magazine front cover analysis

1. The masthead; ‘NME’ stands out on top of the page- it is
the biggest title on the page which clearly indicates that
it is the main title. The masthead is bold and red with
font that will appear striking to the audience.
The main image; is a wide
shot of Dizzie Rascal (clearly
matches the main cover line’.
The image is positioned
central of the magazine and
he is directly addressing the
audience. His clothes are
casual with a golden chain
around his neck, possibly
symbolising rebellion and a
‘gangster’. His facial
expressions indicate that he
is happy highlighting that the
theme of the magazine will
be happy. The background is
of graffiti which also suggests
rebellion.
Barcode, date/issue and
price; this is in small
proportion compared with
the rest of the magazine.
However, this does not
mean they are less
important. To even buy
the magazine, a barcode is
needed. However, they
are not the selling point of
the magazine and so do
not need to be standing
out on the magazine.
Rule of thirds; the main image is
dominant but the magazine seems
to be almost cluttered and does not
follow the conventions of the rule of
thirds but also suggests that the
magazine is full of content.
The header; Includes other
content that will appear in the
magazine. This will appeal to the
target audience as the tour is
associated with Dizzie Rascal.
Left third; generally, this is for
the cover lines and other
content. This is because, when
magazines are on the shelf, the
right side tends to be covered
up by other magazines and so
the target audience would not
be able to see the cover lines.
Main selling line; The word
‘Dizzie Rascal’ matches the
main image as this is who the
image is of. The quote
underneath the image also
matches the main image. The
font is big and white with a
drop shadow to make it
stand out. The words are
titled make the magazine
seem informal, targeting the
young audience.
The footer; this is at the bottom of page. The text
here tells you other names of rappers and music
artists that will appear in the magazine such as
‘Jay-Z’. This is so that if the target audience does
not find Dizzie Rascal so appealing then they may
find these other rappers more interesting.
Subsequently, making them want to pick up the
magazine.