The document analyzes the visual elements and symbolism presented on the cover of a XXL magazine issue. It discusses how the positioning and sizing of elements like the artist photos, names, and magazine title are used to emphasize the importance of the artists. Jewelry worn by the artists, like large gold chains, represents their success and wealth. Clothing styles also convey meanings, such as 50 Cent's streetwear emphasizing his origins. Color choices and repetition of colors throughout the cover are meant to make it attractive and highlight key elements.

2. Positioning
The artists are positioned over the XXL
magazine title. This represents that the
artist are important as they stand out
and are the main part of the magazine
whereas everything else is behind or on
the side. Also, the fact that the XXL title is
behind could suggest that the magazine
is already a well known magazine and the
audience could probably determine that
the magazine is XXL just by seeing a
section of the title. The text (artist’s
names) on the side of the magazine is
written in large, bold font which
perceives that the artist are very
important and are big names in the
music industry.
Jewellery
Both the artists in the key image are wearing a
lot of jewellery. The jewellery is large, gold and
silver. It symbolises the fact that they made it
and are now successful as they are able to
spend money on jewellery. Furthermore, the
chains wore by the artist have pendants which
purposely advertise their company or record
label for the readers to see.
Clothing
The artist on the left, 50 Cent, is covering his
face and only his eyes are visible. This is done
to suggest that he is a criminal (gangster). He is
wearing a white plain vest with jeans which is a
casual type of street wear. It connotes that the
artist is from the streets and takes pride in it.
The artist on the right is shirtless to show off
his tattoos. He is also showing off his Gucci belt
with the shiny buckle to match the jewellery, it
represents wealth.

3. Wording
There is alliteration used in the primary
story; Young, fly and flashy. The alliteration
of the F makes the phrase interesting and
exposes the artist in a catchy way. The
term “flashy” can be seen by the smile of
the artist. He is purposely smiling to show
off his gold teeth which watch the gold
chain. The chain is hardly visible but can be
seen behind the word “Flashy”.
Colours
The use of colour makes the magazine
cover more attractive and more organised.
The title is written in red which matches
the artist’s name “A$AP ROCKY”. The
matching red colours are the main features
on the magazine covers that are
important. They stand out from the other
artist names on the right (written in black)
to catch the reader’s eye.
Positioning
The photo of the artist is a close up shot
which only exposes his face, This is done
purposely so the artist can reveal the
writing on his hat which states the name
of his record label. The artist is
overlapping the magazine title which
interprets that he is important and
stands out. Additionally, the magazine
title is covered which could mean that
the magazine is already well known and
the title does not have to be revealed;
the viewers will already know that the
magazine is XXL without looking at the
whole title name. The artist’s name and
primary story is written in front of the
artist which includes a bias description to
make the artist seem interesting and
attractive.

4. Colour
There is a continuous colour scheme of red
and white/silver throughout the magazine
colour. The title “XXL” is usually written in
red and white, it is now clustered in
diamonds. This portrays that the artist are
so rich and successful that even the title of
the magazine changed with his presence.
The clothing and jewellery worn by the
artist stays in a silver and red colour
scheme. This is because the continuous
colour scheme throughout the cover
makes it attractive and stand out.
Furthermore, the artist to the right has a
less visible red bandana in his hand which
conveys gang culture and pride in his gang.
The high amount of silver makes the
magazine cover look “iced out” and filled
with “bling”. It gives a rich and successful
feeling to the magazine.
Jewellery
Both the artists in the key image are
wearing large amounts of jewellery. The
main piece of jewellery which is clearly
visible are the chains, as the watches and
the rings are barely visible. The chains are
used as a piece of advertising wear as
there are different meaning which
advertise the record labels and the artist
himself. Also, the colours used in the
jewellery contribute to the colour scheme
of the front cover as a whole. The
jewellery represents fame and success.
The fact that they are clearly standing in a
place which seems to be a poor area but
are wearing expensive jewellery shows the
journey from the streets to being
successful and wealthy.

5. Colour
The use of colour is significant on this
certain magazine cover. The heading under
the title states “THE MAN WITH THE
GOLDEN TOUCH”. This is written under the
title which the artist has his hand on. This
is done purposely to show that the artist
has a talent as the title of the magazine is
usually red and the audience know this as
it is a well known magazine; he is making
the title of the magazine gold.
Furthermore, this could suggest that this
issue of the magazine will be “gold”
standard. It attracts the customer into
purchasing it and reading it to find out
more. Additionally, the artist’s name is
written in gold too, with the chains he is
wearing which contain hints of gold. This
colour scheme is attractive and makes the
magazine less messy the audience know
what the main intention was.
Clothing
The artist in the key image is wearing a
formal tuxedo, sunglasses and expensive
jewellery. This clothing isn’t normally worn
as suits do not tend to be worn with
chains. However this is done to show that
the artist is a street artist (rapper) which is
presented by the use of chains and large
ring. The sunglasses connote that he is
fashionable and “fly”. The fact that he is
wearing a formal suit suggests that he is
now a successful man, yet he still takes
pride in being from the streets. The
clothing represent his success, wealth and
pride.