front cover analysis

After deciding to produce a music magazine for my media studies coursework, my first thoughts were to decide on how I was going to construct a product that would be distinct from all its competitors. So to begin my research I started looking at a variety of music magazines and their front covers and focussing on the different techniques used and analyzing what effect this has. In doing this I was then able to really look at certain ideas and conventions of the front covers that I could possibly improve and use for my own, in order to produce an equally as professional looking magazine but also making it stand out.

I began by looking at "Q" which stands for 'cue the music'. They describe themselves as being 'the UK's biggest music magazine' which includes music news, reviews and 'world exclusives with the most important bands on the planet.' This front cover is actually the winner of The Maggies: 2009 best cover winner. I like the simplicity in the design. It has little text, but what text is included is bold and instantly readable within a couple of seconds summing up what the magazine includes. This is a clever way of selling a magazine to the reader, especially for a new magazine needing to capture the attention of potential new subscribers. It is essential then that my magazine should likewise stand out and be clear as to what sort of magazine it is to attract the reader and for them to feel it is worth buying and having a read of. Additionally, I like the way that "Q" have used the top right third of the cover for their cover lines, instead of the standard, more usual, left third underneath the title. This is a subtle but also quite clever way of presenting their magazine. It's different from other magazines and you notice that as soon as you analyse it. A final point that I would like to raise about this cover is of course the main

image. Its simple background harmonises with the simple layout but the figures themselves are bold and eye catching. They have used a well known artist, Lilly Allen with some quite dangerous and wild big cats which is in itself quite risky but exciting for the reader to look at. It portrays a somewhat rebellious and quite "wild child" vibe whilst suggesting a quite sexual and attractiveness one. Also, the framing and composition of the picture is spectacular.

Here is the September 2009 issue of "Q". This striking image is yet again the main focus of the front cover. By using digital technology "Q" have manipulated the image to make it look like Keith Flint is stood there making the earth crack beneath him. This highlights their symbolic grooves and their unique style. It also makes the magazine itself look more exciting. The whole layout of the cover is eye catching and stands out. The photograph and the way the logo presented behind Keith and Maxim really gives the magazine more depth and creates further interest.

The second magazine that I decided to research was NME. It doesn't necessarily focus on rock music but features a majority of genres of music from R&B artists like N-Dubz to more punk rock artists like My Chemical Romance. It's more up to date on music than what can be found in the current charts, and also features events that are happening at this present time, such as the Brit Awards 2010.

This front cover although somewhat similar to Q in it's layout has some distinguishing features that set it apart from it's competitors.

Cover lines and mast head are placed around and behind the featured front man but the text has been placed between the focal point and the background hence creating a depth of field.

The featured cover man is set slightly outside what would appear to be the natural boundaries of the cover; his feet and the top of his head are out of the background enhancing the already established depth of field. The combination of the typeface, use of colour and positioning of the cover man is designed to instantly catch the eye of the reader. The colour scheme of the three magazines discussed thus far have similarities; the covers feature in mainly black and white contrasted with the striking red text and cover lines. Based on the above i believe that to stand out on the news stands one would have to have something that looked less the same and more edgy.

A good example of an alternative colour scheme and composition is Clash.

No red highlights, picture is put at an alternative angle and the logo of the magazine is done in an alternative typeface very similar to a graffiti tag. The picture has far more extensive use of the soft grey scale as opposed to hard black and white. The combination of the colour scheme and photo composition gives a 'surfer' feel as opposed to a more gothic, dark feel, which I believe would appeal to a wider market segment. A similarity between all the covers reviewed so far is the way that the pictures are set beyond the natural margins of the magazines.

An interesting feature of clash covers is how they use the artists branding and typeface to sell the magazine. Just under the mast head in bold is more information telling the reader which other bands are featured.

kerrangs cover is crowded in comparison to the previous covers reviewed. the cover includes more pictures and larger texts. This gives the impression to the reader that the magazine as a whole is packed with information and features. However this also leaves the impression that it has not been carefully edited. One of the most striking and effective features of Kerrang is their mast head.

I really like the mast head, it's a strong brand image, instantly recognisable and... you know its Kerrang.

I will have to decide carefully the design of my text and make sure that it fits in well with the style and name of my magazine. The free poster special is also a good way in selling the magazine especially when free is bold and clear, it makes the reader feel that they are getting something out of buying that magazine, so i will keep this in mind when deciding what features i will put on my front cover.

Although i am not a reader of Mojo i thought that it would be a good idea to analyse the magazine because of its success, it must be doing something right. Even though it focus' on old school bands the cover is very well put together. it normally uses old pictures taken from back in the day of very well known rock bands and uses retro colour schemes and texts, because of this the whole magazine then has a 70's 80's rock feel to it, which attracts its target market. I think that this is an important technique that should be used when creating a magazine and thats making sure that it is styled to attract the specific readership of the magazine. For example a girls pop magazine wouldn't have an olive green and orange colour scheme like this mojo magazine here.

After analysing these magazines i now have a better idea on how i am going to layout the front cover, what colour schemes to use, what images to use, what style of text for my mast head and also what to include in my cover lines in order for my magazine to look professional and also attract readers. This has now enabled me to take all the great features of these popular and successful magazines and inspire me for my magazine.