Textual Analysis

What type of text is it?

This comes under more than one category as it is typically known to come under a print as it is a media cover however 'Vogue' can also be accessed through their website online.

How do you know? What are the key conventions that allowed you to identify the text?

I was able to identify this piece of media as a print as it follows many of the key conventions, such as its main headline of the name of the magazine. There are also a number of subheadings which are a feature seen in prints and newspapers. Another main convention that makes it evident that this is a print is the use of a central image and the layout of the subheadings going around it, along the edge of the print. It is is also made clear that this is a print form of media because of the barcode in the lower left corner, along with the price of the magazine(although the location of this may vary, for example, Vogue sometimes put the price at the top of the cover, next to the date). Another feature that makes it recognisable would be that it states the number of pages in the magazine - something vogue often does on their covers (although it isn't included on all of them). The month of the issue is also written at the top of the cover, which allowed me to recognise that this media piece is a print as this is a key convention seen in magazines as well as newspapers.

In your opinion, who is the target audience for this media text?

I think this is might be aimed towards a slightly older, more mature audience because of the topics and themes explored in the magazine, such as gun laws. Another indicator that this is targeted towards an older audience would be the sub-story in the bottom right corner about how to 'repair winter damaged skin' as you wouldn't expect that teens would suffer from that kind of problem. Vogue also make a 'teen vogue' magazine for a younger audience and write about more age-related topics such as tv shows and music. The colours used on 'Vogue' are also more sophisticated as they are more dark and monochrome with the typography in bold, brighter colour. I think Vogues consumers are mainly females aged 18-35.


How would this audience access the text? E.g where/when would they consume it? Using what device?

Consumers can buy a copy of the magazine in shops, however nowadays most things are done through technology so Vogue can be viewed online via their website. Their audience can access this on a number of devices such as: mobile phones, tablets and laptops/computers. This means they can read it at any time of day, as and when they want to(for example, in the morning with their breakfast, during their lunch break at work or in the evening after work).

What values, ideologies and beliefs in society are reinforced or challenged in this media text?

The belief/stereotype that women have to be very feminine and look a certain way and keep up their appearance is reinforced in this text. This is seen in a number of features such as the use of celebrity, Beyonce, wearing make up, and the topic of the sub-stories being based around how women look in the sense of their skin, outfits and make up looks they should try. The use of words such as 'sexy' and 'elegance' are strong indicators of what is expected of women in society.