PRACTICE TASKS

Here is some research into codes and conventions of youth fashion magazines. I found several I would like to use in my own magazine covers (ones in italics seem to be more unique to youth magazines):

• A close-up to medium close-up of a model using direct mode of address and not smiling. Experiment with posing and angles.
• Model is making a fashion statement or wearing a fashion forward outfit (more youth orientated look than in more adult magazines though) to make up for fewer sell lines associated with younger target audiences
• Minimalist design, fewer sell lines and those that are present are more related to politics or pass times than fashion in particular, are also quite small so the image itself can make a statement, may also be just one large word as a statement also
• Colour motifs individual to each issue to tie the whole image together and draw attention to areas of interest
• Experiment with placement of masthead and angles of all text
• Head, face, shoulders and text always clearly visible in image, never cropped out or obscured
• Naming the issue by its theme, eg "the global issue", and maybe slogans
• One consistent pose used by models to tie all issues together, eg wink face for i-D magazine
• Consistent placement of masthead and other text to tie all issues together
• Major sell lines seem to be at the bottom
• Consistent font if minimal sell lines, if many they are different to make important sell lines and name of magazine stand out as use more decorative fonts
• All caps or all lower case to look modern and experimental, may be consistent throughout or to draw attention to a particular line
• A box or other shape to highlight parts of the model and draw eyes towards particular areas of the image
• Different fonts, colours or styling of words within the magazine name to make it standout
• Famous or celebrity models on the cover, younger or more famous to young people

I chose to name the magazine"CROSSED", because it links to the consistent posing of the models (which suggests confidence but also teen rebellion and anger at the system) with crossed arms and the large"X" box framing them. It also links to the idea of being "cross" or angry at politics (as this is also part of what the magazine caters to as young people also care about world issues), and also suggests the phrase "don't cross me"giving the idea of being able to stand up for yourself. It also connotes kisses as in "x"s in text talk, giving it a more youthful flair and a slightly lighter tone also to be associated with the fashion and celebrity focuses that the magazine also has.