Shout contents analysis

Shout contents analysis

• 1.
  This is acontents page taken from the magazine “Shout”. This is a pop magazine targeted at female teenagers
• 2.
  Layout-  Thelayout of the contents simplistic to aid easy navigation throughout the magazine. This is evident through the use of articles being separated into different categories. This makes trying to find particular features much easier; which is appropriate for the target audience because they wouldn’t bother spending ages looking for something. They want everything fast and now.  The page numbers are in front of the descriptions which again creates an ease of use.  The actual page numbers and articles are in two columns which creates an organised look. But then pictures come are randomly placed on the side to make the page look visually interesting. It also creates a scrap book feel because everything is at different angles and sizes, making the layout appear less confined. This could be highlighting the stereotype that teenagers don’t like boundaries or conformity.
• 3.
  Colour-  Thecolour scheme is very simplistic as only a few colours are used. The main bulk of the page is white which connotes freshness which could relate to the music featured in the magazine. It also creates an uncluttered, simple feel because the text and pictures which are coloured almost jump off the page.  Yellow is also used to highlight the different sections that the content is filed under.  Bright pink is also used for a block of colour on the right hand side and for the page numbers. This burst of colour looks is particularly impactful because of the plain background.  Such bright colours as yellow and pink are appropriate for the target audience because it connotes youth and fun which would appeal to them.
• 4.
  Images – There is one main image to the right of the actual contents. The model looks very stern as she’s not smiling. This gives the magazine a slightly more formal feel. Although, it’s likely she’s a fashion model and so it would be a typical image from that aspect.  Other smaller images feature below the main one. These are of pages in the magazine. This is useful because it means the reader can get a sense of the articles and layout of the magazine without having to spend time looking through it.  There is also an image of a dress, which connotes to the idea of being fashionable which would be appealing to the target audience, as they want to look good.
• 5.
  Font-  Anumber of different fonts and sizes are used in the contents page. This depends on how important the text is.  For example the font for the categories of articles like “Win” are much bigger than the information about subscriptions. This is because the categories are what’s most important and are what would make you want to buy the magazine. Hence you want these to be what the readers eye is drawn to first.  All of the fonts used are slightly different styles but they are all sans serif. This is appropriate for the target audience because it connotes a sense of informality, which is what teenagers would be used to and would feel more comfortable reading.
• 6.
  Mode of Address- • Very colloquial and informal language is used. This is to relate to the target audience because this is the type of language they would use with each other. So it anchors the idea that this magazine is current and for young people. • It uses direct address such as “What’s your flirt fortune?”. This makes the magazine interactive because it feels as though it is speaking directly to the audience, this also makes it feel more personal too. • Slang is another linguistic feature used by the magazine. A line to illustrate this is “Freebie”. Slang is generally linked to youth and so again it anchors the youthful feel to the magazine.