Analysis of my own Masthead

I have three versions of my masthead.

The first is very large and eye catching, this would work well on a magazine, however, not on my magazine as it is a bit too young for my Target audience. The large bursts and use of musical notes is very distinctive, but may be better for a music teaching magazine for children. The colours are very vibrant and stand out well, however I feel that my target audience would be more attracted to a more mature and minimal mast head.

The second mast head is more simple and carries a musical theme in the colour scheme I really like. The font may have to be different because it is not the same throughout. I like the colours red and white because the Men's Health colour scheme appeals to me. Although, bubble writing is more for a younger audience therefore I will opt for a simple but sophisticated writing, this is why I have chosen the third option.

My third option will be in red against a white background. The typeface is simple but because its in Italics it looks sophisticated and would be attractive for my target audience, as 16 - 21 is the age people start to mature and look for a more grown up and well written magazine to cater for their needs. It will be similar as it is the style I would like for my magazine although the typeface is more sophisticated and appealing.

A day in life of my ideal reader

As a an Early morning wake up (5:30am) I make a lovely instant coffee, its the only thing to wake me up as I head off to work! At the moment I work for a reputable accountant firm. Its not very exciting but it helps pay the bills until I can join the RAF. My plans are to join the RAF or police, as I want to help the community and the country.

I don't own a car therefore I make use of the public transport. I do have a licence but I can't quite afford the up keep for a car. When I do get the money I'm hoping to get a small Golf Polo or mini. I've always wanted one from a young age.

Luckily, at work I can get myself some breakfast, normally Cheerios which are great! I usually work until 1pm and have an hour break at the local corner cafe listening to my new songs from iTunes or Capital Fm from my new Blackberry. I am really enjoying David Guetta's new collaborations and the new Katy Perry songs too.

On my break, depending on the time of month, I read NME or Men's Health. I read Men's Health when it first comes out. I am trying to get myself into shape for next year when I'm planning to join the armed forces. I read NME because I enjoy the way it is written and some of the bands are quite good.

Phew! Works over, now I'm home to unwind I think I'll go on the PS3. I find it's always a nice way to end the day as it is something I'm passionate about. Today I feel like... Assassins Creed, yeah I'm in need of a good story. After playing for a couple hours you really get hungry, I think tonight I'll have the new Asada pizza I bought yesterday, should be good.

Time to watch some T.V with my dinner. Hmm, what's on today... Oh here we go Family Guy, this show always brightens my mood, it's so funny and clever and afterwards I think I'll watch one of the Cleavland show DVDs (it's a spin off of Family Guy).

Wow, it's been a long day, it's 11pm and time to go to sleep, finally!

Double page spread - NME pages 37

The double page spread is about the 75th 'greatest albums you've never heard'.

The spread is composed of an A4 photograph then a half an A4 picture with columns of text. This format is a good way to show off the main article focus, in this case the band and what I would use for my own magazine.

The text in the bottom half is split into columns. This gives the spread a formal newspaper like feel which helps organise the information and text. It also helps add smaller pictures and also add features.

The text is in different sizes and colours making it more appealing as well as using the colours from the photo above it. This is an interesting way to use the colours available and make the spread look more appealing and more enjoyable to read. Also, I would use the Italics to help express more important information. This is a feature I would incorporate into my own magazine.

Double page spread - mens health pg 36-37

The spread is about how different teas act on your body.

The spread has a title and then brief description which helps the reader quickly understand the spread and because the text is brief and full of information it is easy to read.

The different ingredients are put into a circle formation and make good use of the page space. The notes for each ingredient is noted like a computer would look at it, how it analyses the properties and effects of the ingredients. The colours are simple, reserved and minimal showcasing the target audiences maturity.

The page divide gives a simple break that if used more than once will be effective but not over the top. Likewise, the band around the spread is simple but decorative, at the bottom a colour coordinated strip shows which category the spread is from the contents page. This is something I would include as it is an excellent design feature.

Contents page analysis - Mens Health

The contents page is very appealing and well laid out. The date is well displayed and the contents title has its own strap line, this feature I like.

Each section has a sample spread to show what looks like and follows a highlight reel format. Also, at the bottom of the page more spreads are shown in a similar way of the ipod album slideshow. This shows the sort of technology men reading the magazine own and are used to. Furthermore, the contents page is colour coordinated to the main magazine, which are featured on the front cover and are themed for the month.

There are also promotions and paragraphs to entice the reader to certain sections, as well as, helping people that are only looking for that specific segment in the magazine to find it with ease.

Additionally, the same colours used on the front cover are carried through to keep the same housestyle. However, the typeface is similar throughout the contents page unlike the front cover.

Mast head analysis - NME

NME is a music magazine aimed at both males and females from the ages of 16 upwards. This means that the mast head also needs to cater to a wide audience. The mast head does this in the same way as the Men's Health mast head. It is simple and easy to read and recognise. It is suitable for the target audience because it does what it needs to, without being over the top.

I like this mast head because, again it is simple and appeals to a large target audience. The mast for my own magazine will take the simple bold typeface. However, mine will be a lot brighter to be more suitable for my target audience.

Mast head analysis - Men's Health

Men's Health is aimed at men between the age of 25 - 45, this means the mast head has to appeal to a wide age group. This is why it is a simple type face that is very easy to read and recognise on a magazine stand.

The simplicity of the mast head appeals to the large age range of its target audience. It is mature and does not have bright colours, does not have a complex type face and is practical because it does its job very well.

I like that the typeface is simple and so are the colours, however for my target audience, I will need to add some bright colours and a more exciting typeface as they are not as mature being 16-24 year olds.