Vibe Front Cover Analysis
Firstly the background colour is grey, the editor chose to apply this as the background colour because it is a neutral colour and appeals to both genders because it isn’t a colour that is stereotypically linked to gender. The background also allows for everything else on the page to stand out clearly, this is because there is a strong contrast between the dull grey background and the vibrant colours used for the different features on the front cover.
The colour scheme throughout the front cover consists of black, grey and red. The colour red is used predominantly throughout the front cover, this is because red has connotations that link directly to the genre (RAP) of music that is primarily featured throughout the magazine. For example red has connotations of both rebelliousness and power, these connotations heavily link directly towards the music genre of Rap because rap music stereotypically contains lyrics that are related to breaking the law which relates to the connotation of rebelliousness, and making money which relates to the connotation of power. Moreover the editor also chose to use the colour red because it creates a contrast between different features within the front cover, for example ‘Eminem’ is portrayed on the front cover using large sans serif text, this shows that he is a more important artist within the edition of the magazine in comparison to other artists featured, it could also be said that the editor chose to individualise ‘Eminem’ because it directly links to the primary attraction on the front cover, that being the main image of Eminem.
This front cover features a skyline at the top of the page, this provides an insight into the contents of the magazine for the readers. Furthermore the skyline also emphasises the fact that it is a rap music magazine, this is made clear to the reader due to their being names of various rap artists such as Busta Rhymes and DMX etc. In addition to this the label featured in the top right hand corner of the front cover provides authenticity regarding the contents of the magazine, emphasising the fact that the magazine only publishes and promotes “REAL RAP”.
The masthead used consists of a large sans serif text type, the large text size makes the masthead appear more powerful and dominant. Comparatively the other features remain smaller in size emphasising the importance of the masthead. In addition to this the masthead fits the colour scheme and consists of the colours black and red, these colours have connotations that link heavily towards the music genre of rap. For instance the colour red has an under meaning of rebelliousness this links back to the genre because rap music contains lyrics that are laced with negative themes such as violence, crime and explore the taboos of modern society, this also indicates that the magazine’s target audience is people aged 16 or older, I can deduce this from the fact that the front cover hints to the reader that its contents will be that of mature themes. Furthermore the masthead ‘VIBE’ is immersed by the main image of Eminem, the magazine can afford to provide status to the main image of Eminem rather than their brand name, this suggests to the readers that VIBE are brand confident and are aware of their immense popularity.
The main image is of Eminem, his facial expression is of a blank, serious expression whilst his gaze is focused towards the camera. This is significant and links towards the serious content featured within the magazine; his heavy glare towards the camera, encapsulates the reader due to the direct address, making the reader feel more personally involved and attached to the magazine, this is an effective technique applied by the editor because it entices potential readers to purchase their magazine. Moreover Eminem’s stance is widely significant as it portrays him as a dominant figure within the rap music industry; his stance also reinforces the professionalism and consequential aspects of the magazine, his arms are crossed which supports the idea that he possess a strong rap persona and is influential towards the target audience.
The cover lines featured throughout the front cover use the same colour scheme applied throughout the rest of the magazine, this shows consistency and professionalism. The denotations of this colour scheme are that red is used in order to represent the more important articles within the magazine for example the cover line linking to the main image and therefore main article ‘EMINEM COMES CLEAN’ consists of a red text signifying the fact that it is superior in comparison to other articles. Whereas the colours black and grey are used in order to represent the more secondary cover lines that are inferior in comparison to those represented in red. In contrast to this the colour red also has connotations of: brutality, rebelliousness and danger, which are all negative connotations that link heavily towards the mature themes represented in both the magazine’s articles and style of music represented within the magazine.
Vibe Contents Page Analysis
This is the contents page for Vibe magazine; a magazine that revolves around the genre of rap, hip hop and its sub genres.
Firstly the main image features Kanye West, his stance makes him appear strong and confident, this links heavily towards the genre of rap music because rap lyrics often stress themes regarding power and control. This is also emphasised through his stern and emotionless facial expression, in addition to this his facial expressions also relates to the monochrome colour palette applied to the page. Moreover Kanye’s gaze is directed towards the camera, this creates a sense of insecurity and intensity for the reader, and this reinforces the themes that are usually lyrically expressed through rap music and hip hop because its content can be deemed as provocative and serious.
Secondly the title of the page ‘contents’ appears simple due to it being black and sans serif, this emphasises the serious nature of the magazine and the reliability of its articles. The ‘V’ standing for ‘VIBE’ is partially covered by Kanye this emphasises Kanye’s importance upon the page, within the magazine and in the rap industry as a whole. Furthermore its simplicity and lack of dominance upon the page reinforces the fact that ‘VIBE’ is brand confident and know that their readers are aware of what they are reading without to many reminders.
Thirdly the overall layout of this contents page is simplistic and easy to navigate this emphasises the professional nature of the magazine and how it is more concerned with providing and attracting its target audience with informative content rather than an extensive use of colour and images in order to capture the reader. Additionally the sub headings are styled using a serif font type this also emphasises the professional and mature nature of the magazine.
Finally the image of the female hand holding a red heart is powerful. Red being the only vibrant colour upon the page emphasises the connotations linked to red that link to the genres represented throughout the magazine. Red has connotations of violence and passion both of these juxtapose one another. This refers back to the genre of rap because its lyrics often contain elements of both these connotations.
Vibe Double Page Spread Analysis
Firstly the main image used upon this double page spread is a posed close up of wiz khalifa an American rapper.
He is looking directly at the camera and therefore the reader therefore causing direct address which is an effective too as it makes the reader feel more inclined to read the article as it is made personal for them through the use of direct address.
However despite the fact that there is direct address imminent within the image, he has deliberately been told to pose using an apathetic facial expression which implies to the reader that he doesn’t really care, either about the article or the reader.
Furthermore he is also wearing clothing and accessories that are stereotypical of a black American rapper such as a snap back and gold earring, this allows the reader to immediately identify or make a valued judgement regarding what type of artist and what music he makes even if they didn’t know him. Furthermore both his earing and hat are gold and gold is featured as one of the more predominant colours across the spread, being used as half of the title, the stand first and the drop cap; gold has connotation such as wealth, power and prestige, these connotations link heavily towards the music genre of rap music as there lyrics often stress themes relating to money and luxuries such as exotic cars and expensive jewellery etc.
Finally wiz can be seen in the main image blowing out smoke, this links to the “how high?” pull quote located on the other side of the spread. The reason themes of smoking have been added to this spread is because wiz khalifa is an infamous smoker and he has lyrics and entire songs dedicated and featuring themes that link to weed and smoking weed etc.