Analysis of magazine front covers

FRONT COVER ANALYSIS (NME September 2009)The Masthead, NME, stands

for ‘New Musical Express’. NME sounds like ‘enemy’ so

it suggests that the magazine is rebelling

against pop music.

The header reveals a special feature to the audience. It is above the target audience may be encouraged to buy the magazine by the fact that there is new content in this issue.

The cover lines give the audience an insight into other artists included in the magazine. Because they are in line with the masthead, the audience are more likely to notice the names of the bands.

The main image is at a canted angle to show that the artist is lively. The arm coming out of the image adds movement to the image. His clothes matches the colour scheme and relate to the genre of music.

The main cover line is at 2 different angles with a drop shadow to create the idea of movement and liveliness of the artist and his music.

Barcode, issue date and price are required on the cover because the magazine has to be purchased by the target audience.

The footer gives an insight into more features

in the magazine so that the contents are more

appealing.

The use of “man!” in the pull quote shows the target audience that the artist is informal, young

and happy.

The Background of the image is graffiti which relates to the genre of

Dizzee Rascal’s music. Graffiti fits in with the genre

because Hip-Hop/Rap is associated with the streets,

cities and rebellion.

The flash reveals an exciting feature included in the magazine to the target

audience

FRONT COVER ANALYSIS (NME November 2012)

“Q” masthead clear and recognisable in top third of

the cover

The main cover line and pull quote are positioned in the top third so that they can be seen on a magazine rack in stores. This is because the cover star’s face is centred so the main cover line cannot cover it. The name of the cover star is the largest word as it is the most important word to attract the target audience as they are more likely to pick up an amgazine with a well known artists on rather than a “woman on the edge” that you don’t know the name of.

Barcode, issue date and price are required on the

cover because the magazine has to be

purchased by the target audience.

The cover star’s face is in the centre of the cover. There are no other images so her face is the most important part of the image. Her hair surrounds her and is used as a background to suggest that not only is she a musician, she is a also interested in fashion, which could appeal to a wider audience.

The cover lines vary in size according to their

importance in the magazine. The word “GIG” is the

largest as it emphasises that there is a special section

about live music.

FRONT COVER ANALYSIS (Mojo July 2002)

The cover uses a black and white image with bright red white and blue to contrast

against it so that the iconic artist on the front can be

recognised. The magazine has used David Bowie’s

iconic lightning bolt make-up against a dark

background so that the target audience can

recognise the cover star on a shop shelf

Barcode, issue date and price are required on the cover because the magazine has to be purchased by the target audience.

The cover star’s face is large and dominates the cover. Against a black background, his face is clear and recognisable.

Pull quote invites reader to read the article by leaving

the quote open.

The main cover line remains within the colour scheme but portrays David Bowie’s fame by resembling the Hollywood

sign

Sell lines are above the masthead in a small font because this issue is putting a lot of emphasis on the cover star.

Key Features Required for a Music Magazine Front Cover• Strong main image that dominates the cover.• A large, clear masthead at the top of the page.• Cover lines advertising other contents in the magazine.• Barcode, issue date and price.• A main cover line to accompany the main image. This can also

include a pull quote.• A colour scheme related to the genre and target audience.