Magazine Cover

Magazine Cover 13 September 2022 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cWh2nPXfzBEkSPq682fVLxGRElAnTkRcSjH-sgKBlyg/edit?usp=sharing

Original Picture:

## Questions

   Questions:

A. The title of the magazine is a major element of the cover. Is the title of the magazine behind or in front of the subject/person on the cover? Consider its position in the layers of content. The foreground is more prominent. The background is less prominent. How does the title, in relation to the subject of your magazine, say something about the magazine’s readership and their understanding of the person on the cover?

The title of the magazine is in front of the person. The title “American Made,” tells the reader that the readership is in fact a patriotic bunch who have a desire to dress and be American. This therefore proves that the person on the cover is in fact, too, a patriotic American.

B. The ears and teasers refer to the upper left and right corners of a magazine cover or newspaper front page. They usually include 'shout outs' to other articles in the magazine, which may interest readers. How does your magazine cover use ears and teasers to appeal to a certain readership and intrigue them?

The ears and teasers on my magazine cover located at the bottom include shout outs to a few articles including “Remain True To Our American Identity” which catches the attention of patriots who wish to, in these changing times, maintain their patriotism and to dress like their ancestors did.

C. Lighting and colour: Individuals who appear on a magazine cover are often photographed in a studio with artificial lighting. This prevents unnecessary shadows and reflections. The colour palette of the cover will also set the tone and mood of the cover. How do lighting and colour determine the way in which readers think about the individual on the cover?

The background image is displayed in black and white while the three texts are in red, white and blue. This allows for the text to pop out and catch the reader's attention. The background image is not taken in a studio but rather outdoors, giving it a realistic touch. The reader will therefore come to the conclusion that the person in the photo is not a wealthy model with access to a studio but rather an ordinary person who uses the street like them.

D. Magazine covers almost always include an image or photograph. Most often this image is a (portrait) photograph of a person or several people. Readers are drawn to images of other people. In what ways does the photograph or image capture an individual’s sense of identity? How has the magazine chosen to depict this person?

The magazine in question displays a person but is not a portrait. Instead, the man is faced away from the camera and the back of his lower body is shown. This makes the person appear not as one individual, but a group of people since his face is not shown. The sense of identity in this image is associated with the average hard working Ámericans. Those who belong to this group may be more inclined to be interested in reading the magazine as they can relate to the American spirit rather than a model whose identity is clearly shown.

E. If photographs are composed or constructed, then photographers may include props or symbols. Symbols provide a succinct way of communicating a message. How does the magazine cover use symbols to communicate a message about the person on the cover?

The primary symbol in the magazine cover is the American flag which is hanging on the person’s belt.The American Flag can be a subtle symbol for hard work and patriotism which the person depicted clearly feels. The person in the photo is also wearing cowboy boots and Wrangler jeans, which for many are symbols of the American tradition, hard work, and confidence.

F. Magazine covers often have headings and captions that capture the readers' attention and add meaning to the images. Like the teasers, these are meant to intrigue audiences and encourage them to buy the magazine to read the feature articles. How do the headings and caption use diction, fonts and font size to both capture the reader’s attention and comment on the individual on the cover?

The heading which reads “American Made” is very eye-catching to many readers because when an item is American Made in the modern era, it is immediately respected due to the desire of many to consume items made and produced locally as opposed to imported from China or other countries. When one buys a product which is American Made, they feel a patriotic sense because they are supporting local production, maintaining American jobs and knowing that their money is entering the American economy instead of being sent overseas. What helps is that the title is written in bright red colour with a large font, making it especially eye-catching. The 3 texts are in the colours red, white and blue, colours which attract the reader because they are the colours of the American flag.

G. People who are photographed for magazine covers communicate a message through their use of body language. This includes the individual’s gaze (where they are looking), showing of teeth, placement of hands, the position of their torso and the exposure of skin. How does the person on your magazine cover use body language to communicate a message about his/her identity?

The individual’s gaze is not shown but can be assumed to be looking forward into the city. As the unnamed American looks into the distance which is filled with industrialization, he realises that the world is changing. The figure is not walking, as seen by his stance, but is at a stop. This shows that he has stopped in his tracks and looks forward into the future and is unsure of his next move. He has his hands in resting positions as he watches into the unknown, where people are not dressed like he is and are on their phones. He is unsure if he should continue to walk the path of life into the modern world, or stay where he is in his time with his clothing and traditional American way of life while everyone else moves forward.