This document analyzes the cover design of a magazine targeted towards parents of school-aged children. It notes several design elements that indicate this, including an image of a uniformed student to represent the target audience, larger text for "parent" than the magazine title to indicate parents are the priority, and a faded background focusing on the student to convey the message that the child's education is the main priority. The analysis also comments on design choices that add to the professionalism and continuity of the magazine, such as a clear color scheme and well-placed masthead and text positioning.

1. Clearly demonstrates who the
magazine is targeted at which
makes it easier for the parents to
pick up the magazine knowing fully
that the information inside is for
them.
This mid-shot of a student
clearly explains that that the
information inside is about
students within this age.
The student in the image
is wearing the uniform
of a school which is the
primary target audience.
The reader will associate
the image of this child
with the success of the
school.
The “parent” is printed
larger than the name
of the magazine in the
masthead. This implies
to the audience that
they are the priority
and that the parents
opinion of the school
might matter more
than the schools
reputation.
The colour scheme of
white, pink and purple
should continue
throughout as a house
style which will create
a cohesive magazine.
The image of the
uniform fits this colour
scheme and this allows
for continuity which is
more aesthetically
pleasing for the reader. The use of a faded background to focus on the one
student implies that your child is their main priority
which makes the audience feel special.
This image is edited and layered so that the girls head is
contrasted against the background of the image and the
white of the page. This allows the image to be the most
prominent factor on the cover which implies the the
student’s education is first and foremost.

2. No clear colour scheme
which confuses the
reader because it looks
unprofessional and
unorganised. This
suggests that there will be
no house style. This could
mean that the articles
have no common link and
that the designer has put
no thought into the
magazines aesthetic side.
Keeping all the text to
one side allows more
focus on the image
and text separately.
The actual writing is
short and concise and
makes it obvious that
the magazine is aimed
at the students. The bottom four pieces of text appear to follow the
colour scheme of the tie in the image which allows
for continuity ,however, this theme is not continued
for the rest of the cover.
The masthead is clear and well
placed but ‘weekly’ implies
that this is how often the
magazine will be released
;however, underneath it says
’autumn edition’ implying that
it is released seasonally.
The image clearly
presents the theme
of the magazine as a
school theme. The
positioning of the
subject portrays the
purpose of the
articles within the
magazine to revolve
around hard work
and studying.

3. A clear formal masthead
implies that the audience
is older students at
college/university. This
means that all the stories
and pieces featured on
the front page must
follow the theme of this
target audience.
The use of the colour
theme turquoise and
white suggest that this is
the house style and will
continue throughout. This
allows the audience to
enjoy the aesthetics of
the magazine.
The change of colour to highlight ‘special insert’ implies that
this issue is unique to others because the contents of this insert
might be useful for the audience.
The fact that the image
covers the entirety of the
page implies that the
magazine is open and
fully disclosing all
information that they
have because the
position of the student is
inviting and friendly.
The linking of the
text ‘Global learning’
and the positioning
of the globe in the
bottom left of the
page allows for
continuity and
reassurance for the
audience as this acts
as a visual aid.

4. This magazine appears to
target all college go-ers rather
than those of a particular
college. The masthead
‘college’ provides evidence
because a specifically
targeted magazine would
provide the college’s name.
The colour theme hints at
a potential house theme.
Blue and orange are used
in an alternative fashion
attracting the readers
attention to certain bolder
headlines.
The endorsement of
a celebrity on the
cover provides
further evidence
towards the fact
that this magazine is
aimed at 16-18 year
olds.
The use of all
capitals on
major headlines
attracts the
audience to
these in
particular which
takes attention
from the minor
articles.