Student Textual Analysis

AS Archive, Level 4, R&B magazine analysis

Front CoverImage: The image is a medium shot as we are only able to see the student from her waist upwards. The student has decided to use just one main image for the front cover which takes up about 75% of the page and centrally composed, therefore indicating she should be centre of attention; This also allows the audience to have a clear view of her facial expression, upper body stance and clothes. As well as this the fact that she is looking directly into the camera lens will make the audience feel engaged and instantly invited into the magazine.Mise-En-Scene: The student on the front cover was probably selected due to the stereotypical convention of RnB having a multicultural artist centrally composed. the genre of RnB artists are dark skinned although, this may be argued as very stereotypical. The overhead headphones the character is wearing is a convention of RnB as well as the ring on her finger and her nose piercing also fit the genre perfectly. RnB is a ‘blingy’ and materialistic presented genrecolour palette: the main situated colours are black, white and red which is often the convention for RnB as well as strongly situated with rock. The black background emphasises the girls fiery red head and instantly eye catching for the audience. The red could also connote that “Tashi T’ is on fire in terms of successful music production.

font&typography: the mast head and strap lines have all used the convention of san serif font, this make it stand out to any other text on the page and make them the first to look at. The typography is in alliterative manner, once read its sticks in the readers mind, this draws in the reader as well with the use of this stay strap line. The red outlining on the streamline relates the text tot he image . The smaller print on the side give the readers some insight into what they are in store for thought the magazine, The small but bold exclusive makes the reader not want to miss out on what feature story is included insidevisual style- the layout of the magazine is very tidy, the next form the ‘L’ shape layout which is a common convention of the music magazine category. The appearance is simplistic and easy to grasp for the on lookers

barcode- a common convention of a magazine normally situated at the bottom, required for it to be purchased, so essential. As well as the date and price, the price is typically in smaller text as this does not want to stand out and have an effect on the reader intentions of buying the magazine

sub-stories: another convention that is be used is adding in additional titles of stories that are featured in the magazine. This helps draw the attention of the reader, which will increase the likelihood of purchasethe title of the magazine synchronises with the genre of the magazine as well. ‘Rhythm News Base’ spelling out RnB which is clever and distinctive for the audience, not one to be forgotten, especially if a fan of RnB

Contents pageThis contents page in diverted away from

the typical conventions, there is no large masthead, but instead a small reminder in the top left. They have gone with the approach of a feature page as there is no mention of the word ‘content’ . Feature page is normally a more urban approach to a contents page as it is less formal and straight to the point.The image is the centre piece of the

feature page as well as the front cover, taking up 60% of the page. They have used a medium long shot to get in conventions of the element of fashion that effects R&B. Neither of the artist are looking directly to the camera which could mean that there is more to come within the magazine.The image also has a shadowing effect, this means that they rent as innocent as they seem, as shadows and darkness can be a representation of danger

The colour palette is the same sophisticated scheme of colours as the front cover but white has took dominance instead of the red and black; white can be a representation of innocence and that the artist aren't as urban as the audience may think (might have a reason behind their lyrics) The red is still the stand out vibrant colour of the piece, this is to draw attention tot he important information, like page numbers, the colour black is purely to inform as it is the small synopsis next to the page number.Layout- The layout of the feature page is very simplistic and easy on the eye, with the main attraction being another snapshot of 2 dark skinned music artists. The organised page number featuring on the left hand side of the text describing what the page is all about. There are no large writing or text that is instantly engaging, which show confidence that people will look through it in more detail.

The image is stereotypical of the genre R&B with 2 multicultural artists, they are also in a posey stance leaning up against the wall which is shows the laid back, relaxed nature of the magazine.The clothes the artist are wearing are urban its the camouflage jacket being in touch with latest fashion, and also wearing a chain round the neck showing that they have money as jewellery is a convention of the flashy R&B genre

The subheadings are in the black for to keep the colour scheme of the magazine throughout, creating continuity and recognition for future editors. These headings are short snippets of what the reader can expect which is intriguing and more likely to purchase the magazine

Double page spreadThe image takes up a hole side of the double sheet spread, making it the first thing to look at once would be opened. They have used an over the shoulder shot to present what her point of view is and how she sees her success. The setting of the photo is in a dance theatre which suggest that she might be working on new things for her ‘fans’. The artist is looking back at herself which is inviting for the reader to know what she is thinking which is in the text to the left of her.

The masthead on the double page spread is the same as the sub-title on the front cover showing that this is the feature page. Taking up the same catchy alliterative form, making it stick in the head of the reader and not to be forgotten, like the artist and her music. The text is written in straight columns which is unconventional as this is seen as a formal way to print the text. The text consists of many personal quotes and experiences of the artist. This appealing to the reader and more incline to buy it if they think they get a personal account of their favourite music idol.

On the image there is a pull quote from the artist herself. ‘Deeper lyrics make the song not just a catchy tune’ this shows to her fans that she is not just a musician to make money and have fame she wants to get her point across and celebrate her talent.

nevertheless, we see that Tashi T has an ego that many celebrities have with the quote situated in the text ‘I want to be a brand’ this is red writing among the white and emphasised by the black background. The quote suggests that she is a craver for people attention and money, as brands are something to be sold. This has been done purposely because the R&B greats are ones with big egos like Kanye West and his branded trainers ‘yeezys’ names after his album is a prime example of what Tashi T wants to achieve with that quote.

The colour palette yet again is following the same scheme of colours of red, white and black. They have chosen to keep the colours the same throughout to create consistency for the reader as well as this future readers will be able to identify in the magazine without seeing the brand name. Creating a brand identification through colour. Throughout the three pages produced, each page has took turn on being the dominant colour which is refreshing for the readers viewing as it is not boring and consistently identical.

The article starts by using a drop capital which is a convention of magazines, it also lets the reader know where the start of the text is.