The colours used on this front cover are both unusual at first glance however at further analysis could be justified. For instance the use of red and white are not necessarily jazz related. However, as this is a more modern magazine out my analysis's, the editor may have used abnormal colours as a diverting tactic to 'revitalise' jazz conventions. Ultimately, aiming for new markets. This particularly makes sense as Miles Davis was incredibly famous in the last century, which may cause readers to instantly judge the magazine as 'outdated'. However, it still follows the codes and conventions for instance (although it uses non 'jazz' colours) it uses minimal main colours, which a stereotypical jazz magazine-and out of all the magazines I analysed- have used. Additionally, Miles Davis has a blue coat on, which is recognised as a jazz colour, therefore this brings a traditional nature to the magazine. The white title isn't that distinguishable, as it blends with the two other main white headlines. This enforces that jazz times ( as it was founded in 1970 ) is a 'magazine devoted to jazz'. This encourages the idea of devotion and loyalty to the reader, hopefully influencing them to feel the same, similar to being part of a community.
I enjoy the idea of using minimalist colours, perhaps using white too, to subvert classic bold jazz colours like orange or blue- bringing a sense of modernity and freshness. Additionally, I like the idea of using colour to represent traditional jazz. Therefore, I am opting to colour the photo black and white, to bring forth connotations of the long established genre.
The positioning of the Miles Davis himself is slightly off centre, whilst his instrument and hands are directly in it. This brings direct focus to the hands and instrument itself. Ultimately, this reinforces the common theme of jazz magazines using images and positioning to reinforce jazz is a genre of equality. The genre jazz, like the artists value their/the instruments as an equal or most significant part of their performance. This is what distinguishes the jazz look from other genres, because even magazines such as indie or pop use instruments in images, the artists aren't usually playing them. Additionally, the image is overlapping the masthead, 'jazz times'. Overlapping exaggerates the status of the artist over branding, because in jazz, the artist is the main importance. Particularly, this demonstrates to the reader that the core principles of jazz aren't being lost, and thus the magazine is aimed at dedicated jazz magazine readers/musicians/listeners. To further my point, a person who is passionate and knowledgeable about jazz will instantly be drawn to the image of Miles Davis rather than buy the magazine based on the brand. Fundamentally, its showing jazz inst a part of the new wave of branding and marketing to attract masses of customers, especially as the history is usually lost along the lines. The positioning of the smaller texts are to the side. The fact they are significantly smaller and placed away from the main image emphasises the main article is about Miles Davis. Particularly, it horizontally contrasts with the larger text of 'bitches brew'. This means the reader will be subconsciously drawn away from the smaller text, and focus on the main story instead. Ultimately, this keeps a sense of focus and has been tactically used to attract the reader to read the article. I look to use a photo slightly off centre with an instrument, as i feel it creates an indirect focus. Which, ironically makes the reader concentrate more on the image as they have to look at different sections of the page, not just the centre. Which means they discover all the insiders etc used to reel them in. I also like the idea of making the smaller fonts the least important, or at least, less important than my featuring article,
The fonts used vary massively between traditional (like the 'Miles Davis') and modern fonts. Such as the 'bitches brew', is shown in a more modern font than traditional magazines use. Due to its complex structure. However, the curved sides and the funky edges convey a jazz/funk element. Which does fit jazz conventions, however this magazine has chose to adress the modern market more than the traditional.
For my magazine i want to adress both the markets equally, however through fonts i aim to stay traditional, however i may use some modern fonts as a balance and to take inspiration from this. Overall, too minimalist fonts might not attract many of the modern market, which goes against my aims.
The image itself is very conventional, as it shows a midshot including both the artist and instrument. Which highlights the artist and instrument equality, as well as mass importance in the genre and for jazz fans. The facial expression gives the impression of being very passionate about the music, and also enphasises the artists have alot of musical talent and expertise. I Want to take inspiration from this and use a midshot angled photo, to get the right amount of the artist, to enforce the conventions of the artist and instument being so important, and keeping the main focus on them.
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