1. House Style.
In this presentation I will analyse some of the features included in my three chosen magazine covers. I will analyse how these magazines use house style using; colour, representation, font, layout/ design, images and genre. What is house style? “The specific usage and editing conventions followed by writers and editors to ensure stylistic consistency in a particular publication or series of publications (newspapers, magazines, journals, websites, books).” [1] Why do magazines use house style? Magazines use house style to contribute to the branding of the product. It enables the reader to expect certain features from the magazine and to help the reader to recognise the magazine. Where would you find it? The house style can be identified during the whole course of the magazine, but focusing especially on the front cover and the masthead as they are the main features which create the magazines identity. [1]

2. Alternative press magazine.
Background information:
Alternative Press is an American music magazine originally based in Ohio. The magazine supplies the reader with access to exclusive interviews, posters and news on upcoming tours and albums. The magazine began by being handed out at concerts in 1985 and since then has grown to produce more and more pages of content. The magazines amount of subscribers grew, resulting in producing near 220 pages per issue.
Genre:
Alternative.
Including; punk, rock, metal.
Target Audience:
Young adult+
Frequency:
Monthly
Total circulation:
280,000

3. Layout/ Design Font Genre Representation Image Colour
The layout is the masthead and important issue headings, then at the bottom of the cover are the article headings. The image is large and central on the cover. The design is relatively simple as it only consist of a a main image, the masthead and article headings. There is only one image on the cover, as opposed to a few, typical of pre teen magazines as the target audience is older and don’t need lots of images to keep their attention. This layout appeals to the target audience because it has a large, central image and the cover lies surrounding it, suggesting that the main focus of this magazine is the
band in the image, and the cover lines
outline the topics and articles covered in
the magazine.
Font
The font for the ‘AP’ masthead is informal and chunky to draw attention to the magazine when it is on magazine stands. The font for the sub headings are blocky and some are slanted. This makes the sub-headings bold in front of the dark background so they can be read when they are on a magazine stand, attracting readers to topics in the magazine. This font appeals to the target audience because it is large and stencilled which could suggest the style of the band and how they are portrayed.
Genre
The genre of this issue is mainly rock based, as the main subject is the band ‘Sleeping with Sirens’ which are a rock band. However, each issue of the magazine could attract a different audience as they will have different bands on the cover.
Representation
This cover represents the band as rather intimidating by showing them against a black background and by showing only their faces. Also, they aren’t smiling which supports their intimidating image. However, this could simply be reinforcing the fact that they are a rock band and must uphold their intimidating, moody vibe.
Image
The image is a headshot including the
whole group arranged in a circle shape to
fit all the members in. The image has a
black background to direct focus onto their
faces. The lighting also creates light and
shadow to also direct focus which also
makes them the main focus on the
magazine cover. The image appeals to the
target audience because in their ‘genre’ of
music they are relatively well known,
suggesting that their fans would want to
know more about them, which they can do
by reading interviews in this magazine.
Colour
The colours on the magazine cover are contrasting which creates layers on top of the image creating depth on the magazine cover. The different colours for each sub heading ensure that the reader can distinguish between each article.

4. Classical Music Magazine.
Background information:
Classical Music is a British music magazine launched under editor Trevor Richardson in The magazine includes; topical interviews, conductor interviews, awards and events , features, and latest releases in the classical music world.
Genre:
Classical.
Target Audience:
Young Adults+
Frequency:
Monthly.
Total circulation:

5. Genre Colour Font Image Layout/Design Representation
The genre of this magazine is classical music. This is made apparent by the cover figure, as she is a classical musician. It is also supported by the headings which are about classical music. You could also identify that this is ,for example, not a rock magazine as the cover figure is wearing formal clothing.
Colour
The colours are quite minimalist. The writing on the cover is all in white which creates depth between the writing and the picture. The colours in the picture are mainly brown and dark, neutral colours.
Font
The font is quite formal for the masthead and the headings. The masthead font is considerably larger than the other headings, which vary in size depending on their importance. This font appeals to the target audience because it is formal and doesn’t include unnecessary colour or swirly designs.
Image
The image dominates the whole cover. However, the masthead overlaps the image, unlike the other covers I analysed. The image includes darker colours, conveying a more formal style. This image appeals to the target audience because it , in a way, replicates classical music. The subject of the image is in elegant clothing, she is smiling and in an elegant pose. She could also be described as a ‘classic beauty’.
Layout/Design
The layout is quite simple. The masthead is at the top of the cover and the remaining article headings are around the side and the main article heading is a the bottom.
Representation
This cover represents this woman as formal and well presented as she is in formal clothing and her hair has been styled and isn’t messy. Her clothing covers her whole body and in the image we only see half of her body. This suggests that she is elegant and sophisticated which could juxtapose a magazine aimed at men, showing a women, who would look considerably different.

6. Vogue magazine. Background information:
Vogue is originally an American fashion magazine focusing on the trends of the season and predicting future trends. Vogue is now sold in over 21 countries. The magazine was first released in 1892 under the editor, Arthur Turnure.
Genre:
Fashion.
Target Audience:
Young Adults+
Frequency:
Monthly
Total circulation:
1,259,826

7. Genre Font Layout/ Design Image Colour Representation
Vogue is a fashion magazine. It makes this relatively obvious by making the main focus of the cover the dress on the cover woman. Also, the headings are all linked to fashion and fashion icons.
Font
The font for the masthead is formal but the pink makes it less intimidating. One of the fonts for the headings are blocky, whilst the other one looks quite feminine with a handwritten twist. This makes the magazine look formal and sophisticated (much like their average reader) but is also light hearted and creative, which makes the magazine more appealing to a wider audience. The font is appealing to the target audience because it is formal whilst also including a fashionable design to the plain font, suggesting it to be formal and fashionable, which is obviously what the magazine is about.
Layout/ Design
The layout of this cover is relatively simple. The masthead is partly covered by the large central image of a woman. The article headings are shown around the sides of the cover and at the bottom is another heading in a larger font than the other headings.
Image
The image dominates the whole cover and even covers some of the mast head. The image has a high colour saturation and contrast, and is made up of bright and pastel colours, creating a colourful, summery, positive mood to the magazine, which is supported by the fact that the cover figure is smiling. This image is appealing to the target audience because the subject of the image is wearing a piece of fashionable, couture clothing with extravagant yet fashionable accessories and make up.
Colour
The colours on the cover all compliment each other but also emphasise certain headings, such as the magazine name, Vogue. The headings are all pink, black and white, which make them look similar and complimenting the colours in the background and the colours worn by the cover figure. The colours are bright and summery, even though this issue is from February. The colours used create a positive feeling which is emphasised by the fact that the cover figure is smiling.
Representation
This presents women as glamorous and positive. This can accurately represent some women but others would argue that it is an unrealistic representation, as women are not always glamorous and positive.