The document analyzes cover pages and content pages from Rolling Stone and Vibe magazines. For Rolling Stone, the analysis notes the use of red in the masthead and black and white imagery to draw attention. It also discusses the simplicity of covers featuring artists like Lana Del Rey. For Vibe, it discusses the bold red masthead and image of Eminem on the cover using direct address. The content pages for both magazines list headlines in bold colors without editor's letters. Double page spreads feature close-up images of artists like Adele and Bruno Mars with accompanying articles.

1. Rolling Stones and VIBE
Magazine Analysis
Lauren Clarke

2. Rolling Stones Cover Page
Masthead
Main Coverline
Puff
Coverlines
Anchorage
Main Image

3. RollingStone Cover Page
RollingStone used a red italic masthead which stands out from the cover as it is kept black and white, the
masthead is kept behind the main image of singer Lana Del Rey but as it is bright and bold it is still clear to the
audience. It has used a 3D effect to draw attention to is as the creates the look of more depth to the cover.
The main image is of singer Lana Del Ray dressed in a swimsuit; the preferred reading is that’s he facial
expression keep her look classy and hand gestures show her innocence, the black and white shows the
simplicity of not only the cover but also Lana. The oppositional reading may be that she is dressed and position
in a specific was to attract the audience, she is wear a costume that is some what revealing, this would
objectify her applying to the male gaze theory that she is there to attract men. The image is kept in front of
the masthead as it superimposed, this suggests that the magazine is so popular is known by the style of the
cover.
The main coverline is iconic sign as it is just Lana Del Ray, they used anchorage beneath and its states she is a
‘modern day icon’ which may influence the audience into associating with her and her music.
The house style is kept the same throughout every magazine by having a medium close-up to keep the
professional, the colour of the masthead isn’t always the same though they use the same bold font and always
keep it in the same place to keep the magazine consistent. This specific cover uses the colour red which is
associated with power and energy, the colour red is often used in rock music magazines.
There is more anchorage in the corner of the magazine listing of artist featured in the magazine. the preferred
reading my be what other artists which the audience my find interesting. the oppositional reading may be that
you have to like these artist to find an interest within the magazine, however the coverlines also mention artist
which may be considered that their more important than the others.

4. Rolling Stones Cover Page
Headlines
Images
Anchorage
Sections

5. RollingStone Content Page
The title of the contents page is clearly placed at the top of the page, informing the audience the
purpose of the page. ‘Contents’ is writing in bold with a red background colour strip with keeps
the title clear but also the colour scheme consistent. The colour scheme had been kept the same
as the cover page, consisting of black, white and red.
The page doesn't’t have main of secondary images but a few images of the same size, the
preferred reading may be that each story associated the image is equally important or
interesting. The images also have the number of the page which the stories are featured on, this
will make it extra easier for the audience to find the page they want. The preferred reading of the
chosen image show that the magazine want a wider target audience rather than just looking for
people interested in music as one of the photos is of President Barak Obama, who is a political
figure which shows they’re trying to have element of lifestyle throughout the magazine. The
preferred reading my be that the want the magazine to feel more personal and more connected
with the audience. The magazine doesn’t have and editors letter with goes against the codes and
conventions of a contents page as they normally have them, this would intentionally make the
magazine simpler, however the oppositional reading my be that the contents page is
unprofessional for lacking a contents page.

6. Rolling Stones Double Page Spread
Strapline
Main Image
Headline
Block Quote
Columns/Article

7. Rolling Stone Double Page Spread
The double page spread is revolved around one artist, Singer/Songwriter Adele, the spread
consist of one main image and an article dedicated to them. This suggest that at this time Adele is
the main focus in the music industry. The main image of Adele is a close up taking up the whole
double page spread covering the complete left side, this draws the attention to her making her
the main focus, the artist has a soft look with her hair and make up give a simple look to the
image, the page is also in black and white showing the simplicity of the page and also
complimenting the artist. She isn't using directed address give the page a softer look and would
be less aggressive or empowering than her creating direct address with the audience. This may
represent her as more approachable than intimidating, which would make the audience be able
to feel like they can relate to her music, however her facial expressions show to be blank which
make her seem also mysterious.
The house style is kept in black and white shades which makes it look simple however there is a
lot of bold text which stands out. The house style has stayed the same throughout the cover,
contents and double page spread by using black and white, this makes the magazine identifiable
and more attractive towards the reader. The preferred reading show that consistency throughout
the magazines however the oppositional may be that the magazine just looks plain and dull.

8. Vibe Cover Page
Skyline
Masthead
Main Coverline
Coverlines
Anchorage
Puff
Main Image

9. Vibe Cover Page
VIBE’s masthead used bold ombré red writing which creates depth and stands on the cover. Red
can often shows danger which may reflect and relate to the image of Eminem who may be a
danger to other rappers because of his musical talent.
The main image is a mid-shot of Rapper Eminem, who is using direct address, which makes the
audience feel more targeted therefore drawing their attention towards the magazine. The
preferred reading of his arms crossed may be that he fells powerful and serious, however the
oppositional reading maybe that he is aggressive and is using his arms as a defensive shield. He
also has a plain facial expression, as he is not smiling, which suggest that he feels quite serious
toward something. In addition the outfit choice is quite revealing and he is not wearing much and
is showing his tattoos. This is further revealed by the main coverline that states ‘Eminem comes
clean’; this not only shows that he is the main cover story but also shows who he is opening up in
the magazine.
The house style of the cover has used red and black which symbolizes power, energy and
mystery, although red is usually associated with rock magazines, it also fit with the power and
energy used in Rap and R&B. some of the coverline have been selected in red, similar to the
RollingStone cover, this makes the font stand out to the audience by drawing their attention.
The coverlines consist of the artist featured. The artists’ names are bolder than the details so that
the page isn’t overloaded and only with simple information, the preferred reading my be that the
artists listed are there as secondary stories in the magazine, the oppositional reading may be that
you have to like these artists to like to content of the magazine.

10. Vibe Content Page
Headlines
Main Image
Sections
Credits

11. Vibe Content Page
On the left of the page the contents of the magazine is listed under the title ‘featured’. The main
headlines are highlighted orange to stand out, this draw the attention of the reader toward
theses specific headlines making them think that these stories are as important as the main
coverlines.
The main image is of Rapper Eminem, who is dressed formally in a suit, he again shows quiet
serious facial expressions using direct address. The preferred reading may be again that he wants
to feel powerful and serious, however the oppositional reading of the same facial expression
show that he is a consistent people which may lead to the audience believing that he can be
uninteresting or tiresome. The fact of the change of clothes but the same facial expressions
compliment the previous oppositional reading but also compliment the coverline of ‘Eminem
coming clean’ which has suggested to be a serious matter and by wearing a suit show how
important the story may be. The whole page is cover by Eminem using the image as a
background.
The magazine, along like RollingStone, doesn't’t have an editors letter. However this contents
page list the credits along the bottom, there is a small print of text stating who the photography
was by. The preferred reading of this suggest that the magazine has a large team behind the
creation and they professionally credited the people all the work gone into it, the oppositional
reading maybe that the just want to get the name across to the reader so they’re well known,
however the audience may believe that the aren't credited enough as the writing is only small.

12. Vibe Double Page Spread
Strapline
Main Image
Headline
Block Quote
Columns

13. Vibe Double Page Spread
The page is divided by the two pages used by having the main image on one page and the article
on another. The main image is of upcoming artist Bruno Mars, he is classed as a versatile artist as
his music has a variety of styles including R&B, Pop, Reggae, Soul and Hip-hop. Considering Vibe
magazine generally bases around R&B and Hip-hop, using an artist with such a wide variety of
musical genres would attract a larger targeted audience. The preferred reading may allow to
audience to consider expanding there preference of types of music they like. However the
oppositional reading may be that the disagree with the chosen artist featured and not think he is
suitable for the style of music which interests them.
He's wearing a black suit, sunglasses and a hat. The suit suggest that he is wealth and well
presented which suggest that he has already made it in the industry, the sunglasses show that
he's hiding his eyes which may lead the audience to believe that he has something to hide. This
oppositional reading may consider that if he has something to hide why is he featured in an
article.
Headline
The Headline say ‘When Mars Attacks’ which suggests he is going to ‘attack’ the music industry,
the preferred reading allows the audience to believe he is the next big thing. However the
oppositional reading may be that he is going to attack the other artist in the industry, this can be
seen as he is featured in a magazine based around R&B and Hip-hop which is his natural music
genre.