Research influences

One thing we will take from the research we have done is the sparse use of primary colours, which make the covers look eye-catching but still sophisticated. Another will be the wide spacing of the article headings, which gives it a more professional look. We will also take the use of capital letters in the title, which makes it more eye-catching and also lends it a more professional feel as there are no ascenders or descenders. The model we use will be of the same age range as the typical college student to make a connection with the reader.

Audience profile

The reader of our student magazine can be defined by: 

• Taking A-levels.
• Age 16-20
• Learning to drive or new driver.
• Looking for a part time job.
• Thinking about career/university.
• Aspirers, radicals and achievers.
• C1/B JICNAR (parents)
• BBC 6 or NME listener
• Plays a musical instrument
• Casual video gamer
• Gets drunk occasionally

Research for preliminary project

As part of our preliminary project, we have been asked to analyse the front cover of a college magazine, this is the one we have chosen. 

One thing that makes it suitable for a college student audience is the fact the masthead says college in big clear letters. Another thing that makes it a good magazine for a student audience is the sans serif font, which creates quite a relaxed informal appearance. The sparing use of primary colours allows the cover to be eye-catching but without looking gaudy and overly busy. The background is blurry, which draws more attention to the main focus/article of the magazine. The cover model is the same age as the target audience, which attracts said audience.

It shares many features with College magazine, such as the sans serif font, the sparse use of primary colours and a cover model the same age as the target audience. However, College's articles alternate sides whereas Aspire's are mostly left justified, which makes it look less professional.

This cover looks more academic, as the student on the cover is actually doing something, unlike the other models who are either standing or lying down doing nothing. It also uses more white, which makes it look sophisticated and academic.


From these examples, we can extrapolate such ideas as using primary colours sparingly for an eye-catching effect, using a model the same age as our target audience, use of the colour white adds to an academic and sophisticated feel.

My first blog post.

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My favourite films.