Media language and Representation Research

In this post I’m going to be analysing the media language and representation of magazines and how its used to appeal to an intended audience, this is in order to highlight the codes and conventions used in a similar product to my chosen brief and apply them to mine to help produce an effective media product.

Layout: is minimal text and majority image

Typography: bold masthead ( VOGUE )- white- popular brand- stands out so that people will be attracted to it. Black heading ( REBEL! )- capital locks- exclamation- to emphasise the truth of the statement. Colour coordination. Accent red text ( RIHANNA REWRITES THE RULES )  red- connotes danger, panic, alert

Use of language: the use of the word REBEL! , is a direct anchor to the image portrayed. Use of the phrase RIHANNA REWRITES THE RULES is firstly the only text that is outside of the coordinated colour palette to bring alert to a revolutionary event of some sort, specifically through the breaking of social norms/ rules which signifies change, something that people aren't usually comfortable with. The use of the red however has a multilayered meaning of either something that needs to be brought attention to as a good thing, or something that needs to be brought attention to as a cause for concern and social panic.  

Use of images: The text REBEL! and RIHANNA REWRITES THE RULES  is in direct response to Rihanna's attire. Rihanna is clothed in a white suite- a suite is considered male attire and white which connotes  safety, purity, and cleanliness (used to suggest the normality of change) with a white feather which in the world war was a symbol for cowardice for choosing not to do your part for your country (the use of this feather links with the idea that she 'rewrites the rules' in other words she is redefining the meaning of certain things) it’s paired with a black Durag (a male head scarf, predominately found in the black community).  All these elements brought together are used to signify the breaking of social norms and the rebellion from social norms, specifically found in the black community such as the traditional ideologies of the woman's identity . Rihanna is well know for her constantly acting out of the expected e.g. Rihanna's CDFA red carpet look of 2014 where she was dressed in see-through diamond dress which caused an uproar. The uses of this media language and media representation appeals the audience because in the current climate of today, people have become more persistent on the idea of freedom of expression and the promotion of redefining social norms.

Layout: is minimal text and majority image

Typography: bold masthead ( ESSENCE )- white- popular American magazine- cursive caption- feminine connotation  ( Black Women in Beauty ) - blue. Ranging typography types, coordination with the image 

Use of language: ( Black Women in Beauty )- obvious statement linking to the image- intended for a niche demographic that understand/relate to this content. ( MEET THE EXECUTIVES REDEFINING THE FACE OF BEAUTY ) - to redefine something suggest that a change is being initiating in a context that is already set; in this case, the context of beauty that excludes the demographic of black women from it.

Use of image: a diverse selection of women who display a range of of hair types ( from natural with different curl patterns, to extensions/weaves ); a range of body types ( small to large ) ; and of shades     ( light to dark ). The thing that unites them is the fact that they're all black women. The diverse selection of black women is to demonstrate that black beauty is more that one thing. 

VOGUE WEBSITE

 

Layout: Page divided by categories e.g. anti-racism, fashion, food & drink, beauty, jewellery 

Navigation: brand name top left corner, menu bar top right, access points for different categories below brand mane 

Use of language: basic colloquial- fitting for intended demographic
Use of images/text/audio/video: pictures anchor to the categories- colourful and neutral- fitting for the category

In conclusion, I will be using media language and representation to convey my chosen brief genre, to effectively appeal to my intended demographic.