Lesson 1 - Task 1

Our task was to look at three different magazine, each with a different genre, and comment on what we liked, what we would do different and what grade we'd give it personally.

Magazine 1 - Fashion
On the front cover, I like the the way the mise-en-scene of the image and the colours (red and brown) relates to the autumn season issue.The models outfit (a large coat) also matches the season being displayed, which works well as if she was wearing a belly top, it would contrast with the season. The thing I would do different is make the mode of address indirect, to make it mysterious and intriguing, Furthermore, I'd change the colour of the masthead as the black looked out of place in comparison to the rest of the colour scheme.
I really liked the link of the colour blue from the image to the writing on the contents page, it drew your eyes from the image itself to the information and text below. Making the reader more likely to read the writing. What I would do different is have a following colour scheme as the colours on the contents somewhat clash with each other.
With the double page spread, I really like the image used. It draws in the reader and relates to the text at hand. Its different and makes the magazine quirky and stands out from other magazines.
I'd give this a grade of 23.

Magazine 2- Food
I really enjoyed the colour scheme on the front cover of this magazine, it made the whole thing look sophisticated. The target audience is clear straight away by the main image; meat eaters. Discarding all vegetarians from this magazine. What I'd do differently is maybe use brighter colours to contrast with the dark images of the food, as this would make the text jump out at the audience.
The contents page layout was simple and understanding to the reader, the images are relevant. I like that they used several images and not just one main one, as it linked well with the amount of pages advertised.
The double page spread, again, looked sophisticated and the colour scheme is still running throughout. They have made the dps interesting to the audience and made a funny pun; 'what's hot now'. This intrigues the audience and gives the article a sense of humor.
I'd give this a grade of 29.

Magazine 3 - Music
With this magazine, I liked the colour scheme on the front cover. It looks fresh and the light colours draw in the reader. The overlap of colour also grabs attention of the audience, along with the main image. The direct mode of address draws you in, and makes you want to know more about the model.  The only thing I'd do differently is change the white writing, as it fades with the light colour background in areas.
The colour scheme runs in the contents page, making the magazine familiar to the audience. The only thing I would change is that although it is understanding, the contents comes across too simple.
The double page spread is eye popping and the contrast of white and green really engages an audience. The image and writing separated gives it a sophisticated look and the mass of writing is somewhat intriguing.
I'd give this a grade of 34.