Conventions Of An XXL Magazine

The XXL masthead is one of the most generic conventions of this magazine (and most magazines), with a red background and large white text situated in the top left hand corner of every issue. This allows readers to build familiarity with the magazine and creates an expectation for every issue. Because of this, it is not always necessary to have the entire masthead showing – the central figure/s may cover it.

An issue will usually feature one individual, usually male, however once in a while multiple figures or a woman might feature on the front cover. Through costuming (jewellery and expensive clothes to display the wealth of the industry), facial expressions (aggressive and superior to display artist’s egos) and poses, XXL manage to create and maintain a hip-hop stereotype – one that has built customer loyalty.

Customer loyalty is further maintained by keeping attributes similar from issue to issue. Large writing of the artists name and clear features of what the magazine includes are replicated on every XXL cover. Because of the font, colour and presentation of the artist (who connotes a ‘gangster’ image), I’m able to infer that the magazine is aimed at a male audience ranging from teenage years to late forties (the age of the majority of artists). XXL magazines feature in-depth interviews and articles about both prestigious and new artists, all of which are usually male. Furthermore the adverts within are that of expensive cars, model hotlines, designer shoes and diamond infested watches – once again implying a male audience.

On occasion XXL will reach out to the growing female audience by breaking the convention of a male central figure and having a female feature instead. Featured articles such as ‘eye candy’ may also attract females – presumably of a young age (around twenties) – however in regards to the front cover, women are presented heavily sexualised and seen to have on minimal clothing, suggesting that a broader male audience may be targeted more than encouraging female appeal

The XXL contents page is very simple, but it’s effective. There is usually a white or grey background. The masthead is still present however it is minimized to a great degree to allow for fluency. The audience becomes acquainted with the simple colour scheme of black, red and white/grey, which due to familiarity will allow the reader to engage in the magazine more. Black strips below the heading and sectioning of the bottom of the contents page are maintained on every issue, as well as the font and size of text on the page. The heading varies from ‘A-Side’ or ‘B-Side’ to something catchy like ‘doin’ lines’. These generic conventions ensure the same atmosphere is maintained. 

A typical XXL double page spread features an image on one side of the page and the article, presented neatly in columns with a large title above to attract the reader’s attention on the other. There are very few variations to XXL’s double page spreads, including the font which helps to maintain a theme throughout. Usually only one figure is presented on the double page spread in order to give more relevance, publicity and visual impact to the artist and the article.

The 'rule of thirds' is a guideline which applies to the process (in this case) of a double page spread where the page is divided into nine equal parts. As a result reference points have been created which act as framing for ODB's stance and the text on the left hand side. Having subjects aligned creates more energy and interest in the double page spread.  

The research conducted has helped me to reach a conclusion about how I’m to present my magazine.

My central figure will be presented in order to create a hip-hop stereotype, similar to that of XXL, on a front cover which is simple to increase effectiveness. My contents, and double page spread will follow the generics of an XXL magazine, portrayed in an ordered, clear and basic fashion.