Question 5; Focus Group

Focus group analysis;

Question one; what are the strengths of my front cover?

-       The group mainly commented on my different typography use, we discussed at length the subheading typography as William didn’t like it as he think it lacked style, it was too simple and not what Express magazine should convey, when asked what whether he thought it fitted with the genre he agreed but said it just didn’t work, but Katie chimed in saying it needed to be like that so people could read it which is very true so i believe I made the correct choice of typography. They also commented on my ‘Ophelia’ typography saying it gave it a very feminine feel which is what I was trying to express, I wanted to show Ophelia’s personality and create a personal. They also really liked the typography of the masthead as it was different and really stood out. Will commented on the music tape, which he liked as it conveyed genre and also it was original which he really liked. They also commented on the eye contact of the model, which invited them in and portrayed the emotion in her.

Question two; what on Express’ front cover first caught your eye?

-       The group commented on the way everything stands out mostly.  For example Katie and jack said the bright colours (red and white) that contrast with the dark background encourage a consumer to actually read the text and take it in as opposed to just glancing. Tim commented on the fact she is looking right at you, it invites you in. Jack also commented on the fact the photo was a focal point as it’s large and Will liked the way it overlaid the title, it looked very cool.

Question three; Does the typography and cover in general fit with the artist and theme of the cover?

    -   Although the group commented fairly heavily on this previously, they added when asked that the Ophelia typography was very fancy which coincides with the way she looks in the photo, and the red connotes to Katie love and passion, which is a very strong factor of ballad songs.

Question four; How do you feel about the layout of the double page spread?

-       My double page spread was said to be structured very well, organized and really easy to follow during the discussion, they really liked the way that the photo contrasted with the front photo showing another side to the artist, Will also commented on how the photo bleeds into the other page which was a really nice touch. The general lay out fits nicely with convention Tim said making it look professional. Jack also really liked the pull quote positioning. Which I'm very glad about.

Question 5; does the language used fit with the artists persona?

-       The group believe that the use of some formal and some colloquial language fitted appropriately to the genre and artist as will said “Ballads are for posh sophisticated people’.

Question 6; Is it competent as a magazine? Would you buy it?

- Katie and Tim both said they’d buy it because it’s different. It provides a new angle on the typical music magazine, and even those in the group who’s type of music it wasn’t would still be attracted to it if they saw it in a shop, which is very positive in my eyes/