Reflecting on Images

What do the clothing codes tell you?

Both the models of the main image were in casual attire, where the male was in a hoodie and a red
top. The bright red top linked in with my main colour scheme of red, black and white so this added
an additional subtle impact. The female wore a causal top and a dark cardigan. They both wore black
framed glasses this immediately makes them stereotypically appear more intelligent and the fact
that they were black links to my colour scheme again so it fits in nicely.
The other images used also showed the models in casual attire, except the principle who
understandably is in a more formal attire which makes him look more superior.
What are their facial expressions? Why?
The two models on the cover page are both presented with a wide smile this sets a positive tone to
the magazine as well as a welcoming one. This trend follows throughout the magazine as all the
other photos show the models smiling some showing teeth and some without to create a contrast.
I found it important that all the models appeared happy otherwise no one would want to read a
magazine which implies a negative feel.
What is their posture why?
Most the models are standing upright and this demeanour denotes how theyre sensible,
sophisticated and well-mannered as opposed to slouching and having a lazy attitude. In the main
image the two models were standing back to back this symbolises unity and shows how theyre in
it together and once again sets a positive tone. A teacher is slouching slightly this implies hes
relaxed and comfortable I wanted him to appear like this as if he was more upright it would be as if
hes teaching and lecturing which isnt what his article is about so I wanted his posture to show the
article related is more relaxed.
Stereotypes
The main image was of two students and they both were glasses, now the common stereotype of
people who wear glasses are that theyre teachers pets are overly clever , keen to learn and
controlling but Ive tried to challenge this stereotype slightly as they look happier and carefree
instead of overly serious and controlling. Also, the image of the principle shows him smiling where
you wouldnt think of a principle smiling due to his authority in the college and principles can be
perceived as serious and strict. I have challenged this to keep the magazine positive and show
principles in a better light. Another stereotype I have challenged is of the teenage boys, some think
their gangsters or athletic but Ive demonstrated them reading in a library to show a different side
to boys then expected this sparks interest in the reader as a surprise.
Representation of race significant?
All the models happen to be white, British but theyre all shown in a positive light as their props are
study related, their postures are sensible and their costumes and demeanour is suitable. Although,
my magazine is open to a range of ethnicities and so perhaps I should have included a broader range
of ethnic groups.
Who is the magazine being aimed at?
The audience pinpointed for this magazine are college students hence the masthead college buzz
denoting that its for people involved with college business in case the students themselves. In
addition, the majority of the models are college students as well as the main image itself. The
magazine is evidently open to any gender as the models involved are both male and female and the
main image has a male and female together. However, if I was to go into more depth to the
audience I would say the more intelligent, hard working students are targeted as the majority of
the magazine appears to be devoted more to the study side then the gossip side. Economic wise its
open to anyone as the price in reasonably cheap 99p so it isnt aimed at a certain class.
What have you done to attract the target audience?
To attract college students to the magazine I give it the masthead of college bizz showing it highly
involves them. To suit both genders I involved a gender neutral colour scheme and used both
genders as models in the images. I used a lure of meal deal to attract the audience as its
something useful for college students. To attract a more sophisticated and hard working
audience I dedicated most the magazine to study topics and the main cover line is about education
too.
How Text and Image have been used to target the audience?
Ive used a semantic field of college, study and success as the words success, student, top,
study and revision this lexical field attracts the intelligent or students wanting to do well to buy
this magazine just using language. Also, I used words which trigger excitement like exclusive and
Revealed in bold this acts as persuasion to get students to view this magazine. Image wise I
manipulated the target audience to buy it using, demeanour and appearance to have them
associated themselves with the models and therefore read on.