Generic Research and Inspiration

 When researching Condé Nast brands, including Vogue, I have gained valuable insight into high-end editorial design, as well as branding, and audience engagement. Vogue is known for its iconic, and striking brand image, and additionally its sophisticated layout and recognisable imagery. Vogue effectively uses typography, colour schemes and photography to create an aesthetically pleasing and iconic identity which ultimately appeals to its target audience. 

When creating my own magazine, it is vital that I take inspiration from Vogue magazines by incorporating dynamic layouts, as well as eye-catching and intricate photography. Moreover, I will learn how Condé Nast publications structure their content, using interesting headlines and high-end visuals to maintain and increase reader interest, whilst creating a sophisticated and clean look.

One of the pages which stood out to me on Vogue’s website is an article called:

20 Très Iconique Vintage Pictures of Juliette Binoche

What stood out to me the most on this article was the photograph of Juliette Binoche. She looks extremely elegant in all 20 photos which are featured in the article, particularly the cover photo of thr magazine, which was taken in 1986, where she was starring as Anna in Leox Caraz’s Mauvais Sang (or The Night is Young). I believe the elegance and sophistication of the article will resonate with my target audience, as this style - put together and timeless - is something I am looking to achieve when recreating in my own magazine front cover.

Furthermore, I looked at some other Vogue front covers which II would like to take inspiration from, ranging over an array of eras. Looking at how front covers have changed, whilst also noticing which key conventions Vogue has retained, has helped me learn how society has changed, but also see what to keep the same. 

Examples:

NOVEMBER 9 1899

OCTOBER 27 1930

DECEMBER 1 2000

Industrial Context

An overview of the history of magazines:

1731 - First magazine published

• The Gentleman’s Magazine, was published in London by Edward Cave
• It featured articles on a variety of topics, such as literature, current affairs and politics

1890 - Rise of mass circulation magazines

• Advancements in printing technology allowed for a mass production of magazines 
• This ultimately led to the rise of popular magazines, like The Strand Magazine and Harper’s Weekly, reaching a wider audience

1923 - Time Magazine was founded

• Founded by Henry Luce and Britton Hadden
• It quickly became for its in-depth reporting and analysis of current affairs
• Has remained a prominent publication in the industry 

1933 - First Issue of Newsweek 

• Provided with news and analysis on current affairs
• It quickly gained a reputation for its in-depth reporting and editorial content

1953 - Playboy Magazine launched

• Hugh Hefner launched Playboy which featured articles, interviews and the iconic centrefolds 
• It quickly became one of the most popular men’s magazines in the world 

1977 - First issue of People Magazine

• Focused on celebrity news, human interest stories, and popular culture
• It quickly became one of the most widely read magazines in the United States

2001 - Digital Revolution in the Magazine Industry 

• The rise of the internet in the early 2000s led to a shift in the magazine industry, with many publications moving towards digital formats
• This allowed for greater reach and accessibility for readers around the world

Information from https://historytimelines.co/timeline/magazine-industry

An overview of the history of Vogue:

1892 - First Issue of Vogue 

• First Issue published on December 17 1892 in the USA
• Founded by Arthur Baldwin Turnure as a weekly society publication

1909 - Acquisition by Condé Nast 

• Condé Montrose Nast acquired Vogue and transformed it into a high-fashion magazine 
• Under his ownership, Vogue became a leading publication in the fashion industry 

1916 - Vogue Covers

• Vogue featured illustrated covers until 1916 when the magazine introduced photographic covers
• From then on, Vogue covers became iconic in the fashion world 

1988 - Anna Wintour becomes Editor-in-Chief

• Anna Wintour was appointed as the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue 
• Her leadership brought a fresh perspective to the magazine and solidified its reputation as a fashion authority 

2017 - First Transgender Cover Model 

• Vogue made history by featuring its first transgender cover model, actress Laverne Cox
• This milestone was celebrated as a step towards greater inclusivity in the fashion industry

Information from https://historytimelines.co/timeline/vogue

Audience Research - Focus Group

 Subject 1

My first subject is Gracie. She fits my demographic since she is a 16 year old Sixth Form student, and she is part of the ABC1 audience. Gracie has a very aesthetically pleasing lifestyle which she shares on her social media platforms. Gracie is a sociable individual who spends the majority of her time with friends. Moreover, Gracie is an avid reader of Condé Nast magazines such as Vogue and GQ, furthering that Gracie is a part of my target audience.

Subject 2

My second subject is Mia. Mia fits my target audience as she is an 18 year old Sixth Form student, who is also a part of the ABC1 audience. Mia lives a very grunge lifestyle and immerses herself in rock music from the 80s. She is the lead singer of the band ‘They Might Be After Us’ which consists of four female members - a drummer, two guitarists and a singer. The band describes themselves as “a bunch of cool people with instruments”. Furthermore, Mia works in Waitrose, where she often works down the magazine aisle, viewing many magazines, including Condé Nast magazines.

Subject 3 

My final subject is Jess. Jess is 25 years old, so is at the end of the age range. Jess is a professional dancer who leads a very interesting and fun lifestyle. She is part of the ABC1 audience, and is constantly touring around the country to perform, when she is not rehearsing in Southend. Moreover, Jess travels a lot and has engaged in many different cultures such as Italian culture, Danish, Dutch, Greek and French. 

Audience Research - Average Reader Profile

Target Audience - A primarily 16-25 year-old middle and up market audience of style conscious people.

• Usually a reader of Condé Nast magazines such as Vogue and GQ

Reader Profile: 

Candidate Name: Isabella Brigstock

 Candidate Number: 2025

Centre Number: 16607

Magazine NEA Brief

 

For my Media Studies coursework, I have chosen to do a Style Magazine, as I believe it will be able to capture my creative ability the best. 

Charity Advert

 

For my charity advert, I chose to do a charity very close to my heart. The baby I used in the advert is my baby cousin, Hannah, who was born due to IVF. My aunt had struggled with infertility issues since she was 35, and miraculously gave birth to Hannah when she was 44. She went through many rounds of IVF, on the NHS, in a private clinic in England, and finally a private clinic in the Czech Republic, where she went through 3 rounds before finally falling pregnant with Hannah, and consequently giving birth to her in October 2022.