Above the masthead ‘Spin’ there is a skyline title reading ‘The Best of 2010’ this may attract the readers wanting to know what is inside. This gives the impression that this is a special edition focusing on 2010, meaning that the main focus is not the magazine itself, because the masthead is below this information, so they want to attract their readers by making it feel ‘special’ so more people may buy it.
The cover image is of Florence Welch, she is a well known music star making the magazine more desirable to fans of her and her music. This also gives the impression that the magazine is saying that she has been the star of 2010 because she is the cover star of the special edition of the magazine. The plain background makes her stand out because there is nothing in the background distracting the reader’s focus from her. The image is a medium close up of her, her hands are close to her face and she is looking very innocently into the camera. This innocence and the fact that she is looking directly into the camera makes it more intriguing wanting to know what is going to be inside about her. The clothes that she is wearing suggest that she has been dressed in expensive clothing because they are made of sequins. Her hair is a little bit messy giving off the impression that there may be a wind machine on her while she is having the picture taken; it also gives a rockier vibe.
The masthead is overlapping Florence, this may be because the magazine is not very well known, so the reader would have to see the full name of the title, and not just assume what it is called, otherwise they may not know what magazine they are buying. ‘Spin’ is in white writing, with a bold red box around it, making it stand out to against the rest of the magazine. All the other text is in black and white meaning that the red will draw the reader’s attention to the name of the magazine.
Bottom left of the cover, overlapping Florence, is the information about her and the story that is going to be inside. ‘Florence and the Machine’ is written in bold white writing with black background so that if it was written in black it may have blended in with the rest of the image, so this stands out just in case people did not know who the cover star was.
At the top right of the magazine there is a subheading about the top 40 albums of 2010, the words ‘TOP 40’ are much bigger than the rest of the text meaning that they are what the reader needs to see first.
Next to Florence’s arm are a few popular music stars’ names, they are written in smaller writing compared to most of the other text on the rest of the cover. This may be because it is not the main feature of the magazine. The mention of these names may be what interests the reader further as their favourite star from 2010 may be included in that line-up.
At the top right of the magazine there is a subheading about the top 40 albums of 2010, the words ‘TOP 40’ are much bigger than the rest of the text meaning that they are what the reader needs to see first.
Next to Florence’s arm are a few popular music stars’ names, they are written in smaller writing compared to most of the other text on the rest of the cover. This may be because it is not the main feature of the magazine. The mention of these names may be what interests the reader further as their favourite star from 2010 may be included in that line-up.
On the cover of this ‘Q’ cover features all four members of the popular band Kings of Leon.
The masthead ‘Q’ is at the back of the whole image, in the signature style of white letter over the bold red square. The fact that it is behind the actual image means that it is already recognisable enough so it does not need to be fully shown in order for the readers to know what magazine they are buying.
The image itself is very explicit in the way that it is almost as if the glass is coming right at us.
Against a dark green background all members of the rock band are jumping through the glass, giving off the impression of fun and excitement. The image of all the glass breaking is quite a dangerous image, not really suitable for a young reader, but this magazine is not really targeted for a young audience so it is not an issue. Since they are a rock band it is suitable for them to behave quite reckless and risky. Their faces seem to be quite angry but this is probably just to give the full effect for what they are doing. They are all dressed very causally, in jeans and t-shirts, coupled with jumping in the air makes them seem that they do not take themselves too seriously. This may make the reader appeal to them more, because they look like they are having fun. They are quite young musicians appealing to an audience of maybe 16-30 year old. It is a long shot of them all showing their whole bodies, the way I which they are positioned means that the lead vocalist Caleb is nearer the front, while Nathan, the base guitarist and back up vocalist is next to him, though there is the allusion that he is at the front as he is kicking in the air, which makes his foot in the centre and in front of the rest of the image.
Against a dark green background all members of the rock band are jumping through the glass, giving off the impression of fun and excitement. The image of all the glass breaking is quite a dangerous image, not really suitable for a young reader, but this magazine is not really targeted for a young audience so it is not an issue. Since they are a rock band it is suitable for them to behave quite reckless and risky. Their faces seem to be quite angry but this is probably just to give the full effect for what they are doing. They are all dressed very causally, in jeans and t-shirts, coupled with jumping in the air makes them seem that they do not take themselves too seriously. This may make the reader appeal to them more, because they look like they are having fun. They are quite young musicians appealing to an audience of maybe 16-30 year old. It is a long shot of them all showing their whole bodies, the way I which they are positioned means that the lead vocalist Caleb is nearer the front, while Nathan, the base guitarist and back up vocalist is next to him, though there is the allusion that he is at the front as he is kicking in the air, which makes his foot in the centre and in front of the rest of the image.
In the middle left of the cover overlapping the picture the main cover line and model credit ‘KINGS OF LEON’ is in bold black writing, underneath in the same white square reads ‘BREAKTHROUGH’ in a pale pink colour, standing out from the rest of the text. This is a pun because the image is of them ‘breaking through’ glass, this comedic pun may make the reader more interested, thinking ‘what are they breaking through to?’
At the top right of the cover there is a white square with words in black and red. The words highlighted are the most important directing the reader’s attention over to it. There are two arrows before the text starts, this gives the allusion that reader must turn over in the direction to find out what is inside, there is the same effect for the same type of text at the bottom right reading different words but same effect, with the black and red writing.
The masthead is faded in the background of the image, meaning that it is already an established magazine name that the audience do not need help to recognise which magazine it is. It is in black bold writing but then starts to fade down to blend into the white background. This suggests that the reader’s eyes should be drawn onto Ciara and toward the bottom of the page. Above the masthead on the skyline, is another cover line, these words change in colour from blank to white, contrasting with each other so the reader’s eyes may be drawn onto this and then onto the masthead and down to the image of Ciara.
The cover image of a nude Ciara caused quite a bit of hysteria because it is essentially a naked photo of a famous music star. The effect of this is huge, the reader will now not only want to read the magazine because it is the one they may usually get but because of the picture of Ciara and wanting to turn over the pages to see more of her. It stands out amongst a newsstand because it not to be expected from a music magazine. She is very discreetly covering herself up but only by her legs and arms, her hair also contributes to covering her up, the long black hair is luscious and more desirable to the audience looking at it. The lighting on her face highlights her features and bone structure making the details of her face not clear to see, so it not about her face as many people will know what she looks like, they do not need to see an extreme close up to recognise who it is. The picture may appeal to men thinking that she looks very sexy. The lighting on her is quite dim showing that she is the main attraction and everything else is out of focus.
The words around the image are in red and black writing, very sensual and loud colours, drawing the attention of the reader to the words in red bold lettering. The main cover line and model credit ‘CIARA’ is written in bold red writing that is almost transparent against her body, and her arm overlaps the last letter, making it seem as though she is hugging the words. Above her name in a different font of text are the words ‘Stand UP!’ This goes with the picture as a juxtaposed idea of here on the floor, so by saying stand up it gives a comedic sense of the way she is posed. Below her name is a quote of what she has said in the interview, the effect of this is that just by taking a snippet of what she says the reader may want to know what else she has said to this. Along the side of the magazine cover there is a line-up of names in the R’n’B music industry. This may appeal to people who may want to buy the magazine because it includes not just Ciara but all the other artists that they may be interested in reading about.
This cover of Clash magazine includes a medium close of singer James Blake.
The masthead is very bold and stands out against the rest of the magazine. The words are overlapping the image, this suggests that the magazine is new and unrecognised, so they need for the name to be made obvious for people to know what they are buying. Below the ‘H’ on the masthead is the slogan of the magazine in very small print. Above the masthead on the skyline there is a promotion for the free music, this makes the magazine more desirable by using the word ‘FREE’. The two words are in black contrasting with the rest of the sentence which is in white. So they want it to stand out so readers can clearly see the promotion.
The image itself is a medium close of singer James Blake. By the clothes he is wearing it seems he is has got a ‘preppy’ look, with his checked shirt done right up to the top. The writing directly underneath his head has his name in big font in yellow. So it is made obvious to the readers who the man on the cover is. The background is in a pastel yellow colour, fading from dark to light as it goes down on the page. The lighting on his face is quite dim contrasting against the bright yellow background, giving a mysterious vibe from him. This is what may have been intended by the photo, because he is a new artist coming into the music scene and not very many people know about him they may have wanted to make him look mysterious, so that the reader will want to find out about him.
Just above his name is a cover line ‘NEW MUSIC SPECIAL’ this could encourage readers to buy it because they may be interested in knowing more about the new music of 2011, including James Blake of whom they may or may not be familiar with. It appeals to the audience because everyone will like to get a freebie, so they will know right from the cover that they will benefit from getting the magazine.
Around the image of him, there are a series of cover lines, including other artists that are featured in the magazine, so if people were not too interested in James Blake they may like to read about the other musicians mentioned. The name other artist Adele is written in bold red while the other are written in smaller black font. This shows that she the other main attraction for the magazine, because if a name is in big writing readers are more likely to see that name first.
This magazine may be preferred for a fan of upcoming new artists, as James Blake is not very well known, so people who have heard of him and his music may prefer to buy this magazine.
Although we cannot see much of the masthead we can recognise that it is Rolling Stone. Reason for this is because it has been a well established magazine to its audiences for a long time. The title itself is a recognisable one because of its never changing font. The silvery grey font, with a black shadow underneath, contrasts with everything on this cover making it more noticeable. The font is quite swirly and looks almost 3D.
The cover image is unmistakably Lady Gaga; this is a very different look for her, her hair is very different to what it normally is, and almost looking like an Afro, while her lips are made-up for a geisha girl look. In this image she is nude but with strategically placed bubbles to cover her up. The scene around her looks like pink bubbles, we assume she has come out of the bath. There seems to be door open in the background letting light through which we see on her hair coming through as though the light is shining around her, putting emphasis on the her. The pink colours through this image show a girly side to Lady Gaga, and sweetness, quite sickly almost. Readers that are fans of Lady Gaga may enjoy this and be interested to read on in the magazine and see more pictures. However, because it is a very strange picture some readers may be put off reading this magazine because they may not like Lady Gaga, but that is the rick that Rolling Stone have taken.
The cover is quite cluttered by all the text showing that there will be a lot in the magazine for the readers to enjoy. The cover lines are all in the same white font, though the main cover line is much bigger than the rest. Showing more attention of Lady Gaga and on the other side of the cover ‘THE HOT LIST’ is the same size showing that they are the main attractions of this edition of Rolling Stone. By putting the hot list on the cover it shows that this may be a desirable issue and one that will include interesting things about music. The cover is quite full of writing, showing it is not all about the image of Lady Gaga.
This issue of NME magazine shows the band The Vaccines on the cover.
The masthead is at the top left hand corner, is in block white font. It is at the very back of the cover showing that they do not need to make it obvious for people to recognise what magazine it is. Above the masthead s a skyline of the special feature to this issue, this is new music of 2011. So this may appeal to an audience that is a fan of music and wants to know more about the new music that is coming out. Nest to the cover line is a blue circle that looks like sticker; this is saying ‘1 of 2 NEW BAND Covers’. By having new and in black capitals it stands out against the blue and white writing.
The image is of all members of the band The Vaccines, they are all sitting down, with one member at the front of all of them, and so we assume that he is the lead singer, and he is the only one who looked like he is not looking directly into the camera. They all look quite bored or moody, but that is most likely to be the mood they want to give off to their fans. They are all dressed quite differently but all the colours go well together, so they may be quite fashionable, appealing to an audience who like both music and fashion. The mise-en-scene of the cover is of them holding guitars giving off the rock theme that NME magazine do very well. This will also appeal to a reader who is a fan of rock music, and even The Vaccines’ music because this cover is mostly about them and their music. The background of the image is a dull grey one setting down the tone so it is not bright and bubbly, but more serious.
At the left middle of the cover is a cover line about the ‘NEW STARS OF 2011’ this helps promote the magazine further because it is not just about the band on the cover but about other artists that will hope to make it big in the upcoming year. This makes the reader more interested because someone they may have heard of may be in the list making more likely for them to buy the magazine. The cover lien is in black bold font with a white rectangle underneath so that it does not blend in with the image. Below that are the names of the artists in white writing but with either bright blue or red rectangle, showing that they stand out against the rest of the cover.
Below the image of The Vaccines is the model credit of their name, ‘THE’ is in block white font and overlapping that is ‘VACCINES’ in bold red font, making that the main word in the whole cover so people can easily recognise who they are. 
This cover of Blender magazine includes a long shot of Katy Perry.
The masthead is to the back of the cover, in bold black font. It is to the back of the cover image, so the magazine name is well established. On the sky line, there is information about what is in the magazine, by including the freebies on the cover of the magazine it is making it obvious for the reader to see that, making them want to buy it more.
The actual cover image is of Katy Perry, she is wearing quite skimpy clothing and turning her head to the side meaning that we cannot see her whole body. This image poses a vibe of attitude. The lighting is very strong on her, as if she is glowing on the cover, with the white background emphasising the colour in what she is wearing and her black hair. The effect of the white background is strong, focusing all the attention on Katy Perry and the words around her. The way she is posing looks as if she is smouldering, possibly trying to look sexy appealing to male readers of the magazine. From her body position, we know that it was purposely done so that we could see a long shot of her whole body to, again, appeal to the audience.
The model credit, and cover line is right next to her, with her surname in pink whilst the rest of the writing is in black. The font changes from normal to bold, highlighting and emphasising the words the bold or in pink. On the other side of the cover are the other peaks into what will be inside the magazine. Quite controversial headlines on the cover, making it not very suitable for a younger audience and more for an audience who is mature enough to appreciate it.
This cover of Billboard includes the singer Mary J. Blige.
The masthead is the signature style of Billboard magazine. The white rounded font with colour in the letters ‘b’ ‘o’ ‘a’ and‘d’. This highlights the words making the masthead stand out against the rest of the cover. It is situated at the top, stretching along the width of the cover, and is behind the cover image. This suggests that it is a well known magazine that does not need the lettering at the front for people to recognise what magazine it is. On the skyline of the cover is a feature to the magazine where there is information about the most famous music awards, mentioning big names like Beyonce and Swift, i.e. Taylor Swift, attracting any readers who may be fans of them.
The cover image of well known singer Mary J. Blige is the main focus of the magazine. She contrasts very well with the cover in a white dress against a dark background. The way she is posing is very confident and serious. The dress she is wearing is very figure hugging, showing off her curves and tattoos, appealing possibly to male audience, as well as women who are inspired by her and her music. The lighting on her is quite dim and not very bright, though the background is as well, giving off a moody vibe.
The running theme of the cover is lime green and white writing, the model credit is in very big font and in a striking lime green. At the bottom left hand corner of the cover is a feature of the hottest stars at the moment. There is a + sign, in lime green, meaning plus, this is quite a modern way of putting it. Since it is in the same colour as the model credit, it shows its importance to the cover, meaning that the reader’s eyes should be drawn down to that. Underneath the sign there is a number of names, big stars that are also featured in the issue, this could create more of a following for the magazine, because the potential reader may like some of the stars mentioned. On the right hand side of the cover there is other information about what is inside the magazine, this is very much smaller writing, but there is more writing, showing a good balance between the left and right hand side of the cover.
This cover of Mojo magazine features the band Nirvana.
The masthead is to the back of the image, showing that the magazine will already have a following and does not need to be sprawled across the page for readers to recognise it. The font of the title is bold white with a slight black shadow around the letters, emphasising the name. Above the masthead there is a tribute to a dead rock star, on which 10 pages are dedicated to, next to this right at the top corner is a picture of him. The running theme of the cover is grey white and bright yellow. The contrasting colour makes the words stand out a lot against the dull grey background. Just below the masthead is a bit saying that this issue is a ‘SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY ISSUE’, this could potentially make the reader want to buy it more, especially if they are of an older generation who can remember the old issues.
At the top corner overlapping the masthead is what looks like a sticker, displaying that there is a free CD included in this issue. This makes it more desirable to the potential readers knowing that they will get a freebie by buying the magazine.
The cover image is of rock band Nirvana, all the members are sitting down together, with one member’s hand on the other’s shoulder insinuating that they like each other and that they get along. It is in black and white giving off a rockier vibe. The fact that the image is black and white also helps create the theme that it is going back in time and looking back, black and white photos are generally old photos. Their poses are quite moody making it look as if they don’t care which plays it more to the rock and roll vibe that Mojo do so well.
This cover of Echoes magazine features singer Cassandra Wilson.
The masthead is to the left of the cover, at the top. With their slogan on the skyline in white block capitals, in quite a small print compared to the bold yellow masthead. The masthead is overlapping the image meaning that the magazine is not very well established so the readers would need to see the whole word to know what magazine it was.
The cover image itself is a close up of the soul singer Cassandra Wilson. We can only see most of one side of her, suggesting that in her community and to her fans she does not need to be fully seen to be recognised.
From what we can see she seems to be wearing quite expensive looking clothes, meaning that she could be rich or has been dressed in expensive clothing for the photo shoot. From her face she does not look very happy, probably trying to come across as smouldering. The whole cover is dominated by her, so all the attention is focused on her alone.
From what we can see she seems to be wearing quite expensive looking clothes, meaning that she could be rich or has been dressed in expensive clothing for the photo shoot. From her face she does not look very happy, probably trying to come across as smouldering. The whole cover is dominated by her, so all the attention is focused on her alone.
Around the cover there is numerous cover lines, all of which in bright colours, contrasting with the darkish background, and standing out, maybe against the cover image. The model credit is in the biggest font, making Cassandra Wilson the main focus of the whole cover.
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