1. Skyline: banner across the top of the page at a slight
Masthead: The cracked effect of the title reflects the Target audience: the target audience for this particular
angle. Informs the reader they could be given a chance to
genre of rock music which is stereotypically seen as magazine is mainly teenagers/young adults who listen to rock
‘win! Loads of paramour swag!’ The line is in capital
loud and rebellious. The unique design makes the title music and enjoy reading about their favourite artists.
letters and the word ‘win’ is in bold to emphasis the
memorable and iconic for the audience. The bold,
excitement of winning this prize. By positioning this at
white lettering stands out against the purple
the top, it is eye catching to the reader and they are able
background. Although the heads of the men in the
to notice. The banner is in a contrasting colour of navy
cover image are covering parts of the title, the reader
compared to the purple background to make it stand out
is still able to identify the magazine’s title because of
its layout and memorable title.
Main image: the band ‘Mastodon’ are this issues main
Puff: common convention of a front cover usually cover image as the magazine looks at their ‘2012
stands out. The puff on this front cover is looks domination’. Their clothing reflects the rock genre and
like a splattered paint effect that contrasts against the target audience reading the magazine will want to
the main image, covering the top of one of the dress like the bands they listen to. The photo looks like
men. The designer has chosen to do this as it fits a group shot that could have been taken by anyone and
with the genre of rock/pop which the magazine we can tell this from their casual face expressions that
belongs to. ‘Breaking News!’ makes the feature look like they are not taking the photo shoot too
exciting and eye catching. seriously. The men’s’ heads covering parts of the
masthead imply that they carry authority and status as
Side banner: positioned in the left third part of the they are the main story of the magazine
cover. The images are placed in a black background
that have been cut and edited in Photoshop to make Main cover line/banner: positioned in the centre of the
it all merge together. The images have been made to main cover image, at a slight angle similar to the skyline.
look like polaroids to give the cover a professional Being positioned here suggests it may be more important
look. The names of each artist have been included than the actual photo itself. The line ‘HEAVY! HARD!
beneath each photo to make it easy for the reader to HERE!’ uses alliteration to make it catchy and the bold
identify them. The magazine informs the reader that lettering makes it stand out from the cover. The cover line
they can get the top ’10 pop-punk posters’ by consists of the colours red, yellow, and black which all
purchasing the magazine and is advertising the represent the genre of rock music being loud and ‘heavy’,
opportunity to create your own ‘super group’. relating to the artist’s ‘domination’ mentioned in the line.
Colour scheme: the busy layout of the front cover Puff: a cover line has been designed to look like a puff
uses many different colours so it is difficult to say it that distinguishes itself from other cover lines. A band’s
has a certain colour scheme but the dominant image and their name have been used in this puff,
Barcode: the barcode has been in the bottom right corner. The
colours used are black, red, purple and yellow which including a quote that has been said by a member of the
barcode, price and date are all merged together in the box where
are all associated with rock, heavy music. Using band which makes the cover line interesting and attracts
readers can easily find them all at the same place. The barcode has
these colours enables the magazine to target their readers to the story. It is of a red colour which contrasts
been placed inside the puff to distract the attention away from it.
audience who are teenagers who like rock music. to the purple background and therefore stands out.

2. Target audience: the magazine does not seem to attract any particular target
audience but appeals to many audiences such older, mature adults to young
adults because of the vast majority of artists and bands they feature.
Masthead: the title is located at the top left-third
of the cover. The title and logo have been
included in the masthead and the use of the Main Image: The model is facing towards to
distinct red and contrasting white colour make the camera from side on. Her pose relates to the cover
title iconic and memorable for the reader. The line ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it...’ as we see her
design of the masthead makes it the first thing touching her lips with her fingers in a sexual way
you notice and effectively advertises their brand. that attracts the male audience, known as the
The letter ‘Q’ is of a serif style, carrying the male gaze concept proposed by Laura Mulvey.
connotation that this magazine is of a formal tone Women will also look at this image and aspire to
be like Adele, as a woman who conveys confidence
Selling line: although some parts of it have and sexuality without showing of her body. The
been hidden, readers remember the catchy image portrays a glamorous feel as she is wearing
USP ‘discover great music’ because of its makeup and her hair has been styled and looks as
positioning. if the wind is blowing in it, which relates to the
cover line ‘blows us away’.
Pug: looks like it has been stuck on the
magazine after it has been designed. The pug Main cover line: The model’s name is in large
is of a gold colour, signifying the importance of capital letters, with spacing between each letter.
the magazine being the ‘300th Issue’. The pug The cover line is in a white, sans serif font which
also acts as the magazine’s USP as it is contrasts and stands out from the image. The
advertising the fact that it is there 300th issue. magazine has also used a quote mentioned by
Adele as part of its cover line which will attract
readers to find out what the artist actually means
Cover lines: gives the readers an insight into by this. ‘BLOWS US AWAY’ is in a red colour similar
what to expect from this issue, in this case, to masthead and contracts with the white text
the issue features interviews with ‘Q Icons’. above it.
The names of the artists’ to be featured in
the magazine in their interview are in a larger
size font to highlight the authority and Colour Scheme: The main colours used in this cover are
Barcode: the barcode has been positioned beneath the cover red, black and white. The colours used create a
importance of these icons. The text is of a red
lines in the bottom left corner. The barcode, price and date simplistic look for the cover, which makes the main
and black text to match the colour scheme of
are all merged together in the box where readers can easily image of central focus. The use of white gives the
the cover.
find them all at the same place. The barcode hasn’t been magazine cover a clean and professional image.
hidden or disguised in such way.

3. Masthead: the title is positioned at the top of the magazine covering most of the left hand side Selling line/USP: relates to the genre of the magazine and makes it clear
section. The font is of a serif style which makes it look formal and the letters are in bold capitals which to the reader what the magazine is based on. The use of alliteration makes
make it eye-catching and memorable for the reader as it is the first it catchy and the use of capital letters makes the line bold and eye
thing they notice about a magazine. The colour goes with catching to the reader as it is placed above to masthead in the sky line.
the overall colour scheme of white, blue and light red,
whilst contrasting with the sky blue background at the
same time. The title reflects the stylish, modern and Plug: positioned on the top right corner of the
simple look which attracts their target audience of young page, relating to the side banner. It acts as a form
female adults who are interested in the latest fashion. of advertising as it is encouraging readers to look at
news. their ’25 classic buys’ which they may look at in
Website: positioned around the ‘L’ letter of the
retailers and not feel guilty about shopping at the
masthead in the same colour. By placing the website
same time. The emphasis on the plug makes it
beneath the title, readers will be more likely to notice it
stand out and noticeable to the readers who are
as opposed to it being positioned at the bottom right
essentially reading this magazine because of its
corner and more likely to go on the website.
fashion aspect
Main cover line: The main story relates to the image as
the name of the model is placed beside her image very
Side Banner: the side banner contains various fashion
clearly and the use of big bold font emphasises the
items with their prices which are being advertised by
importance this story has and is therefore classed as the
the magazine. The side banner relates to the above
‘main’ cover line. Positioned under the masthead, on the
cover line of ‘25 Classic Buys’ which is in a white serif
left hand side without distracting attention from the
font that stands out from the black background and is
image or covering it up.
eye catching to the reader. The images are placed in a
Main Image: Reality star Kim Kardashian is this week’s white background that have been cut and edited in
cover line and the image used has direct address as she Photoshop to make it all merge together. The banner
is looking directly at the camera which draws the readers has been positioned on the right hand side of the
in and makes us engaged into the story. The model has cover so that it doesn’t cover the face of the model of
been placed in the left hand side area, with her face the main image.
positioned in the centre of the page as she is the main
cover story. The image doesn’t appear to be one that a Barcode: unattractive feature of the cover and is
photographer of the magazine has shot, but more of a positioned towards the centre of the page which is
natural pose of which she is smiling at the camera. The unusual for a fashion magazine as it is usually hidden
main focal emphasis is on her facial expression as we or disguised cleverly at the bottom corner of the page.
found out her ‘secret’ which the magazine claims to Banner: images of a model wearing several outfits and advertising them which It isn’t very noticeable at first as it does blend in with
reveal. The ‘male gaze’ concept can be applied to this is essentially the purpose of the magazine to advertise fashion clothing and the model’s white clothing. The barcode has been
photo as women will look at this photo and want to be give the latest news on trends and current styles. The emphasis on the word rotated vertically and also contains the price in a
like the model, whilst men will want to look at her. The ‘will’ makes the idea of wearing wedding outfits more encouraging to the contrasting colour of light red.
model is also wearing a dress that exposes her cleavage reader. The box stands out from the page as it is in a contrasting colour of
and this feature is emphasised by the magazine. turquoise compared to the background.

4. Strap line: above the masthead which draws the reader’s attention to the “free downloads!” they are
Masthead: The title is of a black colour in a sans serif font that covers the top
entitled to if they purchase the magazine. This would increase the sales of the magazine as readers
of the magazine. It isn’t fully visible to the audience as the main image is
will be excited about these ‘free’ downloads they can receive. This is an example of synergy within
covering sections of it. The magazine might have chosen to do this because
the music industry as the magazine are giving away this free downloads to increase their sale while
they believe the masthead is so familiar to readers, they will instantly recognise
the artist and record labels have agreed to give out this free downloads to promote their singles.
the magazine even if parts of the title is covered.
Main cover line: The name of the artist who is this issue’s Main Image: The main image is positioned in the centre
main cover image is printed in large capital letters beside and everything else is revolving around the image as she is
the photo. The cover line of the feature is positioned in the the central focus of this issue. This issue features famous
left third of the page. This draws attention to the story and American pop star Katy Perry, who fans are able to
gives the audience the idea that particular story is about the recognise. The model is wearing multi-colour shorts and a
figure on the front page. bikini top with a bow on her head. The photo is a medium
long shot as we can see the model from about knees level.
The font used throughout the cover is a sans serif which She has her back/bottom to the camera and is looking
makes it look modern, young and informal, reflecting the from behind her shoulder. This attracts men because she
magazines simplistic and clean look that they archive to. has been dressed and positioned in a way to appeal to
them and they will want to look at the artist, this concept
Layout: overall layout of the magazine is a clear and simple being known as the male gaze. Women will also look at
one as it doesn’t contain many features, similar to the Q this photo and aspire to be like her because of her sex
magazine cover. It looks like it has had a lot of work has been appeal and her body confidence, although her facial
put into it to make perfect and simple, without it looking expressions indicate her shyness and innocence. The
cheap. Everything looks organised and positioned to the lighting is really bright and the background is white.
correct place. There are also lots of white spaces which make
the magazine look clean cut and not busy. It also makes sure Cover lines: All other stories in the magazine have been
the attention is on the cover image. positioned around the cover image, which is typical of
most music magazines. The font sizes vary for each
Colour scheme: The main colours used are white, pink and cover line and particular words such as the featured
black. The use of white gives the magazine cover a clean and artist or band are in a pink colour to make them stand
professional image. The use of 3 main colours is a typical out as they more important than other words.
feature in most music magazines. All the features included within the front page are about
various music genres such as pop, hip-hop and rock. This
suggests that the magazine aims in targeting a wide
Target audience: the target audience of this magazine is mainly
range audience with their distinct magazine that is
teenagers and young adults who enjoy a variety of music genres as
different from most other music magazines that focus
the magazine features many different artists such as Katy Perry, T- Date: the date of the issue has been placed within the cover
on one particular genre.
Pain and Metallica, who aren’t typically in the same genre. This which is a typical convention of any magazine. However the
particular issue of Blender appeals more to the male audience issue number and the website which are usual conventions of There isn’t a barcode in this issue which is unusual as it is a
because of the main cover image used and the other artists featured a magazine have not been included. This may be due to the conventional feature and is usually included within a front
who are all men, although first looking at it, it would appear to be designer not wanting to include too much detail that will cover. It may have not been included by the designer as
more female influenced because of the girly colour scheme. overcrowd the page or because it isn’t relevant to Blender. they thought it wasn’t essential and an ugly feature to add.