3. Layout
Not as symmetrical as you may expect, with text predominately taking up
more of the left side of the cover than the right. However, the title is
usually central so it’s the centre of attention.
The model/celebrity takes up the majority of the space, leaving small
spaces for the text to be placed around them. Some text is placed in boxes
of bright colours, suggesting that it’s a more important article that may
interest the most people.
Usually a caption to go with the model if it’s a celebrity, as they would
include an article based around this celebrity.
Standfirsts may also be included to give readers an idea of what to expect
in the article, in the hope that this will entice them to buy the magazine
and read the full article.
4. Typography
Most fashion magazine covers will use sans serif fonts, as it targets a more
mature audience that would see a serif font as a bit childish.
The magazines title will always be the largest piece of copy on the page, in
the hope to promote it’s brand, but potentially also to use it’s recognized
brand to try and introduce new customers to their product.
Straplines use specific text in order to stand out and promote the articles
in the magazine, so that you can instantly know whether or not the article
will interest you.
5. Language
The kind of register used can vary depending on the specific magazine and
the contents of it. A magazine using more formal register usually consists
of more serious articles, whereas an informal register would be used when
the contents of the magazine are more fun and enjoyable to read.
Again, most will use a direct mode of address, in the hope that they can
make potential customers relate to what they see and find it interesting or
entertaining, hopefully leading to them purchasing another magazine from
the brand.
Language such as puns and slang is used to entertain the readers and also
to relate to an audience that uses slang, for example 18-25 year olds.
6. Image
The image is usually a close up or mid shot, so you can instantly see the
person on the front cover, as celebrities that are well known could help
introduce new customers who are interested in them specifically.
Models usually wearing formal, expensive looking clothing to promote
their lavished lifestyles and create a kind of jealousy in the readers.
Some editing and photo-shopping will be used in order to make the
models look as attractive as possible.
Shallow depths of field are normally used to keep interest on the model.
7. Colour
The kind of colours used will depend on the magazine. For example, if a
magazine is targeting a female demographic, colours will be brighter ones
such as pink and purple, as these are stereotypical female colours so that
you can instantly tell whether or not the magazine will interest you,
whereas those targeting a male demographic will have darker colours as
they are stereotypically more masculine, which is what the majority of
males would like to appear like.
The intensity of the colours will be strong so that they can stand out more
and be easily noticed.
