Semiotics For My Preliminary Product

Masthead
I chose the masthead for my preliminary product because I think that it is effective for my target audience. The sans serif font is modern and is typical of digitally designed work which will appeal to the target audience of young adults and teenagers. The modern font portrays the school as being forward-thinking and current which makes the teenagers want to come to the school, additionally it gives the parents reassurance that they are going to a modern school that is up to date. The position of the masthead is effective as it is the visual hierarchy that proves that most cultures read from left to right and from top to bottom. This shows that the position of my masthead allows it to be the first thing that is seen and makes the name better known.

 

Images
I decided to use the image of Callum as my front cover image as the medium shot looks personal and specific to the students in school. An image of a student will appeal to the target audience as they will feel like they are reading exactly what the student says. Additionally, the setting for my image was good as it is bright and outdoors, showing that the school is not classroom based and gives the students an idea of freedom in school, which is what all teenagers want. Furthermore, the mise-en-scene and costume for the photo is effective as Callum is wearing school uniform. This shows that the school is professional and everyone is treated the same, however his choice of brightly used school bag is effective as it shows his individuality and freedom in the school environment.
I used the image of Ben as it shows he too is uniform, even though it’s an image of someone in lower school it shows that that look up to Callum, giving the sixth formers the acknowledgement and shown as being aspirational and presents callum as an authority figure. Which is effective as it will be sixth formers that want to buy the magazine.



Name
The name I have chosen for my product was ‘biddulph6’ I think that this is effective because it is simple and laid back, this will appear to my target audience of teenagers as it reflects their attitude. It is informal and modern showing that the school is new and forward thinking for the children about to take their A levels, it shows that the school is not strict and traditional which will make teenagers want to attend the school. It is an abbreviation for Biddulph Sixth Form which is effective for my target audience as it mirrors the way that they speak to their friends which makes it less formal, more approachable and comfortable to read for the teenagers.