Front Cover & Contents Page Analysis

By Leon Berry

SKYLINE:Following magazine conventions, this magazine uses its skyline inorder to alert the audience to other featured content

MASTHEAD: With this issue, the masthead is covered partially by the main image; this expressesthe magazine's confidence in the captivating effect of the image, as well as acknowledging the factthat it is still recognisable to consumers.

MAIN IMAGE: Using a blue to purple gradient, the main image evokes a sense of iridescence which expresses the outgoing ideology of the indie sub-culture. It's vibrancy reflects the main cover line by exhibiting the idea of it being the best; this is also supported by the woman's body language.

MAIN COVER LINE:Using the buzzword “Best”, consumers are lead to accept the magazine's opinion of GRIMES being the best act of 2012. One issue that I have with this example is due to the white of the 'GRIMES' text classingwith the white portion of the background's gradient; this could be interpreted as the magazine expressing confidence that thebands name would be easily distinguishable to their target audience.

COVER LINES: These cover lines serve to inform the reader of featured artists in the issue.The use of white text allows it to stand out from the blue hues of the background.

MASTHEAD: Large and bold, thewhite text holds a clear dominance overthe rest of the image.

MAIN IMAGE: Using a mixture of grey-scaleand sepia tones, this image is a collage of portrait shots of the band membersfacing alternative directions. This presents the bands members unified in an encompassing composition, suggesting

MAIN COVER LINE: The largeFOALS text combines with the mainimage to inform the audience that theyare the main issue of the magazine. Thewhite text provides a visual contrast tothe darker tones of the main image,making it easier to catch the audiences'attention.

TEASERS: by placing these names ofartists' names below the main cover line,consumers are effectively teased withmore similar acts to that of Foals,providing more reason for them to beinterested in the product.

MASTHEAD: presenting the magazines'full title as IMR allows the consumer tohave a more user-friendly manner to statethe magazine. The gradient from white togrey expresses the magazine covering avariety of sub-genres within the indiespectrum. The choice of gradient alsoprojects a more serious tone, and reflectsthe main images' colour range.

MAIN COVER LINE: Its bright red colourwith its dropped shadow allows the maincover line to stand out from the mainimage. The choice of colour also express-es maturity and severity, which helpsto convey to potential consumers themagazine's general tone.

PULL QUOTE: With this pull quote, consumers experience a direct address which calls out to a very specific audience. Use of the buzzword 'mystery' amplifies this.

GRAPHIC FEATURES:These album covers serveas visual plugs; by provid-ing audiences with enticingart work, accompanied bytext informing them ofpotential reviews.

MAIN COVER IMAGE:By presenting a mid shotinside a music studio, themagazine places the con-sumer close to the artistsas they are in close proxim-ity to the music-makingprocess. The overall greyfilter applied to the imageexpresses a sense ofseriousness, suggestingthat this magazine is moreaimed towards adults andthose knowledgeable inMusic.

MASTHEAD: With a font exhibiting a technological feel,its title 'MAGNET' is a play on words; referring to it's attractive force, the magazine suggests that this product is something that will connect with consumers. It's purple tone gives a more vibrant feel that that of IMR, and provides inter- textuality with the purple plants of the main image.

MAIN IMAGE:Using shallow focus,the gradiented back-ground from green topurple combines withthe all black clothingof the band membersto give a melanchollytone to the front cover.The composition of theimage places eachband member equistid-antly, suggestingsexual equalityamongst them, andrepresenting the genreas a whole.

SKYLINE: The purpose of this skyline is to inform the reader of other featured artists. Use of white text allows it to contrast the masthead and the main image colours in

order to stand out.

PLUG: Using the band’s logo as a plug, fans of the artists can easily associate themselves with the product, while stating to consumers what genre of music they can expect to be covered.

TEASERS: used solely to inform readers of other featured acts in order to give them more reason to purchase the product