Research for a Pop Magazine

I knew that I wanted to either create a pop magazine aimed at a younger audience in the style of "Top of the Pops", or an Indie magazine aimed at young adults in the style of "Q" or "NME". I researched both areas.

POP MAGAZINES - TOP OF THE POPS
Most of these magazines do not even feature popstars as their main centre image, but well-known actors that would be specifically recognisable to a younger audience. Mid-shots and close-ups are used to gain the sense that the reader can get closer to the people being represented and therefore feel more connected to what they are reading. It is also obvious that the target audience is females aged from around 10 to 14 years old from the pink and purple colours used, which are associated with femininity.

The layout consists of a main image with smaller boxes situated down the left hand side. These include photographs of other recognisable faces such as popstars. There is a pink band stretching across the bottom of the cover that includes extra detail about the contents of the magazine. Clothes of the cover stars mostly match the covers of the text and background. Four different types of typography have been used including the magazine title. Only four colours have been used for the text and background; pink, purple, black and white. Pink and purple are stereotypically female associated colours, and therefore highlight the fact that this magazine is aimed toward young girls. There is also a circle that looks like a sticker, making part of the cover appear 3-D rather than merely flat, which would appeal to a younger audience.

SMASH HITS MAGAZINE

Although this cover is slightly outdated now, it still follows similar rules to "Top of the Pops" in terms of layout. Again, the main image, a mid-shot, dominates most of the cover with smaller pieces of text situated around it. Six different colours have been used here; pink, black, white, green, yellow and blue. Therefore, the cover appears varied and bright, inviting a younger reader to pick up the magazine as they observe the bright colours which connote happiness, fun and femininity. The clothes of the cover stars match the colours of the typography. Different shapes have been used and shapes have been tilted to create a less formal feel, appealing to a younger audience.