Front CoverThe image on the front cover is a multiple person Long Shot. There are 10 rap artists being presented on this front cover and they are all wearing white clothing which brightens the look of the magazine. Apart from this the white has a positive connotations which could mean that these artists are positive influencers. Although they are all matching colour each of their outfits are very different this shows the individuality of each person. In regards to the clothing they are all high end brands which portrays their success as hip-hop/rap artists. White clothing connotes a classy style. They are also wearing gold chains and this connotes wealth, success and power. In this image all the artists are showing their riches which shows off the money that they have and perhaps what comes with being a hip-hop artist.
The background is also white and makes the front cover look very uniformed because it matches the clothing. The artists are positioned in and order of three in the top row, four in the middle and three at the bottom. This gives the image some order and it make every artist be seen but it also shows what category the artist my stand at as the artist at the top seem to have more power. They are all doing hand signs or standing differently making their individuality be noticed even more. Some of the gesture that they are making show their personality as either cool and serious gangster on the other hand some are showcasing their personality as fun, wild and unique. Everyone in the image are looking directly to the camera this emphasise their power and confidence. Further more this gives the reader a bigger connection between everyone in the image and them.
As for the lighting for the image it is placed directly at them but with some distance between the artist which compliments everyone in the image as everyone is seen very clearly.
The masthead of the magazine is partially covered by the image, this is a because XXL is a well established magazine. 'XXL' Logo is placed in the Left hand side as we naturally read left to right and top to bottom therefor the masthead would be the first thing to be read. In this specific issue of the magazine XXL are showcasing their '9th annual freshman issue'. The 'Freshman Issue' is an annual issue of the magazine were XXL announce a new class of rappers that they feel will takeover in the industry. As this magazine is anticipated for readers the skyline just accentuates this feature of the magazine. All the principle cover lines which include the name of the artists from the image are placed on the right side of the image and is very minimal.
The font follows a modern, street graffiti/city aesthetic. This goes well with the magazine because it is a hip-hop/ rap genre magazine. The font also makes a reference to a school type font as it seems young and handwritten, this links to 'freshman' as freshman is used to name a grade in school.
The cover line is highlighted with bright colours. Pink and yellow are not used in any other part of the magazine so this part stands out. "THE NEW WAVE" is written in a different font and is the largest of the writing on the front cover. Because the magazine is a special edition the cover line is spread out across the bottom magazine with a lot of information.
Normal codes and conventions of a magazine such as a barcode, pricing and issue number are shown.
Overall the front cover is portraying young 'fresh' successful artists.
Image: Multiple Person Long Shot
Matching Clothing, White /White Background
Colour Scheme. White Blue and Black Covering Masthead. Well established magazine
Skyline emphasises the milestone for the magazine.
('9th annual freshman issue')
Font- Connotes
Cover line highlighted with colour scheme.
'THE NEW WAVE'
(feature of the magazine more than one person)
Puff- '2016 FRESHMAN CLASS'
Barcode at the bottom
Issue number
Release Date
Price
- Follows Codes and Conventions
Contents Page
The contents page is called the A-Side, it is the first page of a two part contents that XXL feature in their magazine. I will be analysing the this contents page. Unlike the image from the front cover, this image is a close up high shot. We can no longer see the artists full body but now their faces are a lot closer which makes the reader feel at lot more personal. The high angle is generally used to get an overview of the setting and with this we get to see the individuals a lot closer. 2/3 of the page is used up by the image and at the bottom the text is placed, it lists the editorial content and each sub heading is in bold so it differentiates from the small explanation for each section. Each heading is bold because it is what the magazine finds the most important for the read to read. The number of the pages are very useful because this is what navigates the reader through the magazine. Because the number are very essential they are in Red. As for the colour scheme for the magazine it is red, black and white (same is front cover) This colour scheme is simple and they are the staple colours of the magazine as it used in logo and these colours now are associated with XXL magazine.
The XXL logo is at the top of the page and is very small, this gives the magazine some continuity and if in any case someone only saw the contents page, they would know it was an XXL Magazine.
Lists all editorial content
The Logo 'XXL' is int he corner and is small, known magazine
Colour Scheme Follows part of the front cover.
The headings for each part in the magazine is Bold and in a bigger Font- makes the headings stand out.
The layout of the magazine makes the contents page look ordered. The image is the same the front cover. The text at the bottom
Double Page Spread
Because this magazine is a special edition this double page spread is from a 4 part feature. On this double page it is linking to the "NEW WAVE" cover line. It has two of the artists from the front cover. On the left page there is one column with an image next to it of "ANDERSON PARK" On the right page there is and image of 'DESIIGNER' and it follows the same layout as the other page (column on one side of the page). The headings of the pages are not at the top which is unusual for DPS's.
Each of the fonts for the headings are different but they are both with vibrant colours. They represent the individuality of both artists and this show how they differentiate. The text for the double page spread is informative and is in the for of a fact file. the language is informal and it is written the same way they would say it, this gives the reader a more personal view with the celebrity.
Features some of the same people from the front cover.
This Double Page Spread is part of a 4 a part feature.
As this is a special edition to XXL magazine there are 4 double page spreads that link to the cover line 'THE NEW WAVE'
Column on the left page with an image- the Heading of the page is at the bottom 'ANDERSON PARK' The font of the heading Connotes Modern, looks like neon lights, city personality
On the right page the layout is different but includes the same things.
The image is of a different person from the front cover 'DESIIGNER'
Font for the heading connotes street and graffiti, Follows the genre of the magazine.
The text is in informative way so it is a fact file.
