Analysis of school magazine covers

For my research I have looked at a selection of school magazine covers in order to gain a wider grasp on my market and the concepts that they employ to reach their goals. The first product I have looked at appears at first instance very simplistic in style. Block colour has been used as a backing for

the product which would suggest to us as an audience that this colour is linked to the school in some way, perhaps that school colour. In regards to the layout the cover has been structured in a way that would indicate professionalism and academia, with a very positive stance on the pictures that have been use. This suggests to me that this magazine was m

eant for prospective students and parents, presenting the school in a way that will look appealing and attractive. The images used also indicate a school that is inspired by team work and a modern way of education as 2 of the main images show a group of students together participating in activities and the image of the young girl at the computer would suggest the more modern, technical side of teaching and education, which can also be appealing to parents. By using these images it could also be evidence of what is to be included in the magazine with reference to school activities and achievements. All of the images used were constructed in way to make it clear who the target audience was and demonstrate the values of the school and how they want their students to come across. This is also reflected in the simplistic nature of the layout, as a more stylistic magazine cover gives connotations of an artistic setting rather than a academic one. This is all linked to representation and audience, 2 major concepts when referring to media texts. The 'language' of this magazine is also vital to its overall image as the use of hard, cool colours is suggestive of a more academic natured school in contrast to more energetic colours such as greens, pinks and yellows which is indicative of a more laid back approach to learning.

The second cover i analysed for my research is from the Loyolite School and is their most recent magazine publication. This magazine appears more stylised in terms of graphics than the previous cover which would suggest that this magazine is aimed at a younger audience, perhaps the students. The way that the cover has been constructed is reminiscent of a scrapbook which has connotations of youth culture and the usage of lined paper as a background is suggesting an educational image. This cover is completely different in terms of representation and language to the previous cover as the images that have been used are neither positive or negative and show no real evidence of students at all in contrast to the previous. by doing this audiences have no real indication as to what will be inside the magazine. As an audience, we can get from this cover that this school is perhaps more artistic and creative in their schooling system as the scrapbook approach is very suggestive of this, it also suggests that the students themselves may have been involved in making the cover in contrast to the previous as this cover appears very youthful in its represen

tation and layout. As a concept, i like the ideas behind this magazine cover but I would perhaps look at developing the ideas a bit further as i feel that is doesn't really do its job properly in indicating to audiences what is being represented in this

magazine, however it is very successful in distinguishing its target audience.

This magazine cover is very similar to the first cover I looked at, in terms of style and layout. The colours that have been used are indicative of an academic persona just like the first cover as the colours emit a certain tone and setting. The images that have been used are also representing a school that comes together and has success in a lot of areas as well as emphasising the team work side of schooling, again just like the first cover. The layout of this cover differs slighty with the images being in different places but all in all the cover still allows itrs audience to get a clear picture of what the school is all about and the stance that they take towards education. This magazine cover in particular, makes it very clear as to who the target audience by the colours used and the overal structure of the layout, just like the first cover this magazine has been designed with the intent of showing it to prospective parents to show the school in a way that would make it appealing and attractive. Some would say that this sort of magazine is a form of propaganda for the school itself as school life itself does not always center around just the academic side of things that this magazine suggests, in contrast to the seconf cover which hints at a slightly more relaxed view on school culture. I personally really like this front cover, I like the colours that have been used and I feel that it is exactly the type of magazine that would appeal to parents, so in that respect it does it's job, which, after all, is the purpose for any media publication.

As with all magazine covers and publications the written language on the cover is also important as it can be evidence of specific target audiences and the representation that the magazine wishes to put towards its readers and audience. in regards to the three covers i have looked at the writing on the covers has all been very in-personal and formal with only the name of the school being mentioned, which signifies that their target audiences have all been of an older generation and audience expectations would demand formal and informative writing. Depending your target audience your magazine cover would vary dramatically in terms of written communication as younger audiences would demand and expect certain colloquialisms and communication between magazine and audience in complete contrast to the older audiences.

After looking at three different magazine covers I have learnt that the most important aspect to consider when designing and planning your ideas is the tone and image you want to represent to your target audience as this will be key to the success of your product. The most important part is the audience and if your product does not convey the specific aspects that would lend itself to certain audiences then your product will not be accepted into your target groups. I have also realised from my research that a lot of the school magazines out there today are targeted towards adults and parents, I aim to create a magazine that is targeted towards 6th form students themselves and challenge the market of school magazines.