This document analyzes the front covers, contents pages, and spreads of various music magazines. It discusses elements like color schemes, images, text layout and their intended meanings and messages. For example, the pink and blue color scheme of one magazine suggests it targets both male and female readers. Another magazine stands out by having a singular bold letter "Q" for its title. Overall, the document examines visual design choices across different magazines and what they aim to communicate about the publication and content.

1. Analysing front covers, contents pages
and double page spreads
Charlotte Kelly

2. The masthead is behind the main
image which shows that this
music magazine is so well known
that it does not need the whole
headline to be on show for it to
be recognized.
Pink and blue pastel colour scheme
highlights that this particular
magazine is unisex. Pink
stereotypically being seen as a
feminine colour and blue a male
colour.
Clothes she is wearing are
quite plain, also she has
natural hair and make-up,
highlighting the fact she’s not
trying as hard to portray
herself as something she isn't.
Also stereotypically female
music artists objectify
themselves for attention, she
does not portray this.
Subtle bling and leather to show a
small side to her edgy and tough
side. She is not completely plain
yet not massively over the top.
Bling also could represent wealth
and a lavish lifestyle.
It says ‘Likes to watch’ and the fact
she is holding a camera shows a
different side to Janet Jackson,
maybe a more arty side trying to
capture a different side to herself.
Also it says first ever photo issue,
the camera highlights this. ‘Limited
edition cover’, could be saying that
Janet Jackson is limited edition as
unlike other generic female artists.

3. Using red, white and black as the
scheme shows quite a flash and
wealthy theme. Red, white and
black makes you think of casinos/
the club scene and therefore wealth
and the more lavish lifestyle. Also
red represents desire adding to the
fact Trey Songz, who is the main
image, is topless and therefore
desirable. The black background
makes the text really bold. There is
a good amount of both red and
white, neither colour is to
overpowering.
The facial expression he’s pulling,
the fact he’s topless and wet all
alludes to a provocative tone. Also
the facial expression and stance
could be seen as quite threatening.
His tattoo’s highlight his rock
star/fierce attitude.
The taglines ‘living the dream’ and
‘NO DICE Gambling in the NBA’ also
links to this wealthy and gambling
lifestyle. This highlights that the rapper
lifestyle is quite lavish and threatening.
Only what normal people could dream
of.
‘The hardest in R&B’ also linking
to this threatening lifestyle of a
rapper. The whole front cover is
quite intimidating. Red could also
be seen as the colour for anger.

4. The pink and girly colour scheme
highlights that it is aimed at
woman and that Billboard is a
more feminine magazine. Also the
fact Katy Perry is covered in
flowers, pink flowers shows this.
Flowers often are related with
hippie music, or something quite
alternative.
The headline ‘Billboard’ is not fully
visible which shows that it is a well
known Magazine as they don’t
need to show the whole headline to
make it recognisable.
‘Katy Perry’ ‘Inside the Court of
the new Queen of Pop’ This shows
that Katy Perry is quite a regal and
therefore sophisticated character.
Stereotypically female artists can
come across as quite provocative
but Katy Perry is full covered and
looks innocent covered in flowers.
Her Make-up is simple and elegant
and not overpowering again
highlighting this regal stance.
Flowers also can link to
coronations and celebrations,
therefore celebrating the ‘queen.’
The black bold text against the
pink background stands out and is
very clear. It’s also quite simple
and therefore portrays that this
magazine is simple yet elegant.
There are only hints of other
colours, for example the orange
and white titles however these are
still feminine colours.

5. The black, white and red colour
scheme really stands out and portrays
this idea of danger. The colour red can
also represent this idea of blood and is
quite threatening. This links to Cheryl
Cole’s pose, her facial expression is
very hostile and aggressive and she’s
licking her ring which is a spike
showing she is not afraid. Also the
setting and style of the background; the
rain, dark lighting and make-up
highlight this menacing atmosphere.
The title ‘Q’ is very
significant and bold. It’s
different to the previous
magazines as the title is in
front of the main image or
background. ‘Q’ is a very
momentous title as it leaves
the audience thinking of what
it could stand for and
therefore highlighting this
menacing atmosphere. ‘Q’
stands out from the crowd as
not many magazines have a
singular letter title. Also it
says ‘the UK’s biggest music
magazine’ showing that its
very well known.
‘3 Words… Cheryl Cole ROCKS’
This is significant because it links
to the main image. Cheryl is
portraying herself as a threatening
character which links to Rock
which is loud and aggressive. Also
‘3 words’ is quite ironic as Cheryl
previously brought out a single
called 3 words.
‘The Crooked Vultures’ and
‘Vampire Weekend’ as taglines
really fit into the theme of this
magazine. The black, white and
red could also be linked with
horror and blood and therefore
vultures and vampires are really
significant.

6. The ‘Q’ is very significant and
bold. It’s different to the previous
magazines as the title is in front of
the main image or background. ‘Q’
is a very momentous title as it
leaves the audience thinking of
what it could stand for and
therefore highlighting this
menacing atmosphere. ‘Q’ stands
out from the crowd as not many
magazines have a singular letter
title. Also it says ‘the UK’s biggest
music magazine’ showing that its
very well known. By repeating the
title of the magazine in the
contents highlights it’s importance.
‘Issue 279’- Q magazine is obviously a
very popular and well known magazine
as it has been running for so long. The
longer it’s running it shows that people
obviously still want to buy it.
The colour scheme is consistent, in nearly
all Q magazine cover’s Red, White and
Black are used. They can also been seen as
quite formal and elegant colours, as
together as a scheme the colour scheme
gives a wealthy feel. Red, white and black
make you think of a casino and therefore a
wealthier lifestyle. Also the font and layout
of this contents is very professional.
There are multiple images which are all
very eye catching and elaborate. The layout
of this contents page is quite clear and not
over the top, the page numbers and their
stories are clearly seen on the left hand side
and main stories have images to make them
more eye-catching.
The names of the artists ‘Muse’
‘The Beatles' ‘Rock nutters’ all
allude to the fact this magazine
focuses on the classics and rock.
The font of the magazine also links
to this, it’s quite old fashioned yet
classic. Also the clothing of what
the people in the images are
wearing is quite retro, and
therefore highlights the unique feel
to this magazine,

7. The word contents makes it clear what
page the reader is on. By merging 232
Contents and Nov05, the page gets this
sort of industrial look which is supported
by the sepia background of the page and
quite plain colour scheme. Q magazine
always uses this colour scheme of black,
red and white showing it is quite
consistent.
The picture of James Blunt takes up nearly
the whole page, however on the left part of
the picture has been cut off by the text. This
flat edge is very professional and doesn’t look
very well thought out. However this could
have been done to purpose to highlight the
importance of the text over the picture. The
image shows James Blunt very plain looking
straight at the reader which gives a more
personal feel to the magazine.
Graphics of using the red arrow at the
bottom makes it more clear to turn to
page. It may seem pointless but works
as an enticement to keep the audience
reading.
The logo and name of the music
magazine has been put in the corner of
the contents page which is more subtle
than the cover yet has still been kept
there so the reader is aware of what
they’re looking at.
The article of James Blunt is placed
second even though he is the main
image. This again highlights that it
isn’t particularly well thought out as
this is quite odd giving him such a
large image and then putting him
second. However the main image on
the cover could be the leading story,
‘Every Month’ features, helps break the
magazine up. Shows consistency in the
magazine. The black banners for
‘features’ and ‘every month’ highlight
their importance.

8. ‘ROCK SOUND’ there is no
mention of the contents, Rock
sound is the most significant
writing in their approach and
highlights the idea of the
magazine. ‘No.141’, if it’s issue
141 it shows it’s a popular
magazine and therefore a well
thought out and professional.
The black, white and blue colour
scheme is quite ‘electro’ and punkie
which also adds to this idea of Rock
sound. Also the man in the main
image has black hair, glasses and
tattoo’s which stereotypically gives off a
very rock and punk image. His
expression is quite eye catching and
intriguing and makes you wonder why
he is pulling it.
The Margin and text is over the
main image which shows that
the text is most important. It
looks very professional as the
image is not cut off and
therefore doesn’t leave any sharp
lines, The text and colour
scheme is consistent which again
highlights the professional
theme.
The artists on the left hand side ‘Papa
Roach’ ‘Slip Knot’ etc. again allude to
this ‘Rock sound’ which shows that the
title is in fact relevant to the content of
the magazine., Also the fact they’re
numbered makes the magazine more
clear and easier accessible,

9. The word “contents” is laid out uniquely
with an eye catching effect, it could also
be laid out like this to not take the focus
of the main image. The magazine’s
iconic style is established through out the
magazine. What also adds to this abstract
style is the way the V behind is
positioned.
The clothes Kanye are wearing are high fashion
reflecting the established take to the magazine, it
also highlights the message that music magazines
don’t just focus on music. It also includes things
like fashion, celebs, culture etc. This is shown by
the separate title of fashion in the bottom right,
The layout is clear and easy to read/ navigate. The
text is clear and concise and the information given
is just a taste of what’s actually in the magazine.
The titles highlight the conciseness of the
magazine.
The background is plain to keep
the main focus on Kanye, by
using a famous artist people will
recognise him and therefore be
more attracted to the magazine.
Although its half hidden the
background still shows the logo
of the magazine and therefore
represents it.
The colour scheme of greyscale
is used with the only real colour
being the red of the heart.
Keeping the rest grey and
focusing the colour on the heart
adds a uniqueness to the
contents. The heart is being
placed by a mysterious hand
from behind Kanye’s back. The
eyes are instantly drawn to this
point. The connotation could be
love, and by being ripped out
therefore there could be issues
with his love life.

10. The large ‘L’ covering the text again highlights Lady Gaga’s importance, it’s exciting and bold just like Lady Gaga herself.
When flicking through the magazine something so bold would make you stop and read and therefore it’s an effective eye
catching technique. It’s the only bit of colour on the page and therefore you are drawn to it.
This double page spread uses a whole page just for Lady Gaga which highlights her importance. The image is unique and
has a sort of ‘industrial feel’ with the sepia/black and white tone, and the chains hanging from her neck. This also adds to
the colour scheme of the spread, red black and white frequently used in ‘Q’ magazine, again quite industrial yet retro. Lady
gaga is known for being different and therefore the chains highpoint this. Her make up and hair is quite plain for Lady
Gaga and therefore doesn’t take emphasis of the text or the message.
The quite plain
scheme is consistent
throughout the whole
magazine, this tells us
that ‘Q’ magazine
doesn’t particularly
want to take the
effect of the text with
loads of bright bold
pictures or text. It’s
clear and concise
which will attract
readers.

11. The opening paragraph is larger than the rest of the text to
bring focus to the text. It sets the subject for the piece and
therefore brings them in to make them read on.
The ‘S’ pulls the
reader into the text.
It stands out
compared to the rest
of the text because its
so large. It’s the
starter of the first
sentence and
therefore makes the
reader want to read
on.
The opening paragraph is simply explaining how Lana Del Rey looked when the people
writing saw her. Saying she pictures ‘like a model’ and her epic facial expressions. She chose
the picture herself and decided to pick the one that highlights her flaws, she embraces them
and is proud of them. This is reflected in her songs.
The subtle red hint
suggest danger and
on the other side
blue which is more
of a calming and
peaceful colour.
This could suggest
the contrast in her
character, there are
two sides to her.
Both dangerous yet
beautiful.
Expression is quite emotional and desperate. She looks like she is stroking
her throat, representing the hurt. Her nails look like claws again
highlighting that her pain is sharp and powerful. It says in the beginning
she’s mourning someone which supports this pain.

12. Rappers 50 cent
and Soulja boy
are positioned in
quite threatening
positions. Soulja
boy, his arms out
wide, open to
fights. 50 cent
standing in the
background with
a very hostile
facial expression.
There clothing
highlights the rap
lifestyle, the long
chains and
snapbacks. By
putting them on
a plain
background it
highlights their
importance, it
also can say
they’re quite
arrogant and self
obsessed as the
focus is on them.
The opening paragraph is also quite threatening and highlights the stereotypical rapper attitude. ‘‘Ya’ll better leave him the
f**k alone before somebody get hurt’’, by 50 cent tweeting this it shows that he doesn’t care what people think and is loyal
to his fellow rappers. Also by using quite harsh language highlights this abrupt attitude and shows he doesn’t care.
The layout/
colour scheme
of this double
page spread is
quite industrial
and harsh. The
white is an off
white which
shows lack of
care, also by
using only
black and white
and no colour
creates quite a
cold and hostile
atmosphere.
Also it allows
the picture to
stand out even
more.

13. The blue, black and white colour scheme links to ‘Mars’ the metallic blue gives a sort of space atmosphere and the way he’s
positioned looks like he’s floating through space. It also links to the title ‘when mars attacks’ and reflects that Bruno Mars is a
completely new and out there type of artist.
The opening
paragraph summaries
Mars as ‘music’s
drama free
international pop
star.’ Unlike other
stereotypical artists
Mars is not arrogant
at all and doesn’t
actually realise how
good he is. ‘When
Mars Attacks’, this is
a catchy headline and
highlights that Bruno
Mars is coming with
a bang.
The picture is a unique and interesting picture due to what he’s wearing and his body positioning. The
glasses and hat are unique to him and therefore highlight his own image. Bruno Mars is more for the music
rather than the celebrity lifestyle. The fact he’s wearing a suit and looks quite smart shows he does care how
he represents himself yet he doesn’t want to come across arrogant.