Initial ideas:
For my initial research into the school magazine, I decided to look into other school related covers and see what caught my attention the most. Firstly, I started with the images used and what made them interesting.
I think the magazine cover of "First eleven" is effective because of the students grouped together showing happiness and a sense of achievement. Not only does promote the school but it draws in the audience's attention.
The purpose of the magazine is clear with both the images and text relating to educational success. One way this is done is through the text, "The pathway to Uni" in the bottom middle of the page. The Bold font of the term "Uni" clearly associates the magazine's function being educational.
The composition of the image is successful because it takes up the middle third of the page and immediately draws in the reader's attention. There are a number of pupils holding papers in the air, which is possibly them showcasing their good results.
The overall colour scheme of the front page uses bright and vibrant colours which reflects the pupil's happiness and the positivity of the magazine. By having the main text (such as the Title) in Bold white, there is an equal contrast between the image and the text.
One thing I would improve with this cover is the composition of the people, so that everyone's faces are clear and not hidden. However, I like that it is a medium long shot as I can see some of the location and have a clear view of what the girls are trying to show.There is not much writing on the page, although the title and subheading are big and bold to show their importance.
Example two:
Another magazine I looked at was for "Westchester High school" where there is a medium close up of a female, where the shot shows her emotions and facial expressions clearly.
Interestingly, there is effective use of colours as the protaginist's costume contrasts with the background. It seems to be a white board in a classroom so this fits in well with the educational magazine.
The title being placed at the top of the page seems to be a consistent convention. Following this, the Bold Text is useful for highlighting its importance and contrasts well with the variety of vibrant colours around the page. This makes the overall front cover look eye catching without information looking to crammed or tacky.
Furthermore, the text have been sized in order of relevance so the more important or interesting topics reach the audience's attention more. Without drawing attention away from the title and the female protagonist.
Also, the protaginist seems to be a young female which ties in well with the educational magazine and who its target demographic is, so it is more relatable.
Example three:
The children on the front cover are dressed smart which represants the school in a postive way, which is important when promoting both the school and the magazine. Also, there is direct eye contact to the camera which is a form of direct adress between the children and the readers.
The coloured text boxes around the sub headings work well as a anchor which hooks the readers to parts of the front cover. The three main colours on this page are Red, Blue and white which may also be the main house style used throughout the rest of the magazine.
There is a barcode on this front cover which is important for all magazines to identify the price.