Magazine Analysis

The popular rock magazine Kerrang, appeals to a similar sort of audience to a student magazine. Analysing this title page will help me understand what catches the teenage eye with the use of colour, image, layout, font etc. The masthead, which is usually placed at the top, indicates what brand and can also show what theme/identity the magazine is all about. In this case, the word Kerrang is spelt with an exclamation mark connoting it’s loud, also shown by the way the typography is split up.

The central image contrasts with the masthead to make it work. The image of the band instantly refers to there being a main story, which is use of synergy to promote each other. Their appearance and body language, shows the bands genre of music to be rock/alternative rock, indicated by the long hair and a typical band stance. The image attracts the audience because the lead singer of the band Biffy Clyro is recognisable. The uses of coverlines/links are in a range of different fonts, which are increased in size for a particular word, which catches the eye. Words like ‘Free’ and ‘Plus’ alerts the reader that there’s more included in the magazine, also known as puffs.

Items that the magazine doesn’t like to highlight, such as the price (unless it’s been advertised as cheaper), edition and barcode are usually at a much smaller font/size, and reasons are because they don’t want to fill too much space or don’t want the reader to instantly recognise.  The use of language appeals to the target audience, they haven’t included a large amount. The text is mainly built up of band names, which is to reach out to as many people as possible, a teenager noticing a particular band they like will be tempted to read more about them.

Finally the use of colour is important in this magazine. The main colours used are black and white where the images and text go together. However the use of red as well is to outline the puffs, which are the free items included and other band stories. The colours connotate the rock theme, which is what Kerrang, is trying to give.