Country Living
Content Type
The front cover of the magazine states that the content focuses on 'Houses, Gardens, Food, Crafts, Decorations, Travel and Health'. This is a broad array of topics and each one is accompanied with a glossy photograph and inspiring information. Each issue is packed with information on seasonal recipes, advice on interior and exterior decor and wonderful craft ideas. The content appears to cover all aspects of lifestyle whilst relating to the idyllic, cozy idea of living in the country and providing 'phenomenal photography'. Each issue also relates to the time of season or popular topic, (for example christmas or vintage), and the content involves the topic in some way.
Readership/ Target Audience
The audience is most likely to be females in the late twenties and older. This is because the magazine's content focuses on topics which a person of this age may find more interesting than a person of a younger age. For example the health content may hold more interest to a late twenties or older person than a young teenager who prefers to focus on topics such as music or celebrities. Also, an adult of this age range is more likely to own a house to decorate or provide food for a family than a younger person would be, and so the content of the magazine would hold more interest to them. The audience is likely to be female because, stereo-typically females focus on decor, gardening and food more than males do. Therefore the magazine 'Country Living' would hold less relevance to males and they wouldn't buy it. Furthermore 'Country Living' may be aimed at people in the A or B category. This is because it contains rather expensive forms of decoration and fanciful recipes which a person from a lower category may not be able to afford and the language is quite formal and descriptive- which a higher category person identifies with more often. Also the images of beautiful homes, interior and information about travel may be more of an interest to a person from a higher category because they are in a higher, well-paid profession and the magazine content gives ideas on how to display their wealth.
House Style
The language which is used is formal and words aren't abbreviated. For example 'does not' is used instead of 'doesn't', whereas in a different magazine such as 'Kerrang!' abbreviations are commonly used. Also a lot of descriptive language is used which creates a more intriguing and imaginable article- especially in those that inspire the audience. Furthermore the magazine always has a glossy, clear and bright picture to accompany an article. On the front cover, the image always covers the whole of the page. It is never of a person like a lot of other magazines such as 'Woman's Fitness' or 'Prima', but of creative and attractive looking scenes or objects. Also the colours of the headings, titles or subheadings always match in with the colour scheme of the page. For example if the main colour in the images is pink, either the text or headings will be pink as well, this also applies to the 'Country Living' title on the front cover. The magazine always includes articles on the topics which it is known for and the articles, along with the attractive images, are always set out in an imaginative and interesting way. For example a collage of information and images is frequently used.
The language which is used is formal and words aren't abbreviated. For example 'does not' is used instead of 'doesn't', whereas in a different magazine such as 'Kerrang!' abbreviations are commonly used. Also a lot of descriptive language is used which creates a more intriguing and imaginable article- especially in those that inspire the audience. Furthermore the magazine always has a glossy, clear and bright picture to accompany an article. On the front cover, the image always covers the whole of the page. It is never of a person like a lot of other magazines such as 'Woman's Fitness' or 'Prima', but of creative and attractive looking scenes or objects. Also the colours of the headings, titles or subheadings always match in with the colour scheme of the page. For example if the main colour in the images is pink, either the text or headings will be pink as well, this also applies to the 'Country Living' title on the front cover. The magazine always includes articles on the topics which it is known for and the articles, along with the attractive images, are always set out in an imaginative and interesting way. For example a collage of information and images is frequently used.
Industry & Where It Fits In
'Country Living' falls under the home and crafts industry because it provides inspiration for home decor and creativity. It fits in with several areas under the Lifestyle genre because it covers a broad range of aspects in the daily life. This includes gardening tips, food ideas and recipes, DIY projects, crafts and home interior which hold interest to the target audience. As more people are becoming more creative and expanding to cooking a variety of meals, 'Country Living' fits in with that demand by providing ideas.
'Country Living' falls under the home and crafts industry because it provides inspiration for home decor and creativity. It fits in with several areas under the Lifestyle genre because it covers a broad range of aspects in the daily life. This includes gardening tips, food ideas and recipes, DIY projects, crafts and home interior which hold interest to the target audience. As more people are becoming more creative and expanding to cooking a variety of meals, 'Country Living' fits in with that demand by providing ideas.
History & Traditions
'Country Living' is an American magazine. 'Country Living' was first launched in 1978 and in the same year the first issue of the magazine was published by the Hearst Corporation. In 1985 Hurst Corporation published the first UK 'Country Living' edition.The magazine has been monthly ever since. In 2002 the company opened a small store selling country goods and by 2006 the shop expanded and became a huge success. Also 'Country Living' run a website which offers everything country; from 'comfort food' recipes to 'country decor': (http://www.countryliving.com/) The website is regularly updated and follows the seasonal trends with inspiring ideas for crafts, food and decor. On this website the public can become members or subscribe to a newsletter for free. Members can also send in photos of their antiques for appraisal.
In addition to the magazine, 'Country Living' fairs are part of the country life tradition, which started in 1992. They are held annually in top American locations, such as Rhinebeck in New York, around the Summer/Autumn period. The fair provides an opportunity to meet the editors, features special guests and has many wonderful food and shopping stalls. Furthermore 'Country Living' also host numerous annual awards including the 'Blue Ribbon Bloggers' which was launched in 2011. 'House of the Year' is another traditional feature of 'Country Living' and has been since 2006 .Each year a new house is designed, built and decorated to the highest standard. The process is documented on the magazine's website.
Evaluation
As the content of 'Country Living' and my idea are similar I think that the audience which 'Country Living' appeals to will also similar to mine. This research has given me more of an idea to what audience I shall be aiming to attract and what I need to include to do so. For example the interesting and creative layout ideas such as the collage of text and images is an imaginative and attractive way of presenting the information. I think that I may use this idea in my print publication because of the uniqueness that it conveys. Also the fact that there is a colour scheme for each page or depending on the content of the magazine is another idea which I think would work well in attracting the right audience. This is because it shows appeal and that the magazine has been thoughtfully created. The content of 'Country Living' may also inspire me in what I should include in my magazine.
Evaluation
As the content of 'Country Living' and my idea are similar I think that the audience which 'Country Living' appeals to will also similar to mine. This research has given me more of an idea to what audience I shall be aiming to attract and what I need to include to do so. For example the interesting and creative layout ideas such as the collage of text and images is an imaginative and attractive way of presenting the information. I think that I may use this idea in my print publication because of the uniqueness that it conveys. Also the fact that there is a colour scheme for each page or depending on the content of the magazine is another idea which I think would work well in attracting the right audience. This is because it shows appeal and that the magazine has been thoughtfully created. The content of 'Country Living' may also inspire me in what I should include in my magazine.
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