "Smash Hits", showing that it is aimed at an older audience. This magazine is aimed specifically toward an audience of around twenty-five to thirty-five year olds who enjoy mainly Indie or Rock music, however, a younger audience of older teens and young adults may enjoy reading this magazine as well if they like the sort of music the magazine covers.