Media Message Activity

Magazine Cover

1.  Who is the author and what is the purpose?
Miami Harold Home & Design Magazine.  The purpose of the issue is to address colors in the magazine and how you can utilize color choices in your home design and decor.

2. What creative techniques are used to attract and hold attention?
The message on the cover is clear cut and exciting.  The issue is very limited with text on the cover, but the words and image used make it clear what the message behind the issue is about.

The creative techniques used to attract and hold our attention are the bold colors and simple arrangement of the items in the photo.  The selection of color is simple and elegant while also achieving excitement and sass through the bolder color selections.

3.  How might different people understand this message?
Some people viewing this issue may be deterred by the bold color choices and avoid giving it a second glance for that reason, but others who are more adventurous would be likely to pick it up or purchase it for a deeper look at what else the magazine has to offer.

4.  What lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented?

I think the magazine touches on more the upper-class lifestyles that could afford the sleeker name brand furniture and free-of-clutter and junk apartments in the city.  I think the chrome shine and white accents suggest metropolitan business-minded people who thrive on style and luxury.

Or, this could intrigue the thrifty middle-class like myself who would make it a personal challenge to recreate this style and sheek by up cycling current items in my home or making a cheaper version of my own creation.

5.  What is omitted?

Text information is lacking.  Usually magazine covers are overloaded with headings and sneak peaks at what is inside the issue to draw us in.  Here it maintains the sleek look and sophistication with the lack of text and information overload.

References

Hobbs, R. (2011). Research As Authentic Inquiry. Digital and media literacy: connecting culture and classroom (p. 57). Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.

It is important for children to understand the importance of color theory in life and the many things they can achieve in fashion through this understanding as well.  Asking students to use color theory in design and fashion demonstrates how they can be unique and creative in their future lives while creating a space that is both relaxing, provides excitement or makes them proud.  In the deconstruction of this magazine cover, we can simply understand what colors and accessories are used to draw us into wanting to open the magazine issue.  I would extend this activity and allow the students time to create a space of their own using art, textiles and furniture that would culminate in a room they would be proud to have designed.  

This activity can be extended into discussions on taste, style, furniture, art, many topics that are relevant and meaningful in the art classroom.  I'm sure this lesson would show them how useful it is to have a grasp of color and how to utilize it in exhibiting ones own personal style in their future homes.  It would be fun!  I love color!