Research into similar products - Thomas Wakelin 5310 Foundation Portfolio in Media

The lexis choices made here are large in size and clearly “shout” to the audience that they get a “FREE CD”. This is an emphasised message due to the red (alarming) box around it. This is clearly a way of appealing to customers and try to convince them to purchase the magazine. This also relates to the colour scheme of the overall magazine As the “f” in the magazine Title is always this colour. The lexis choice of “FAVOURITE” is a different colour compared to the test of the typography on the same line. This is to alert (hence the red colour) the reader of the magazine’s achievement which is a great advertising tool. This relates to the colour scheme of the magazine which adds to the overall professional appearance. The typography of the “f” letter in “FM” is different than the remainder of the title. This is due to the “f” being a different font style to symbolise the genre of the magazine. The “f” is extremely formal and whilst still as formal along with the font style chosen and used by the rest of the magazine. The “f” however appears more “italic” Other story featured inside the magazine is illustrated here. The title of the story follows the typography choices and colour scheme which the entire cover uses. The typography here changes from black to white. I don’t think that this was a very wise decision and was most likely made due to the white background the cover-photograph has. This is the “FREE CD!” which the top of the cover mentioned. The only disadvantage however is that the CD takes up a lot of space which could be used to mention covers of the magazine. An advantage however is that this will stand out to the consumer, increasing more sales. Other story featured inside the magazine is illustrated here. The title of the story follows the typography choices and colour scheme which the entire cover uses. Feature story is illustrated here. Though the feature is quite small and could be ignored in favour of the main cover story. The main feature of the story is written here. A breakout quote is large in size and the key word; “Musical” is clearly in a bolder and larger state than “My” and “Mission”. This follows the colour scheme of the magazine cover and helps emphasise the story. (Red- Alert) Cover-Photograph. The celebrity herself could sell issues of “Classic FM” from her “followers”, but her image is mainly used to backup the feature of her as a “Guest Editor”. As this would be a one-off feature for the magazine, it is rightly emphasised. Another story is illustrated here along with a graphology choice to help emphasise the story. The typography however is white and very difficult to read as it is quite “busy” as it is near three different images. This could cause frustration when the reader is trying to read it. This extra “FREE Guide” button has been added here. It follows the colour scheme to maintain a professional approach whilst emphasising and drawing the attention of the reader towards another reason for them to purchase the magazine. This is a standard-feature of all magazines, the bar code must be there if the magazine is going to be sold. The typography beneath it however is very small and difficult to read. This could cause issues for people looking to see if they already own this issue.

This is the BBC logo. It is clearly emphasised and is a great tool for the magazine to use to gain the same reputation as the broadcast company does. It gives the magazine creditability. This is obviously good from a sales prospective. “The World’s Best Selling Classical Music Magazine”, this is white typography on a black background; this emphasises the text. This is obviously a good selling point for the entire magazine. This is the cover-photograph of the magazine. The photograph takes up the majority of the page and has been chosen to encourage consumers to pick up the magazine and purchase it. The gentleman dressed fits with the cover design background which is a zoomed-in spotlight alongside the free CD also. This clearly proves that it is best to try and link everything together, both background, typography (formal) choice and a free gift (if applicable) to maintain a professional approach in magazine design. This indicates that there is another feature on the magazine. It is an interesting way of adding more information on the cover and doesn’t seem to be very common from my magazine research. This “sticker image” has been placed over the logo of the magazine. Whilst this would be fine for regular purchasers of the magazine, it may confuse new consumers who haven’t read the magazine before. The addition of the “main cover character” nearly completing covering the “u” and “s” in “Music” doesn’t help this also. As previously mentioned, the background almost appears to be a “Zoomed-in” image of a stage with a spotlight shining onto it. This is appropriate for the main story which the magazine is covering as the “main cover character” is also wearing a suite whilst illustrating a 2011 Award show. This caters to the older audience of the BBC Music magazine as well as giving the magazine an overall; formal and professional approach. Usual features which would be expected to be on a magazine cover are here such as the “Barcode”. However, I believe that this white text box clashes with the overall formal approach the magazine is trying to obtain. It looks out of place and is covering the “Main cover image” which is frustrating as it gives the overall impression of a “Crammed Cover”. The font style chosen here matches the overall “formal” approach of the cover well. It is however blocked by the “main character image” and the “Sticker image” which could cause confusion on a shop shelf. The golden typography chosen here clearly has numerous characteristics; Gold is a product which we as consumers imagine wealth, riches and importance. Through using this coloured typography on the various “Headlines” on the cover, ‘BBC Music’ Magazine is clearly implying to the consumer that all stories in the magazine are of great importance and value. This also matches the golden spotlight images in the background of the cover as well as being something we relate to award shows; Gold is usually first place. The free gift here has taken up the majority of the front cover; perhaps being a “main selling point” of the magazine? The photograph on the cover is of a formal location; matching the desired “formal cover” which ‘BBC Music’ Magazine have tried to adopt. They could however have linked the free gift to their cover star?