Analysis of a cover page from a magazine

1. Masthead
The masthead is another name for a title of a magazine in this case the
“Kerrang” which has been placed in the middle of the cover page; this is
to let the reader know that this is what the magazine is called. The
colours that have been used on this cover page are feminine colours blue
and pink, which makes a difference as the standard theme of colours that
are used tend to be black and white which are very masculine colours.
The reason to why they have used these colours for this issue is because
of the main story that is inside and how the magazine will be based
around the story of the band Paramore. Apart from this they still use the
same effect for the masthead, which is to convey a smashed effect.
Cover Image
The cover image that has been used for this issue of Kerrang shows
what is going to feature in the issue. The main image that is on the
cover shows the rock group Paramore holding up a sign with quotes
on that I can assume they have said during an interview with
Kerrang. By using this image for the front page it will get fans of the
band to buy the magazine and read the article but also to try and
persuade new people to read the article and buy the magazine. Also
on the cover page there are smaller images that have been used to
give extra information about what other articles are going to be
featuerd in this issue of magazine.
Cover Line
The cover line is a large piece of text that goes with the
cover image and is used to give the reader a brief overview
of what the magazine will include.. There is no specific
cover line that has been used on this magazine however I
would class the writing that is on the board that the band
are holding as the cover line as it is giving a brief overview
of what the article is going to include. As the positioning of
the cover line is in eye line it will be very easy for this
magazine to attract a buyer.
Skyline
The skyline is extra bits of information about the magazine itself or
about the top story. The skyline is normal placed above the masthead
of the magazine; the skyline for this magazine lets the reader know
that within this magazine there will be a massive MCR tribute to the
band inside. However, as well has having a skyline at the top of the
magazine this magazine also includes one at the bottom which still
offers information to the reader.
Features
The features of a magazine are used to give extra information to the
reader about what else is going to be included in the magazine. On
this issue of Kerrang magazine the issue includes a Bring Me the
Horizon poster pull- out, frontman of Black Veil Brides Andy Biersack
solving people’s problems and Corey Taylor gives an exclusive
interview. By adding these features it will inform the reader that the
magazine is not all going to be about just what they see on the cover
page and there will be more content inside the magazine.
Puff
A puff can be used on a magazine as a promotional tool. There are
two individual puffs that have been used on this cover page, one has
been used to promote the Kerrang awards to persuade readers to
purchase tickets for the event which is held every year by this
magazine The second one has been used at the bottom of the page
which lets the reader know that this magazine feature a special pull-out
cover.
Dateline
The date of the magazine is very important
to reader as they will want to know if the
news/events are recent. The date of the
magazine is placed above the barcode and
next to the price of the magazine.
Barcode
The barcode for this
magazine is placed at the
bottom of the cover page.
Layout
The cover page for this magazine has been sent out in the
conventional way which will please the reader as it has all the features
that are required for a cover page. The target audience for this
magazine is aimed at teenagers and music fans due to the modern
style of the cover. For this specific issue the target audience could also
be aimed more toward females as the colours that have been used
could suggest this.