The document analyzes the front covers (FCs) of alternative music magazines. It finds that most magazines use large, eye-catching images as the main visual element. Text is kept to a minimum but key elements like the masthead, cover lines, and artist plugs are used to attract readers. Overall, the analysis shows that alternative magazines stand out by having unique, distinctive designs that emphasize striking imagery over heavy text. This guides the conclusion that an effective front cover should have a one-of-a-kind image and limited explanatory text.

1. Analyse of the FC’s
Alternative Music Magazine
Secondary Research

2. Masthead Teasers
The masthead is covered by the
main image, this suggests that the This acts as a teaser because it
magazine is quite well-known so makes their audience want to find
consumers know what the out why this is happened and may
magazine is even though the consume the magazine to find out.
masthead isn't fully visible. Doing (Attract audience).
this brings more attention to the
main image which may be used as a
cover line to entice their target
audience.
Cover Line Plugs
The cover line is in a larger font
compared to the rest of the text on
These attract their target
the FC. This attracts their target
audience as it lists all the artists
audiences eyes suggesting that this
that will be featuring in the
is the biggest article in the
magazine. At least one of these
magazine and also the most
will attract their target audience
interesting.
because they are based on the
genre of the magazine and the
interests of their consumers.
Main Image
The main image covers the Callout
masthead. This connotes that this
is the biggest article in the
magazine and acts as an Although this is in a very tiny font, this may act as something to
anchorage to that article. catch the eye of the consumer and will attract them to read the
article that it is quoted from.

3. Masthead
The masthead is bold, clear and Skyline
large attracting the consumer. It is a
The fact that it is a special issue
very well known magazine and is
attracts the audience as they
unique as it has shortened the title
want to know why it is a special
in the first consonants of the name.
issue.
Puff
This entices the audience and
makes the want to buy the
magazine as this is an exclusive
Callout
interview so they wont find the This entices the consumer as
information form anywhere else. they want to find out why she
has said that and what makes her
different from the rest of the pop
Main Image stars.
The main image is usually in the
centre, but this magazine has gone
for a unique look and has placed
the artists face on the side below
the masthead. This will catch Cover Line
consumer eyes as it will stand out
from the rest of the conventional This is in a much larger font that
magazines on the shelf. the other plugs, therefore this
must be their main article within
Plugs the content of the magazine and
The lists of the other artists names they must think that this will
will attract consumers as they may catch the consumers and attract
be interested in finding out what them the most.
they content/ article will be about.

4. Masthead
This is bold as it is in a red Puff
rectangle, therefore, it stands out
from the rest of the text on the FC. The free sign attracts the
audience as every one likes a
freebie and they will feel as if
they are getting something back
from buying the magazine.
Main Image
This is clearly the main focus on the Cover Line
FC as no text covers her face. This
I assume that this is the cover
may act as an anchorage to the
line because it stands out he
main article. Her name below is
most. It is the largest and
also in a bright colour and larger
boldest font.
font from the rest of the plugs.
Plugs
Plugs
The list of artists names
These are in bold fonts with attracts the consumers
interesting colours attracting their because they may be
audiences eyes. They are also in interested/a fan of that artist
boxes which gives the magazine a and therefore want to read
unique look. about them.

5. Masthead Main Image
The masthead is partially covered The main image is very
by the main image which unique. Your eyes are
suggests that the image is more instantly drawn to his
important than the masthead. face as there isn't much
This also connotes that this is a text on the FC. This gives
well know magazine. the magazine a very
unique and edgy look,
even though there isn't
many plugs on the FC,
you still want to read the
magazine as it looks
interesting.
Plugs Cover Line
The plugs aren't very noticeable, The cover line is very
however they still attract simple, however, the main
consumers because they may be image acts as a anchorage.
interested in the topics/people It is in a larger font than the
mentioned and will therefore buy plugs and is also in a
the magazine. different colour.

6. Skyline The word ‘massive’ would attract many consumers as they
feel as if they must buy the magazine to get a ticket. From
the FC it sounds like freebies are involved and it also sounds
Masthead exclusive.
The masthead is very eye
catching as it has a unique font.
Main Image
The main image doesn't stand
out that much because the FC is
Cover Line quite busy. However, it is an
anchorage with the main article
This is in a much larger font and therefore may attract people
compared to the plugs and is to buy it as they may see the
almost going across the centre of image before they read the text.
the magazine FC.
Plugs
Their plugs are mainly anchored
with images which gives the
consumer more information.
Anchorage
These attract consumers as they
may be interested in finding out
information about the
bands/artists in the picture and
the additional information below
may also attract them.

7. Evaluation
From the font cover analysis I have learnt
that most alternative genre magazines focus
on the main image and have very little text
on their front covers. The FC’s are usually
very colourful, eye catching and unique.
From this I have learnt that I prefer
magazines with a unique image and a small
amount of text as this is different and will
help my magazine stand out from the rest on
the shelf.