Analysis of a Current College Magazine

This college magazine is most likely aimed at a middle class audience as it is artistic, with a muted cover. The man on the cover looks older than the average student, which could discourage student from buying it; however he is a celebrity so this will have to opposite effect. The font is in the style that you would usually find on an American sports t-shirt and is bold and clear, the white standing out from the grey, grassy background. However, the man on the cover is hiding the title slightly, showing that the publishers want the attention not to be on the title but on the celebrity. The man is dressed in casual clothes, indicating that the style of the magazine is informal. The red shirt he is wearing the brightest thing on the cover, except for a competition advert, attracting further attention to him. He is looking into the camera, which is at a bird’s eye view, and he looks pensive, showing this magazine is meant for a more intellectual audience. However he is also covered in tattoos, suggesting that this magazine is intended for students who want to look different or stand out from the crowd.

The articles advertised on the front are of student specific interest, such as what cities to visit for students and what clothes to wear. They also include game reviews and a chance to win an LG phone. This would appeal to a young, technologically minded audience, such as students who are well known their love of gadgets and gaming.

The use of colour is effective, the bright red drawing the most attention and the dull background keeping the focus on the white text.

Overall the magazine is more aimed at a male audience, as the main story is about a man and the offers for gadgets are more likely to be aimed at men than at women. However, there are birth control tips and a fashion section, implying that the magazine is unisex.