Brand Identity and Mode of Address Analysis

Front Cover

Typography

The typography on the font cover portrays the mode of address as quite masculine. This is shown through the mixture of bold serif and sans serif fonts. It also makes the brand identity seem more authorative and aimed towards the male gender.

Layout

The layout of Billboard magazine is quite ordered. Therefore, this represents the mode of address of the magazine as quite classy and sophisticated, also quite well established.

Colour

Within the masthead of Billboard there are little pops of red, green, blue and yellow. We also see the vibrant hair of Lady Gaga and the slightly mauve background. This connotes the brand identity of Billboard magazine is quite fun and reflects the pop genre it is aimed at.

Images

The images on the cover of billboard magazine can help determine the magazine’s mode of address. Lady Gaga is photographed from a mid-shot and her bright purple hair is the centre of attention. Our eyes are immediately drawn to the pops of colour and the hints of colour represent the mode of address as quite exciting and jovial. Lady Gaga’s body language and facial expression in the image is quite unconventional as she’s conveyed as aggressive and quite fierce. She’s also wearing black and quite a lot of crucifix jewellery which we tend to associate with rock music.

Language

Billboard use their language to signify the magazines mode of address. For example, they use the cover line ‘rockers start your engines’. This links to the magazines genre of pop/rock genre as they are openly addressing their audience.

Conventions

The conventions of the pop/rock genre in Billboard magazine are all present on the magazine cover. They have all the elements of the pop genre: use of bright colours, language. They also use elements of mise-en-scène to display the rock side to the magazine.

Contents Page

Typography

The typography on the contents page is written in a mixture of both serif and sans serif fonts. A majority of it is written in sans serif which would appeal to males as opposed to females.

Layout

The layout on the contents page is similar to the style of the front cover. It follows the route of the eye and the rule of thirds which is a conventional way to layout the items on the contents page within a magazine. The headings ‘No.1 on the charts’, ‘contents’ and ‘home front’ also mimic the liveliness from the masthead on the front cover.

Colour

The colour used on the contents page also uses the colours featured within the masthead on the front cover. This again, represents the mode of address as enjoyable and cheery.

Images

Images used on the contents page are taken in high-key lighting and use lots of colours within them whether it be through the use of: setting, costume or lighting. This presents the mode of address as quite happy and relaxed whilst appealing to the target audience as the colours make it seem more energetic and youthful.

Language

The language used on the contents page is very formal and they don’t use colloquial type language. This signifies that the mode of address is very classy and sophisticated. Despite this, in other issues they have used abbreviated language which will appeal to the younger part of their niche target audience.

Double Page Spread

Typography

On the double page spread there is a lot of text and this can sometimes put people off reading the articles as there is a lot of text and it can be slightly overwhelming. However, this shows that Billboard’s mode of address is to be interesting but informative.

Layout

The layout on the double page spread is quite ordered therefore it signifies the mode of address as quite simple and it also makes it easier to navigate around the page for the older target audience.

Colour

The colour on the double page spread also uses bright colours which connote the brand identity is energetic and modern. The use of colour also makes the magazine look more interesting and it helps to attract the younger target audience.

Images

The use of imagery on this double page spread shows some photos of Rhianna and some photos about her life. It is conventional to have images alongside the story as it helps to tell the story. It also helps to break up the page especially when a lot of text is used too. The images may also help to enthral the fans of Rhianna and entice them to pick up the magazine. The imagery contains lots of different bright colours which help to represent the mode of address as lively and fun and help to appeal to the target audience.

Language

The language used within the article helps to represent the brand identity. There is a pull quote featured on the left third of that page that comes directly from the interview with Rhianna. Part of that quote stands out amongst the rest of the article as it is coloured pink which says: ‘only I can do’. This signifies authority and power and the magazine what to highlight that within their content.