Evaluation: Representation

I have used photographs of people demographically similar to the target audience I am targeting- giving them people they can relate to. Demographically I am aiming at 16-25years old of any race and a family social status of C1, C2, and B (usually classed as a ‘mid market’ family.) This was to provide a balance in income and expenditure. Mainly males will buy the magazine. However, some women are featured and I have interviewed bands of both genders as well. This could be a reason why females will also want to buy my magazine. Psychographically, mainstreamers, individuals and aspirers are who I aim my magazine at with regards to its advertising. To appeal to my readers psychographically I also consciously reviewed the unsigned or newly signed bands which cause aspirers to realise the potential of their own dreams and the extent to which they can come true with the help of ‘Signature Rock Magazine’. The gadget reviews show the individual reliance on music is widespread- it also links to the sub cultural identities of Emos, Punks, and Goths etc. who are usually seen as resistant of the dominant culture through their own choice of style with clothes- as a way of expressing individuality. Although, unintentional, by not using photographs of every race because of the area we live in it was much harder to find a range of diverse races into ‘Rock’ music, I could be excluding some readers. I haven’t made too many assumptions with band names that link to any one gender or style of music. I have used colours surrounding the names of the bands in stereotyped gender strokes such as, blue, pink, black and purple. With regards to stereotyping with my photographs I used a female for my double page spread image and because it is not a group photo it shows her independence. However, I have tried to subvert the female stereotypes by using the photo of ‘Tauri Twinings’ on the double page interview in a plain, indie style compared to an overtly ‘emo’ style showing black skinny jeans, bright luminous tops and studded accessories for example. However, I did keep the feminine characteristics of shyness within the photo because in the photos of the girl she is neither directly addressing the camera or not but appears slightly drunk or intoxicated with her hand awkwardly being held in the air. That was a conscious decision I made to contrast with the simplistic design of the cover image. I have implied that young people are into gadgets and new technologies, new bands and exciting interviews and gossip. I personally think I have undermined the stereotype of youth because I have shown instead of being obsessed with fame the majority of my target audience are more interested in newer, local, down to earth bands.