CONTENTS PAGE OVERVIEW

CONTENTS PAGE OVERVIEW

All contents pages are from VIBE magazine, so they have been designed with the intention of attracting Hip Hop/RnB fans. Through carrying out this investigation of them and comparing them to each other, it will be possible to identify if there are any shared features of if there are any established repeated patterns.

The six contents pages that have been chosen feature typical magazine conventions such as a main image, and mast head. The image dominates the whole contents page and the articles relate to the content inside. Each contents page follows the same or similar layout creating a brand identity.

There is also a repeated pattern with the contents page as single artists or figures within the music industry dominate the page. However on the second contents page there are two female artists who go by the name Nicki Minaj and Shanelle. Although both musicians have been captured together they are in fact single artists. Although they are signed to the same music label, which is YMCMB. The audience would not expect this, indicating to them that within this particular issue there may be attributes which catch them off guard. There is emphasis on the main images as the readership instantly knows some of the features including. Direct address is used within each issue, creating a personal level with the audience. The Obama contents page shows the president in a humble manor by the way he is posing and with the help of direct address there is a sense of friendship whilst a personal tone is being applied. As well as this the ratio of males to females is very much equal, showing the audience that not only one gender dominates the genre. Males are portrayed as masculine and both Kanye West and Obama are in suits which immediately the audience will associate with being a gentleman just by the items of clothing they are wearing. Spectacular and Plies have both got chains on which contributes to the iconography, in addition to this their muscles are on full view, keeping up the masculine image. Within each of the six contents pages it shows that they are either ‘1/3’ or ‘2/3’ showing that there are more contents pages to come this is so that the pages do not overpower the image. Creating a calm and cool vibe.

The colour scheme of VIBE is not strict. The magazine does try to keep features of the brand identity to strict basic colours. The title contents within all six contents pages are either in black or white, to create a simplistic look. Otherwise the colours depend on the artist featured. The Plies issue has a red background; this connotes blood which can be caused by violence. Violence is a feature which is stereotyped with rappers, as it is usually common within their music. Red also connotes sex. Perhaps this is because rappers also mention sex within their tracks, claiming their past or aspiring relations. Men also portray woman as sexual objects throughout the Hip Hop genre allowing men to take the masculine medal.

The layout is consistent as mentioned previously; on each six covers the artist fills the frame and the content fits around the image. The photographer is always named within the last third of the page reinforcing the brand identity.

On each contents page the signature VIBE masthead appears within the first third of the page. The colour of this is mainly a basic colour such as white or black. The word ‘CONTENTS’ is supposed to stand out so on the Minaj/Shanelle. Spectacular, West and Obama issue due to the white backgrounds the masthead has to appear black for the readership to see it. Although on the Plies and Ciara issue, the masthead appears in white due to the background colour being different.

Throughout all six contents pages, the main similarity is the masthead and the layout of the content. Each image is completely different to show that every artist is unique. The costume is also dependant on the artist as it is worn to show their personality. The Minaj and Shanelle issue shows them as being feminine by the way they dress. Skirts and dresses are always associated with females, and shown in a glamorous light. However this is contradicted by the way they are positioned. Both artists have either one or both hands on their hips; this enforces an element of control. That they feel they are ‘in charge’. Minaj has her leg in front of Shanelle’s to portray the image of being the most important and almost as a ‘queen bee’. Whereas West is portrayed as a vulnerable character which is a unique representation of men within these genres. However this also indicated to the audience that West is unique amongst many other features too. It seems that a women is attempting to take his heart, this is reflected in his music and once again unique as the representation of males within the Hip Hop/RnB genre is the complete opposite to what West is fulfilling.

The Content is also a similar feature purely because each issue has them, they are also positioned similarly as they fall around the main image. This allows artists to feel dominant. Also within the content if an artist’s name has been used then they show this on bold allowing the reader to quickly identify which articles are about who.

Having carried out this overview, it is obvious that VIBE has its own brand identity that is easily recognised by its readership which is maintained through the repetition of its stylistic features in addition to its layout features. These will all contribute to making the magazine successful with sales.