Above I have tried out different fonts to see which one would represent a Hip Hop/ RnB genred magazine.

These are the fonts i am thinking of using. I am currently look for a font to use as my cover line that connotes RnB strength. I believe that all of these fonts connote strength and power but I am sure that one of these fonts will be successful.

The masthead of this magazine cover “XXL” is on a red banner which makes the text in diamonds stands out as it contrasts with darker background that is on it. The masthead is behind the main image which has stereotypical conventions of this genre of magazines as they tend to place the image in front of the text, showing how ‘XXL’ has not broken the conventions of stereotypical layout and has taken on a bolder effect as the masthead is incredibly eye catching as it has been placed behind the main image to show it’s that the models/ artists are VIPs’ and important to the music magazine. It is key for the masthead to stand out as it is a company logo that has to compete against other music magazines on the market and so has to break generic conventions to make it stand out from the rest.

The main image of the magazine is of two very famous rappers. This will entice the fans to buy it. It’s also an indication that the magazine will be about hip hop and RnB. The main image consists of ‘Lil Wayne’ and ‘Baby’. The jewelry they have on them connotes power and wealth. This is significant as the rappers/ artists are very rich and they are recognized by their fans and also other types of audiences about their riches. Another feature from the main image which suggest wealth and power is the tattoos o their bodies. Tattoos are very expensive therefore making them rich. From their body language and we can learn that they are fearless and from the body language we can learn that they have a connection and protect each other. The fact that ‘Baby’s’ hand is on ‘Lil Wayne’s’ shoulder suggests he is protecting him. This shows audiences that black rappers are not all as stereotypical as the media portray them. In the main image both artists have their tops off; this has two different reading to it. It could suggest sex appeal but also may be deemed as homoerotic. It also suggests that two topless males hugging each other is not a sign of homosexuality but a indication of protection and affection. This attracts not only females but also may appeal to a gay target audience. The shot used for the photo is a Mid-shot, the generic type for a magazine, and the angle of the photo is slightly a low angle shot to emphasize the power of the two artists with their expressions of determination on their face to show that they mean business.

The Cover line is the name of the magazines main feature ‘survival of the fittest’. The font of it is largest out of all other selling lines as it is important for the main story to attract the reader into the main story of the magazine.

In this front cover, the selling lines are mainly names of artists that are being featured in the magazine and the extra images also work as a point of sales. For example in the ‘XXL’ magazine famous artists such as Eminem. 50 cent, Nelly, Juvenile, Puffy, Kanye and many more. This is effective as it attracts fans from different artists therefore opening a wider range of audiences. Although if not all the artists are produce rap or RnB they collaborate with other artists to attract other audiences.

On this front cover, there are at least 5 types of font which is unusual for a front cover as usually, magazines tend to stick to 3 types; keeping a simple yet professional and neat look. This magazine cover breaks conventions to create a different effect to the magazine without making it look messy, creating a new and individual effect.

Draft of my Music Magazine

Vibe contents page analysis