Preliminary: Evaluating 'MacLife' in term of Layout and Image

The part of the image gaining visual hierarchy within this front cover is the black writing framed in white. This is because it is darker, and constrasts with the paler scheme of colours in the background. Second is the red image in the left bottom hand side of the image. This isn't particuarly ideal for a magazine as it means that the Masthead is lacking visual hierarchy in comparision to the less as important background image and featured article's title. Possibly, by making the title a matching red shade to the image shown, the headline may stand out more, claiming visual hierarchy. The ratio of words to image, out of 10 is around 3:7, as the image takes up all of the background. However there are no other images. The lack of other images may be seen as a posative thing as it could be due to the fact they did not want to overcomplicate the layout of the magazine. However, it could also be seen negatively because it means there are no images relavent to articles that could attract the target audiene of the articles. The range of hot and cold colours, pale and dark could mean they are trying to appeal to both and male and female audience as there are no colours that specifically lean towards one gender. The font is also not too female nor male. The font is simple, readable- possibly a tad too formal for a university magazine.
The edited image in the background is used to make the magazine look modern, this attracts the target audienece as they are young. However, it could also seem quite patronizing to them- as although they are adults, they are still being presented as children due to the fact they are still in education. This childishness is shown through the bright colour scheme, and the 'star' decorations.
The theme within the articles implies the audience are interested in technology, as the magazine has specifically featured an article about ipods. Also, the name of the magazine is 'MacLife' - 'mac' being a reference to the 'applemac' a laptop popular within University. This implies that the students may also have a lot of money as they can afford expensive, new technology. The other featured article 'Is our campus safe' could imply that safety is important to the target audience.