Magazine Analysis Coursework

ESQUIRE

Target Audience Profile:

This magazine is aimed at middle aged men that manage/work in very successful businesses. They would shop in stores such as Selfridges, House of Fraser, Ralph Lauren, Armani and other designer stores. These men may be single as their busy and hectic schedule/job prevents them from having a relationship or they are married but have no children. They would drive fairly expensive cars and live in a penthouse or apartment in the city. The word ‘esquire’ means gentlemen, so these men would be respectful and professional.

Masthead:

The masthead is very elegant and sophisticated and this is what the audience aspire to be like. It’s written in black, bold writing which makes it stand out and the men that read this magazine also want to stand out, make a statement and be bold. The black connotes formality and wealth.

Main Image:

The main image is record producer/MC Dizzee Rascal. This is an unusual choice as Dizzee Rascal represents the younger generation so this may mean that ‘Esquire’ is trying to expand their target market by trying to relate to them by using someone they admire as the main image in order appeal to the younger generation and therefore gain more readers. The main image uses direct mode of address to draw in the reader and he is seen clenching his fist which connotes strength and masculinity. He is doing this whilst wearing a suit and this connotes that u have to have strength in order to succeed in business.

Layout & Colour Scheme:

The colour scheme is very basic and simple but at the same time, the simplicity makes it look very classy and chic. The use of red connotes power, strength and competition so that is why the cover line which reads: ‘PUT THEIR FRIENDSHIP TO THE TEST’ is in red. Similarly to ‘Teen Now’, the layout is also busy in ‘Esquire’ but it is busy in an organised way. The readers of ‘Esquire’ have buys yet organised and scheduled lives.

Sell Lines:
The sell lines are important as they attract the reader by giving them a taster of what the magazine includes and what some of the stories will be about. The sell lines also need to be able to relate to the reader and draw them in. For example: the sell line that reads 'OASISH, COLDPLAY, THE SMIFFS' relates to the reader because those that are a fan of this particular genre of music would know that the actual names of the bands are Oasis, Coldplay and The Smiths; '12 IPAD APPS' - these men have well paid jobs so they can afford to buy the latest gadgets like the Ipad so this sell line would appeal to them.