MastheadLocated in the top left corner, which is unlike most other mainstream magazines. This creates quite an informal style, possibly aimed at a younger demographic.Bright vibrant colour, with a bold, black and white border. This would be the first thing the reader would see, making it instantly recognisable. Also, this is the only text in the colour red, therefore further emphasising it.

Main imageA long shot image of the featured band has been used as the main image, to clearly show each member. Direct mode of address, has also been used by the member in the middle, which may engage younger readers, it also implies that he is the lead member. The image is quite fun looking and the photograph does not look staged or posed in any way, this effectively conveys an informal look, this would appeal to a younger/teenage demographic, as these are the type of people who would listen to this band.

Model creditThe model credit has been incorporated with the main cover line. This is likely because the band is quite well known and the magazine will want to emphasize this in order to attract fans of theirs and make it known that they are on the cover.

Cover linesThe cover lines included on this cover all relate to an artist or band for all different age demographics, therefore appealing to a wider audience. There is also a cover line at the top of the page, which mentions Glastonbury festival, and has been highlighted by a yellow background to contrast with the bold, black text. This specific cover line would definitely attract a lot of people as it is a very mainstream event, which lots of different people attend.

Main cover lineThe main cover line is located in the centre of the page and is a vibrant yellow colour, which instantly stands out to the reader, which again highlights the fact that this mainstream band are on the cover. Within the main cover line, the word ‘the’ has been coloured white, whereas ‘Wombats’ is an eye-catching yellow, which instantly creates a contrast. The font used is clear and bold, this again is quite eye-catching.

ColourThe main colour scheme is red, yellow, black and white and all of these colours contrast with each other effectively, which allows certain information to stand out to the reader. The fact that a wide variety of colours has been used create quite an informal look, as the colours are very bright and playful, this would attract a younger demographic.

TypefacesThe font used on the cover has been kept consistent throughout, which is very bold and clear to read, this creates quite a formal look, which would possibly appeal to an older demographic. However, within the main cover line, the word ‘the’ has been positioned on a slant, which establishes an informal look and links well to the photograph, which is also quite playful.

Photography LightingThe lighting within main image is quite dark and muted, which certain colours being highlighted on their clothes, which effectively contrasts with the text used. However, it is clear the faces of the band members have illuminated to look brighter; this is to make it clear to the target audience who is on the cover, therefore effectively attracting people interested in ‘The Wombats’.

Design Principles Used?

The Guttenberg design principle has been applied to this front cover as the magazines masthead is positioned in the primary optical area, meaning it the first thing the reader will see, which makes the magazine instantly recognisable. The rule of thirds has been applied to this cover image as there is something going on in every section of the image and there is no blank space, this makes the image exciting and eye catching.

House StyleThe majority of the text has been highlighted in a vibrant blue colour, contrasted with white text, this is because the main image is quite dark due to what the band members are wearing, therefore without it the text would be quite difficult to understand. This element has also been added to emphasise other bands that have been featured within the magazine, this would attract people who are interested in them therefore attracting a wider audience.

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