ANALYSING MAGAZINE COVERS!AFREEN SHAHID

INSANITY

In order for me to create a front cover for a horror magazine, I decided to research different forms of front covers to help influence my flat plan design. It would also help me choose a specific colour scheme and by following typical conventions, it would help my magazine look more realistic for my target audience. There are a lot of benefits from analysing magazine covers as it will help me when I have to build a cover from scratch and I could use examples of features and conventions to help form my cover. I decided to look at two covers from the known major magazine franchise “Empire.” They are massively popula for their film reviews and magazines.

The front cover image is a medium shot with an angle of gaze. This is important to have on a magazine as it would make the audience feel more involved with the magazine.

On the side, most horror magazines feature news or new films that are upcoming. This would interest most film lovers as they would want to know what actor is featuring in the film.

The main image is also important for instanceit stands out as the image of “Hellboy” is red which connotes death and danger which is seen in most horror films. It also attracts the reader’s attention for example the angry expression denote a violent and intimidating character which is conventional in a horror film.

Another common feature is includingprizes or competitions in a film magazine. This makes the magazine look and feel moreexciting to read as the audience can feel moreengaged.

The main image is always bigto often remind the audience of the main feature. There is alsoanother angle of gazeWhich is an important Feature to have on a film magazine. The main image is the most eye-catching feature of the front page and this draws the attention of the reader.

There are alsomany features thatsymbolize it is a horror-genre style magazine. The colour scheme of “Empire” is usually conventional horror colours like red and black to connote the genre of horror. The colour black links to the concept of darkness and fear whilst red (which is often used in most horror magazines) links to death and gore.

The layout is similarto the magazine from beforeas the masthead is locatedon the top whilst pricing andthe barcode is at the bottom.An organized layout of themagazine creates a professionaland quality feel to the magazinewhich appeals to most readers.

COMMON CONVENTIONS

- Both magazines are very conventional for example both the layouts are familiar as the masthead is always on the top.

- Both magazines also feature a medium shot of the main character. I also learnt that featuring an angle of gaze would be more effective as the audience will feel more engaged with the image itself.

- I have also noticed that there is a consistence with fonts and variations in font sizes.

- Moreover a cover line for the main film being advertised is also important as it should link with the main image.

- Other features should include recent film releases and competitions that the audience can get involved in.