Deconstruction of magazine covers

Billboard Magazine

Target audienceThis magazine cover is aimed at an adult audience of younger women, around the ages 18-30. who like pop and R&B music. It is also aimed at women who have an interest in in pop and R&B music.

ColoursThe colours used are pick, black and white. The black backdrop provides a muted background for the bright white and pink, which stand out against it. The pink colour links back to the target audience, as it is a colour associated with femininity, and also with the cover artist, whose name is P!nk. The cover lines are highlighting ‘Women in music’ so the pink colour helps to show that the issue is about women.

TextOn this magazine there are only two sell lines. The main sell line is about the cover artist who is described as ‘woman of the year’. The only cover line is ‘Women in music’ and both are kept small so that the main focus is on the image.

ImageThe image is a medium close-up and stands out against the dark backdrop. As this is a music magazine it is assumed you will have musical knowledge of the cover artist as she is well known so the image of her is relied on to sell the magazine to you. She is smiling in the photograph, presenting the idea that if you read the magazine you will also be happy.

Essential informationThe essential information is very small at the top of the page so that is doesn’t distract from the main image. There doesn’t appear to be a price on this front cover, which suggests that they are aiming for a target audience who have disposable income and do not buy based on price. The masthead is in the top left hand corner, where your eyes are naturally drawn, so that you know which magazine this is.

FontsThe masthead is in lowercase letters and in bold, which helps it to stand out as well as its colour. All the fonts used are very simple, however in cover lines words are in capitals to show their importance and grab attention. The words in the background are in italics and create a pattern, which catches the readers eye.

Q Magazine

Target audienceThis magazine cover is aimed at an adult audience of around 20 onwards, who like indie/rock music. I is aimed at an older audience because the musicians referred to are from previous decades, so younger people may not know them. It is gender neutral, so that it appeals to people based on their music preference, not their sex.

Essential informationThe date, issue number and price are displayed in the barcode. They are very small, as not to distract from the main image. This magazine will also be expensive so the price has been displayed discreetly try to prevent people changing their minds about purchasing it due to the cost.

TextThe masthead is in the top left hand corner of the page. The single ‘Q’ means it doesn’t reach far across, but it has been placed where your eyes are naturally drawn. The main sell line is large and displayed across the main image, making it obvious it is relating to this musician. A quote from the article has been used as a subhead to try to draw the reader in and buy it to find out more. The cover lines have been arranged around the main image which improves the overall appearance without distracting from the main feature. It is also trying to show it is better than the competition saying it is the ‘UK’s first’. Fonts

All the fonts used are very similar, which creates a professional look. They are simple and plain, making them easy to read. Almost all of the text is in capital letters, which makes it look as if the information is important. Sizes differentiate, but it is clear that the largest sell line is the main thing to catch peoples eye.

ColoursThe colours used are red, white, black, yellow and gold. The red and white match the magazines logo and are synonymous with Q. The black stands out against the white background so it is easy to read the text. Gold and yellow have only been used once, which suggests that they want you to pay attention to those features as they are special.

ImageThe image is a close-up and shows who the main article is about. This musician is in a rock band, which matches the genre of the magazine, so it is thought that readers will see it and buy the magazine as they want to read the interview with him.

NME Magazine

Target audienceThis magazine cover is aimed at an adult audience, as the image shows the cover artist smoking and expletive is used in the subhead of the main sell line, indicating it is unsuitable for children. It appears to be aiming at 20-30 year olds, as the musicians mentioned are mainly current artists, although mainly it is trying to attract people with an indie pop/rock music taste. The cover is aiming for both men and women.

Essential informationThe date, issue number and price are displayed in the barcode and at the top of the page. They are very small, as the magazine wants the reader to concentrate on the sell lines. They are trying to distract from the price, as it is expensive and may deter people from purchasing.

TextThe masthead is in the top left hand corner of the page. It is very large so the name is obvious, and in the area where you eyes are naturally drawn. The main sell line is a single word, ‘MIA’, and relates to the image. The subhead is a quote from the interview inside, to make the reader want to read on. The cover lines are advertising the other artists featured in their magazine, in the hope of peaking fan interest.

ColoursThe colours used are red, white and black. The red matches the magazines logo and stands out, making words look urgent and important. Black is only used once, but helps to break up the bright red. White is used for the cover lines, and matches some of the musicians costume, and stands out against the background.

FontsThe font is plain and simple, so that the words are clear. Different fonts have been used, however the same font has been used for all cover lines, and likewise subheads. This gives a neater appearance. The cover lines are bold, making them stand out more. All words on the page are in capital letters, which creates the idea that everything is important.

ImageThe image is a medium close-up and links to the main sell line. She is smoking, which links in with the target audience – it wouldn’t be suitable for children. Her appearance is casual, as the magazine wants the focus to be on her music, not her image.