2. Title-
The title of the magazine is just a simple letter, portraying how
well established the magazine is, as it is recognisable and well-
known. This gives the magazine a sophisticated tone which
suggests that the demographic of the magazine is mixed gender,
middle aged, and at the higher end of the middle class
spectrum. The title used to be ‘Que’ which shows how the
magazine has grown and become well-known enough to create
a new brand identity and shorten it’s title, while still being
recognisable.
Masthead-
The typography is sophisticated and legible, showing the
simplicity of the brand, while appealing to it’s middle aged,
middle classed demographic. The red background connotes that
it is informative, allowing the reader to denote the sophisticated
style and informative context of the magazine. The contrast
between the text and it’s background makes it stand out and
clear to the reader.
Front Cover Analysis
3. Front Cover Analysis continued
Feature article photo-
The feature article photo is a low angle shot, making the cover star ‘Florence’ seem intimidating and superior, she is
also making eye contact with the camera which makes her seem patronising, but she is holding her hand out block
the readers view of her, this connotes that she is pretentious and reserved, however, it could also be seen as her
reaching out, trying to connect with the audience. The image chosen is a mid shot which allows the reader to
recognise the artist and get a general sense of the vibe of the article/magazine. Her face is the main focus of the
picture as it is the most brightly lit, whereas the rest of the picture is low-key lit as it shadowy and has harsh
contrasts, this creates a dark and mysterious tone and makes it feel quite eerie. Her makeup is quite simplistic which
creates the vibe that the cover star is somewhat carefree and laid back. All the colours she is wearing fairly neutral,
placing emphasis on her face and hair. From the cover I denoted that she is holding a microphone which reveals that
she is a singer and makes it clear what the article is about, also she is wearing silver rings which connote luxury to
suggest that she is privileged and cares slightly about how she is portrayed.
Cover lines-
The main part of the cover line is very large and written in red to draw attention to it and make it stand out. It says
the artists name to make it clear to the reader who the cover star is and what her name is. The typography of the
cover line is sophisticated and interesting, suggesting that the typical ‘Q’ reader is classy and well-educated.
Additionally, the interview is described as “triumphant” making it seem impressive and authentic, enticing the reader.
The majority of the cover line is written in bold text to highlight it’s importance and to help draw attention to it. The
typography is also in a smart looking, legible font, making it easy to read, enhancing the magazines sophistication,
portraying that the readers would probably have a very refined, mature taste.
4. Puff-
The puff on ‘Q’ magazine is placed above the title, meaning it captures attention and stand out. It is in a bold, legible
typography to make it very easy to read and to highlight its importance. Also it uses the superlative “greatest” to
boost the magazines status and to help in its advertisement, this suggests that the magazine’s target audience is a
high-middle classed person, who has a disposable income to spend on luxury items.
Plugs-
The plugs are conventionally flushed down the side of the front cover, they are written mostly in neutral shades of
white and grey, this makes them easy to read as they contrast with background, but they do not take away attention
from the feature article photo. The typography is all capitalised to make it seem important and informative,
suggesting that the readers are intellectual and interested in the lifestyle side of music. There are occasional pops of
yellow which create a warming effect, as well as stimulating mental activity. The bright yellow colour uses is also
associated with attention and warnings, making the reader alert and fully invested in the magazine.
Strap of plugs-
There is a strap of plugs at the bottom of the page which contains a list which reveals artists inside the magazine,
helping to advertise the contents and allow the customer to familiarise themselves with the genre and artists who
are featured.
Language-
The language used on the front cover is quite simplistic revealing the laid-back tone of the contents. It also uses lists
to give as much information as possible, and to entice the reader by advertising as many artists as possible.
Front Cover Analysis continued
5. Contents Page Analysis There isn't much negative space
on the contents page which
shows the reader how busy and
informative it is.
The monochrome and red house
style is continued on the contents
page, this shows the reader how
serious and sophisticated the
magazine is. It also creates a
professional, well established
brand identity. The pictures are a lot more
prominent than the writing on
the page, this shows the reader
that it is a very laid back, easy to
read magazine, this suggests that
the demographic of this
magazine is people who enjoy
music as a hobby, rather than a
serious profession or lifestyle.
The language used is persuasive,
encouraging the reader to read
the articles. It is also short and
to the point, highlighting how
casual the magazine is,
suggesting that its readers are
laidback.
The page numbers are all very
clear and legible, as they are
written in a bold typography
and placed on a contrasting,
coloured background, making
them stand out and user
friendly.
The pictures selected are all
posed-candid or candid giving
the magazine an authentic,
uncut vibe. This also makes the
magazine feel relaxed and
reiterates its laidback tone.
6. Contents Page AnalysisThe typography of the title is
bold to make it stand out and to
highlight its importance, which
entices the reader. It is in a white
font and placed on a black
background; this contrast of
colours makes it legible and user
friendly. Additionally, its
positioning on the top left hand
corner of the page means that it
immediately captures the readers
attention as that is when they
would naturally begin to read.
The font of the artists names
corresponds with the font of the
title, therefore creating a
professional, neat tone that
establishes a sophisticated
brand identity. It is also written
in bold and capitalised to make
it seem important and to create
interest.
The logo of the magazine is used
on the contents page to
familiarise the reader with the
brand and to create a consistent
colour scheme, improving the
brands identity.
The date of the magazines issue
is published at the top of the
page and along the bottom to
remind the reader how up to
date they are, additionally, it
helps to make the magazine
have a current, fresh tone when
it is first published.
The typography is all sans-serif
which makes it very easily
readable, while also marketing
a unisex demographic as serif
fonts can sometimes look
more feminine, whereas the
font use appeals to both
genders.
7. Summary
There is a very clear, well established house style throughout Q magazines front cover and
contents page, connoting that it is a serious, sophisticated brand. It is priced at £4.50 which
suggests that it is targeting a wider demographic than competitor magazines as it is more
affordable for people at the lower end of the middle class spectrum, who may not have as much
of a disposable income. However, it still appeals the the entirety of the middle class as it doesn’t
look cheap and has a luxurious finish. After analysing the magazine, I have understood that the
ideal Q magazine customer could be of either gender, in the middle class and probably between
the ages of 30 and 60, which makes it a very varied magazine.
