Reader Profiles - Mixmag & My Own

After conducting our conventions analysis, we then found and researched reader profiles in order to gain knowledge on target audiences and why magazines conduct this research. I chose to look at Mixmag's reader profile as I had done an in-depth analysis of the magazine's front cover, contents page and double page spread already. I found a 'media pack' online that contained all the relevant information about Mixmag.

Then, based on the information and knowledge I gained through analysing Mixmag's reader profile, I then made my own based on the requirements for the target audience which I think would be best suited for the EDM/house music genre. I chose a random name for the magazine, 'Control', and included images of products or events that could be advertised within it that would appeal to the gender and age of my target audience; as well as statistics and information about the readers of the magazine.

Some of the images which I included in the reader profile I based off my own personal taste as someone who would be interested in buying an electronic music magazine aimed at that audience. I also included images which I think would be best suited for an audience interested in EDM and house music based on my knowledge of the genre. Creating this reader profile will help in the production of my final product as it gives me a general idea of who is reading the magazine and how I should tailor the content so that it appeals to them and they continue to buy it.

Conventions Analysis - Billboard & Tilllate

After doing an in-depth analysis of the Mixmag magazine, I conducted an analysis of the front cover, contents and double page spread of two more magazines. Below is my analysis of pop music magazine, 'Billboard' and 'Tilllate'.

Billboard is a printed magazine generally aimed at pop music and culture.

Tilllate was formerly a printed magazine however is now an online magazine, generally aimed at EDM (electronic dance music).

Conventions Analysis - Mixmag

For our introductory task, we took a magazine from the music genre which we are planning on making our magazine for and analysed the different features and conventions of it in depth so that we can gain ideas for our own product. 

I have analysed the conventions of this magazine in the powerpoint slides and explained how it relates to the target audience underneath each section on the blog post itself.

The magazine which I chose to research is 'Mixmag', a dance and clubbing magazine aimed at people (usually a young target audience) who enjoy listening to electronic and similar music. The front cover shows the target audience through its use of bright colours and the main image/feature story. The model herself is young and dressed in fashionable, colourful clothes which grab the attention of the main target audience. Also, the main feature which accompanies this image is headlined 'Festivals are go!' and this all suggests a young target audience due to the young model as the main image and main feature being about music festivals. The plug also further suggests the target audience, giving them a chance to 'win tickets to every UK dance festival' which would definitely appeal to a younger target audience who like and enjoy listening to dance and electronic music.

The contents page further shows the target audience through again, the use of the main image/feature story. The image is of a young adult, possibly late teens, who is evidently in some kind of club/festival environment. The model further suggests the target audience through her apparent age, the use of her clothes which are again, modern and fashionable and the setting which the photograph appears to be in which would all appeal to a younger target audience (late teens to early 20s) due to the fact it may be relatable. The stories and features would also appeal as they are features which a younger target audience who enjoy electronic dance music would find interesting to read about (such as 'Clubs of the year') as they may find them informative and relatable to their taste in music.

Finally, the double page spread also appeals to the target audience as, although the subject within the main image is not young or in a clubbing environment he is a fairly iconic DJ/producer within the chosen genre. Many of the target audience may recognise him and so this would attract them to want to read the article in order to find out more about him.