The document analyzes the cover designs of four music magazines - Kerrang, NME, Mojo, and Q - and how they follow or break conventions to appeal to audiences. For Kerrang, the cracked text and bold colors appeal to rock fans. NME breaks rules to seem rebellious and cool. Mojo uses a green color scheme and laidback font to signal a relaxed tone. Q draws attention with odd images and dramatic headlines to intrigue potential buyers. Across magazines, placement of mastheads, images, and free gifts aim to attract readers through diverting from or following standard magazine formats.

1. George Pierce

2. FRONT COVER

3. The Kerrang mast head follows most of
the cods and conventions for magazines,
by putting it at the top of the page as well
as keeping the text width of the overall
page. It is also the largest font on the
cover so as to make more noticeable, the
cracking effect on the text tells the
reader that Kerrang is cool and has its
own style which is completely different to
other magazines; the cracking effect also
gives the magazine more of a “ROCK”
which helps appeal to its target audience.
The color scheme of this issues of the
magazine is predominately orange,
black and red; colour’s that would be
more appealing to a male audience
which is more than likely the target
audience this Kerrang issues was set
for.
The cover page follows the codes and
conventions of magazines, the main image is right
in the middle of the cover and therefore is the
most eye catching part of the magazine. It shows
two of the members of “LINKIN PARK” looking
straight forward and into the direction of the
reader; this creates a slightly subtle personal
attraction between the product and the consumer.
The barcode is placed at the bottom right hand
side of the magazine; close to the barcode some
brief information about that issues of the
magazine is given so the reader has a little insight
of what the issues is going to be about.

4. The NME magazine does not really
follow the traditional codes and
convections of magazines, the title
is off to the left and is not directly at
the top of the page like most other
magazines. This will give the
readers the impression that this
particular magazine is a rebel and
does not abide by the rules and is
therefore much cooler than any of it
competitors
The color scheme on this issues is mainly
red and white; the dominant colours being
red and white (as the background which is
also the main image). The colours used are
quite dominant and will more than likely
catch the eye of a passer by and make
them have a closer look.
The cover page does not strictly follow the common codes
and conventions and uses the main image (Florence) to take
up the entire front cover, indicating to the reader that this
particular issues of the magazine is going to be largely about
Florence and would also attract fans of her and her work, it
also says at the top next to the mast head “2 of 10 special
edition covers” which tells the reader that this is a very
special issue; which would mean more sales.
The cover lines that are used are all to do with Florence and
are moved off to the side so that her face remains dominant
throughout; also because she is looking straight at the
reader it will give them that more personal bond with it and
would entice them to go and read or buy it.

5. The masthead for the “MOJO” magazine fits
the basic codes and conventions for
magazines, it fits across the width of the
cover and is also has the largest font size;
which makes it very eye catching to a passer
by. The font that is used also gives the reader
that the magazine is quite laid back and quite
mellow and chilled.
The color scheme for this issues of the magazine is
quite clearly green, black and white, these colors seem
to lean towards a more male audience than female, also
giving the reader another hint at how laid back the
magazine is; the use of the color green also adds to this
as it is a more relaxing color and is saying that you will
be relaxed while reading the magazine.
The cover page also leans away from the common codes and conventions and instead
of using the natural color for the main image which is also the most eye catching, they
have used a black and white color correctness to it to make the image look more laid
back which seems to be a main point this particular issues of the magazine is trying to
create. Also because of how different the main image is compared to other music
magazines (color wise) makes it stand out and may be eve more appealing to the
audience as they may want to see what is so different with the magazine and because
of the color scheme may even be tempted to buy it. It is quite clear from the cover lines
which one is going to be the most dominant through out the magazine “KINGS OF
LEON” has the largest font size of all of the cover lines and would instantly attract the
reader to it, it is placed in the centre of the cover and in front of the image; this shows
the reader what this issues is mainly going to be talking about.
GIVE AWAY’S
In the top left hand
corner there is a flash
for a free CD giveaway,
this would help in the
sales as people may be
interested in what CD it
is and may even only
buy the magazine just
for the CD

6. The masthead for Q magazine does not follow the common coeds
and conventions, for a starters its names is short and simple and is
quite easy to remember, but also where the masthead is placed, it is
placed in the right hand corner and is not very dominant; the only part
that makes it noticeable is its red background.
The colors on this issue are quite basic and only mainly
consist of red and white, which once more are slightly more
appealing to a male audience than it is to a female one.
The cover page for this issue also aims more at the male audience, the
image used is quite odd and strange and will almost instantly grasp the eye
of anyone walking past it and may even bring them to pick up the magazine
and buy it. The image follows the common codes and conventions and sits in
the centre; where the audience is bound to look first. The dominant cover line
is going for the shock value to gain the audiences attention and also show
them what this issues is mainly going to be talking about. “DAVE GROHL
SAVES ROCL. AGAIN.” will grip the readers attention and may even make
them carry on reading and buy the magazine; simply because of how
dramatic the magazine is making the story sound.
The barcode here is not following the common cods and
conventions too closely and instead of being at it’s usual place
at the bottom of the cover, it has been placed above the main
cover line; this will show to the audience how big the main
story of the magazine is (that it has to move the barcode from
it usual place ) it could also hint to them how Q magazine likes
to be different and go against the common rules
The give away flash in the top right hand
corner shows the audience what else they
will get if they purchase the magazine.
“FREE UNHEARD FOOS ALBUM” this
would entice them in to buy it more
(especially if they are a fan of Foo
Fighters.