Vibe Feature Article Analysis

The feature article begins with a letter, presumably the same letter that was referenced on the cover. The first thing that strikes the reader is that certain parts of the text have been highlighted yellow. It is not immediately apparent whether the publication editor or the writer of the letter highlighted these sections however interest is created.
Unusually for a letter this one appears to have a title, the title being the writer of the letter. We can then see that this doesn’t end as a traditional letter usually does, as there is no closing statement, i.e. yours sincerely or yours faithfully. Instead is the writers signature and the logo for his political campaign, which is of the same colour scheme used for the front cover of the magazine. Below this an American the posting address, perhaps to encourage the idea that this is an approachable politician who would be welcoming to letters and queries.
The letter begins, ‘Dear Vibe readers,’ which addresses the audience directly, making them feel immediately included in what is being written.
The layout of the page is very specific. It has been designed to appear as though the letter has been typed and printed on a sheet of paper and they positioned on the magazine page. The outline of the sheet that the letter has been printed on is visible on parts of the page and the ‘Vibe’ logo at the top of the page has been slightly obscured.
There is also a date at the top of the letter that indicates it was written two months before the printing and distribution of this magazine. There is some dead space on and around the letter and this may be to ensure that focus is concentrated on the letter itself.

The first double page spread of the feature article is taken up by a photograph of Barack Obama standing in front of The U.S. Capitol Building. The photograph is at a slightly lowered angle looking up and out to the left. Obama, who is the only person in the photograph, is positioned at the bottom right of the image and takes up approximately half of the right page. The title of the article, The Tipping Point, illustrates the angle the photograph. The title is the largest font on the page, a similar shade to Obama’s tie and is positioned under the summary of the article. It also fits around the outline of the building, which is a typical image related to American politics. The text (the summary an the title) is also at the same angle as the photograph and emphasizes the tipping action. There is also an American flag visible at the top of the building and the far left end of the building and further solidifies the political theme of the article.