After analysing both conventional and unconventional magazines, I have concluded that:
A simple layout is easy to read and allows the product to look neat when attracting mature readers. It allows teasers, bands, buttons and the featured artsist to compliment eachother with their positions and emphasise the importance of some features over others with placement.
A limited number of different font will contribute to the presentation of the product. Simple fonts that attract the eye and are easy to read are useful for sub-headings, whereas distinctive fonts are ideal for bands, buttons and mastheads.
The image is possibly the most important visual feature for the front, contents and double pages. Placement is key when attracting a reader and front cover images are conventionally placed in the middle of the page to draw the eye and encourage interest in the magazine. Double page spread images are usually placed on one A4 side with a pull quote at the bottom, as many people cannot digest only large amounts of text and prefer the interviews to be accompanied with a large image, this also helps to draw attention to the article. Contents pages usually include a variety of small images as they need the focus on the page numbers and content of the magazine.
The gender of the featured artist is important when choosing a colour scheme and target audience. A feminine image will not compliment a masculine colour scheme as well as a masculine image would, and vice versa. The colour and image also have to compliment the font and reflect the nature of the contents of the magazine.
Limited colours allow the contents and front page to link easily and continue a specific theme. They also prevent colour clashes and mess and are important as the front cover must catch a potential consumers eye. Colour is usually the first notable element of a magazine and will engage the target audience long enough to lead them to the image and the sub headings.
An unconventional button gets the audience interested in the offer the magazine is making with it, as well as providing a difference between your magazine and another. It is also a conventional feature for a magazine and consumers seem to expect this feature to be included. Furthermore, as it is a promotional feature, it may boost sales as a consumer who is usually not targeted by the magazine may buy it to win a prize for a friend/family member or encourage the audience to interact with those producing the magazine.
Size matters also matters. Large text usually shows the importance of an issue to the magazine and hopefully, to the reader. It allows the audience to translate the size to represent urgency, excitement, dramatic news or anger, and interest them into reading further. A magazine will use size to attract the eye of the audience to what the magazine believes will be their most important selling features.
