Codes, Conventions and Semiotics
Mise-en-scene:
The colour scheme of this R&B magazine is red, blue, black,
and white. These colours are all used because they
symbolise strength, passion, and confidence, which is the
characteristics the artists express in their music videos. The
white and red really complement each other to ensure that
the significant text stands out in comparison to the others.
Also, due R&B targeting both the male and female
demographic, it prevents using stereotypes of pink
belonging to girls and blue belonging to boys, but rather
uses colours that are gender neutral. These colours could be
interpreted to be scary as it could be seen as thug-like and
abrupt due to their bright nature. This clearly represents the
R&B/hip hop genre as these genres consists of soulful,
moving music which explores the themes of pain and
suffering as well as freedom due to their music either being
about love or heartbreak.
The placement of his hat could be seen as childish as it's
quite a popular clothing trend among the younger
generation (mainly teenagers). Even though it's cut off
from the bottom, the lighting clearly highlights the model's
hands to emphasise the fact that he's wearing watches and
bracelets as well as necklaces. This is to imply how wealthy
he is and the luxury he has. This is quite stereotypical of
R&B artists to wear excessive jewellery to draw attention to
the money that comes with having a job of being a
rapper/singer. He is also wearing a jacket with metal studs,
which can be seen as casual and laidback.
The posture of the model with his hands grasped together creates
a very serious and tense atmosphere. This is reinforced by his
facial expression which is emphasised by the direct lighting hitting
his face and hands.
Headline tells us what the magazine will be about. In this
case, it's about reviewing the whole year of 2010. It uses
alliterations to make it stand out and appear funnier.
Interacting with the magazine by scanning
the code will allow the reader to get a
reward of exclusive cover
Masthead – Very bold and thick, creating the
assumption that it's quite masculine and therefore
targeted towards men.
It's also capitalised and therefore would be the first
thing the audience would notice. This had been
intentionally done as it would ensure that the readers
know what company has produced this magazine so if
they're still interested in these types of magazines,
they'll know where to find more. 
The magazine company is very well-known and
therefore it doesn't matter if the model is covering most
of the text because the readers would automatically
know what company it is.
Cover lines – Describes and promotes the content
that will appear later on throughout the magazine.
It's usually appreciates them and praises the artist
that is mentioned. It's uses well-known artists that
will appeal to those who enjoy listening to R&B
music and displays their names in a larger font so
that it's the first thing read.
Sell line – This gives information to the reader of what gifts and
prizes they could win if they buy the magazine. By saying that the
reader would need to go to page 57, it shows that they must skim
the way through the pages to find it. By doing so, it's likely that
their eyes will be caught up on something appealing, which would
cause them to read the whole magazine. Also, by giving
incentives, it would keep the readers interested in this company
as they would be determined to win at least one prize.