Exam practise

Analyse the front covers for both GQ and Saga magazines commenting on: visual codes, layout and design, language and mode of address

Both GQ and Saga magazine are targeting older, more matured men. This is immediately established within first glance of the magazine through the visual codes. GQ uses well known no nonsense actor Clint Eastwood as their main feature, where as Saga uses British actor Michael Caine. Both of these main images are of aged actors, this establishes a target audience of older men and a secondary audience of Clint Eastwood fans for GQ and Michael Caine fans for Saga.

GQ uses a plain grey background, which allows the audience to focus on the main image of Clint Eastwood, this helps to establish his importance. GQ uses a simplistic design for all of its issues, which establishes professionality and familiarity for its readers. The font for the mastehead is white and orange. Orange connotes fire, danger and excitment which links to the type of characters Clint Eastwood has played. The font used for the subheadings and features is mostly white, with orange and black. Using consistent colours establishes a house theme reinforcing the high level of professionality.

The text 'BADASS OF THE YEAR' is used to anchor the main image. Clint Eastwood's pose and outfit reflects the term badass as he is resting on a stool, his shoulders are slouched and he appears to be twiddling his thumbs, this suggests his casualness and highlights that he's an ordinary man. Yet the rolled up shirt sleeves and his strong, stern look show his anger. It also highlights the stereotypical tough guy image he portrays and is recognised for due to the characters he's played.

Underneath the masthead is 'Look sharp live smart' the use of alliteration makes the slogan memorable and recognisable for the readers. The slogan also acts as an aspirational maxim of how the audience should live their life smartly and look sharp in doing so. The main image reflects this as Clint Eastwood is a prefect role model as he looks sharp and has lived smart.

Similarly to GQ, Saga magazine also uses a simple design and layout. The magazine shows its professionality through the use of the main image. Michael Caine is a famous actor who is dressed in a black suit with black shiny shoes. Michael is also wearing his glasses which signfy intelligence. Overall his look is sophisticated and fashionable so using him as the main feature helps establish the style of the magazine to be professional, sophisticated and high class.

Saga magazine uses minimal amount of font colours, this establishes a house theme. White connotes purity where as black connotes power and professionality. The deep red adds colour to the cover yet is inkeeping with the house theme. The text 'Michael Caine, the actor returns to the mean streets of his childhood- and doesn't like what he sees' this anchors the image and gives an insight to the reader about the main feature. This suggests he comes from a rough area which contradicts to how he is now. This makes an interesting piece of how he's grown from a troubled childhood to a successful man.