Napier University Magazine Analysis- Part 1

Target Audience

The Edinburgh Napier University Magazine primary target audience former Napier University students aged 22+ who attended the university. In terms of social grade, former graduates are likely to be social grade groups A-C1 so this is the primary target audience. The secondary target audience would be relatives of graduates, lectures and current students.

Masthead

The masthead is very stylistic and appeals to the target audience. The text is clear easy to read and stands out on the page, the typography is also very relevant to the audience as it is bold and serious which is what someone would want a university to be. The colouring of is well though out as the main title denotes “the red triangle” cleverly they focus their colouring of the masthead around this with a red triangle with “the Red” in white inside. In terms of common conventions the masthead is in my opinion the write size and the way in which they have done it does appeal to the audience it needs to.

Layout

The layout is well though out and follows common conventions of one main image. The picture is well taken and doesn’t blur at all around the edges possibly connoting the image has been taken professionally.

Colour

The colour follows 3 main colours; Red, White, Black (this does not include the cyclist etc.) These are appealing colours to the audience as all 3 could be classed as sophisticated colours, they also all tie in with the university’s logo.

Imagery

The main picture is focusing on a cyclist (this person however is to the side). The central image could be the university as it is a building structure. This appeals to the audience as it is clean neat and sophisticated and serious. The cyclist could connote they are an active university and an appealing place to attend.

Typography/Text

An initial denotation shows some sort of teaser and a heading to a story these are all situated on the left hand side on the cover.  One of the headings mentions an opening of a new facility, which would appeal to the audience if they already attend or wish to attend the university.

In conclusion, the Napier magazine is a lot better then the college magazine because it is more specific to the target audience it caters more to their needs and wants and does this is a stylistic manor. The whole magazine also is a very well done and follows common conventions with a large eye-drawing masthead that is relevant to the audience and one main focus image. It follows a strong colour scheme that is both relevant and appealing that is not gender bias. So in all this magazine is a great example.